Redesigned 2022 Mercedes C-Class is the most accomplished C-class to date

The all-new W206-generation C-Class ranks near the top of the premium sedan segment thanks to its posh interior, lively powertrain, futuristic tech features, balanced ride & handling, and impressive performance. Taking its design and tech elements from the S-Class, the 2022 Mercedes C-Class primarily competes with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and two offerings from the Lexus – IS and ES.

Does the new 2022 C-Class really live up to the hype? Let’s find out:

Mercedes South Africa offers the new C-Class in two powertrains, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor with 150kW and 300Nm of torque and a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel generating 147 kW and 440Nm.

Both engines mate to a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and get assistance from a 48V electrical system and integrated starter-generator (ISG). The EQ Boost electric starter generator produces an additional 15kW to improve efficiency. The system recovers energy and uses it when you pull away or overtake, thus minimising the engine's load. 

Mercedes claims 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds and a fuel economy of 6.8 litres per 100km for turbo petrol. Although the turbodiesel's acceleration time remains the same, the fuel consumption rating of 4.6 L/100 km exceeds expectations.

While getting its styling cues from the flagship S-Class and featuring its own unique character lines, the C-Class goes longer, wider, and lower with a 25mm lengthened wheelbase to give passengers more leg room than before. It is 4.75m long and 1.82m wide with a wheelbase of 2.86m. Among the two trim levels – the Avantgarde and AMG Line – the latter gains improved kerb appeal due to its stunning grille and sporty-looking wheels.

As with other Mercedes-Benz cars, the interior is top-notch, covered in soft leather and soft-touch surfaces. The biggest highlight inside is the Tesla-like 11.9-inch touch screen that will require some time to get familiar with. Other regular amenities include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, biometric (fingerprint) memory settings, wireless charging, voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and so on.

The new C-Class employs the second generation of MBUX, letting you control various functions through voice. Just say, "hey, Mercedes Benz," and command the car to make your driving better and more comfortable. Mercedes offers over-the-air updates to improve the system.

There are various driver assistance and safety packages for superior protection of your C-Class. The standard driver assistance package includes:

• Rear-view camera
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection
• Forward automatic emergency braking
• Driver attention monitor
• Vehicle exit assist (warning exiting occupants when a vehicle comes from behind)
• Blind-spot monitoring

If that's not enough, you can go for the Driving Assistance Plus package for additional assistance and protection. Other packages include Mirror Package, Urban Guard Vehicle Protection, and Urban Guard Vehicle Protection Plus.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class starts R888,000 for the C200 Avantgarde, while the C220d AMG Line goes for R950,650 before options. Both models come with a 2-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and a 5-year/100,000 km maintenance plan. The rear-wheel steering, head-up display, MBUX Premium Navigation, and panoramic sunroof are available at an extra cost. (Prices correct at time of publication.)

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