Mercedes-Benz C Class – The Mail & Guardian

A knockout: The C-Class leans far into the design of being a child S-Class
and that’s why it stands out from earlier generations.

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new electrical C-Class at its international launch final week, drawing blended reactions to its up to date design language. 

Earlier than the following chapter arrives, we frolicked behind the wheel of the present, fifth-generation C-Class — a mannequin rolling off the manufacturing line on the Mercedes-Benz plant in KuGompo Metropolis. 

One factor I like in regards to the exterior is that Mercedes-Benz remodeled it from its entry-level and basic-looking sedan to a luxurious-looking mannequin whereas protecting it as its bread and butter. It’s spectacular as a result of the C-Class has refinement and magnificence. It is usually a head-turner. The C-Class leans far into the design of being a child S-Class and that’s why it stands out from earlier generations. 

The sensation inside a Mercedes-Benz is unparalleled. By way of the styling and really feel, the model is the very best at making you are feeling like you might be in a luxurious car. 

Whereas I felt that from the environment within the automotive, because of the screens and atmosphere lighting, I had an AMG-Line bundle geared up on the take a look at automotive, which meant a vibrant crimson and black inside, with extra crimson than black. 

I perceive that the AMG-line is meant so as to add sporty components however I’m not a fan of that quantity of crimson.  On the finish of the day, I used to be driving a daily C 200 and never a sporty performance-based C63. 

It didn’t deplete the consolation by any means but it surely felt a tad off from the temper of the automotive. If you happen to do buy a C-Class, the seats are elective extras so it received’t be robotically included.

Aside from that, it’s premium as the inside is outlined by a high-tech, driver-centric cockpit that borrows from the flagship S-Class. The 2024 mannequin 12 months options the newest MBux infotainment system with a portrait-oriented central show that flows into the centre console.

Artico man-made leather-based with topstitching, complemented by carbon-fibre and the 64-colour ambient lighting outlines the dashboard, the door panels and even the air vents.

The Burmester sound system was crystal clear. The area was greater than ample and backseat passengers are additionally handled to a very good quantity of headroom and legroom. 

Relating to driving, the C200 has a four-cylinder 1.5 turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 150kW and 300Nm of torque. It’s mated to a 9G-Tronic Automated gearbox that gives a cushty journey. It picks up pace calmly in a fast linear trend and offers greater than sufficient to get by on. It’s the usual drive you count on from a Mercedes-Benz. 

Now that the following technology C-Class is coming quickly, the pricing will probably be fascinating. Mercedes-Benz has opted for a brand new styled inside and exterior. The primary launched from the vary is a fully-electric mannequin and can debut in South Africa across the R1.5 million mark. 

Nevertheless, what made the present C-Class such a success for me was that it was upgraded to a child S-Class and when it was launched in 2021, pricing began beneath R900 000.  

Mercedes-Benz would do effectively to maintain in keeping with present pricing when the brand new technology hits showroom flooring. 

Whereas we will count on it to in all probability are available at round R1m, we hope the model doesn’t push it too far above, so South Africans can proceed to get pleasure from a domestically constructed elegant car.