Mercedes-Benz India launched its eighth new product this year in the form of the facelifted C-Class. Available in three variants, namely C 220 d Prime, C 220 d Progressive and C 300 d AMG Line which are priced at Rs 40 lakh, Rs 44.25 lakh and Rs 48.5 lakh, respectively, the C-Class is being offered with a single engine option, available in two states of tunes.
The new C-Class derives a lot of design elements from the C 43 AMG including the scooped rear bumper and twin chromed exhausts. Even at the front, the C 300 d variants gets a similar diamond grille along with air vents on the bumper. Mercedes-Benz India says that almost 50 per cent of the components are new. However, it won’t be easy to spot the changes unless you really have a keen eye for detail.
“Capable of hitting 100kmph in 7.9 seconds, the C 220 d can go all the way to 232kmph. On the other hand, under the C 300 d’s hood, it makes an impressive 241bhp and 500Nm, allowing the sedan to hit 100kmph in 5.9 seconds”
The big change is the introduction of the made in India OM 654 engine which made its debut in the E-Class earlier. The in-line 4-cylinder 1950cc motor churns out 192bhp and 400Nm in the C 220 d guise. Capable of hitting 100kmph in 7.9 seconds, it can go all the way to 232kmph. On the other hand, under the C 300 d’s hood, it makes an impressive 241bhp and 500Nm, allowing the sedan to hit 100kmph in 5.9 seconds. The top speed is limited at 250kmph. The transmission duties are taken care of by a 9-speed gearbox.
In terms of the interiors, the C-Class now features a 10.25-inch media display screen and 5.5-inch smartphone integrated display as standard. The base Prime variant comes devoid of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto though. The Progressive trim gets new alloys, ambient lighting with 64 colours and brown open pore walnut wood trim. The flagship C 300 d also gets two interior trims to choose from, Saddle Brown and Black. You also get 18-inch rims, AMG Line interiors with a flat bottomed steering wheel, multibeam LEDs and anthracite open-pore oak wood trim elements.
At the launch of the new C-Class, Michael Jopp, vice president of sales and marketing, Mercedes-Benz India said, “Introduction of fascinating products and their continuous honing has been key to our success and with the launch of the new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz yet again set a very high benchmark in the luxury sedan segment. This model update is the biggest in the history of the C-Class. In total, we have changed some 6,500 components, more than half the number of components in an average C-Class sedan. The C-Class we launched today is the sportiest and most dynamic of all time and it perfectly underlines its positioning of ‘Never Stop Improving’. The new C-Class is loaded with a variety of technologies and features that enhance driving pleasure, and offer unmatched luxury. We are confident that these enhancements will add a dash of athleticism and uniqueness to one of the most popular models in Mercedes-Benz’s rich product portfolio.”
The BMW 3 Series is due for an update soon, which should make way to our shores sometime next year and the A4 is bringing in good numbers for Audi already. However, with the updated C-Class, Mercedes-Benz India has taken the game to the next level and it’ll be interesting to see how the market responds to the updated range.