Mercedes-Benz India introduced the facelifted version of the C-Class two years ago with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system for the C 200 variant that has now been replaced by a more powerful 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. This engine change has resulted in a small price increase, with the C 200 available in two variants - Prime and Progressive. For the Prime variant, priced at Rs 40.90 lakh, there is an increase of about Rs 80,000 from the previous model, while the Progressive variant retails at Rs 46.54 lakh.
While most manufacturers are downsizing their engine models to smaller capacity units, Mercedes-Benz is offering a larger capacity engine in its luxury sedan. The new 2-litre turbo-petrol engine produces 204bhp, as compared to the older engine that made 181bhp. Mercedes has not revealed the torque figures yet but it has claimed 0 to 100kmph in just 7.7 seconds and a top speed of 239kmph. The overall kerb weight is also up by 40kg due to the larger engine, mated to the brand's trademark nine-speed automatic gearbox.
Equipment-wise, the C 200 comes with most of the features that were on offer that include the 64-colour ambient lighting, Mercedes' Comand infotainment system with a 10.25-inch display, satellite navigation, LED headlamps, all coming standard on the Prime trim.
However, for the Progressive trim additional equipment like wireless phone charger, a digital, instrument cluster, active rear parking assist and a Midline sound-system have been added. Mercedes has now also included the embedded SIM-based Mercedes Me connected car system across the entire C-Class range. This system offers the whole host of location-based and remote vehicle monitoring functions that then can be controlled via an app.
Currently, the competition for the Mercedes C-Class is the BMW 3 Series, as the Audi A4 has been discontinued and is waiting for a BS6 model update. Post lockdown, we will get you a first drive review of this car.