Its been quiet in sometime 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 200 has been in the Indian market. It is not only most famous sedan but one of the most selling sedan from German auto giant Mercedes-Benz. For 2015 they have given it a beautiful new makeover and yes its not just a facelift, it’s a complete makeover that also tags it as “baby S-Class”
2015 Mercedes Benz front view
Looks & exterior
Derived from the elder sibling, The new C-Class looks similar to S-Class in a lot of ways. You’d even be forgiven for mistaking it S-Class from a distance. The C-Class’ design lines glow neatly and end in integrated spoiler. Sculpted sides and sweptback fully LED headlamps provide plenty of head-turning curb appeal. Sport trim cars get 17-inch wheels; a new chrome grille gives it a blend of sport with big star situated in the centre. All new c200 are directly imported and hence only one variant is available i.e. Avantgarde.
2015 Mercedes Benz C200 Front
Interior: not only from outside but interior resembles a lot like S class. The interior is one of the strongest points of this car. The new interior is a big step forward comparing with the older sibling. You get a large 8.4-inch TFT infotainment screen, which uses a high-resolution screen that displays the latest version of the Mercedes’ COMAND infotainment system. The infotainment system can be controlled by a usual rotary knob or new touch pad interface which is not at all user friendly .
Steering mounted gear selector is much better than an electronic joystic. The handbrake is replaced by electronic parking brake. The gloss wood inlays and the brushed aluminium detailing looks familiar as that of the S-class. You can even adjust the ambient lights as per your preference of three different choices.
2015 Mercedes Benz C200 interior
2015 Mercedes Benz C200 interior
Comfort.
I am 6 ft tall and pretty long-legged driver, but I didn’t have any problem getting comfortable, thanks to plenty of adjustment to the seat and steering wheel. There’s an enormous amount of front legroom, and plenty of front headroom but the story is not the same for the passenger seats, Though theres enough rear leg room but im not happy with the head room. Its rear-seat backrest splits 40:20:40 to allow load-through of long. The new car is wider and longer, Thanks to its longer wheelbase than its predecessor. The new C is more spacious than its competitors and also most comfortable.
2015 Mercedes Benz C200 comfort
Engine and performance
New C class is powered by all new 2 liter mill producing 184 BHP at 5,500rpm and torque of 300Nm at a RPM range of 1,200rpm to 1,400rpm, making it the most powerful car in the segment. This motor is mated to the 7-speed automatic transmission.
And now the biggest question, How does it feel to drive ?
2015 Mercedes Benz C200 performance
One may find steering mounted gear shifter odd compared to electronic knob, but while driving or parking its sheer comfort. The engine is quiet, I’m not saying this is the most refined engine I have driven, but this is definitely the best C class I have driven. The torque range being low the turbo lag is not that evident. One can choose from five different drive mode as per their preference. These different modes alter the engine and gearbox, steering, air-conditioner performance and engine auto stop-start function, note: driving modes do not change the suspension settings. Instead of eco I personally felt comfort is really the most comfortable drive mode to drive where as sport plus is actually the sport mode. One can feel the drastic change in drive quality as soon as you switch the driving modes. The engine prepares itself in sports mode to keep the car in power band range and as soon as you switch modes, the very early difference you see is rpm and the growling of the engine.
2015 Mercedes Benz C200 speedo
The claimed top speed is 235 Kmph.
Considering it’s a petrol car one cannot expect much of Fuel efficiency, however, we got around 10 kmpl in city and on highway upto 15 kmpl. The claimed figure is a higher 14.74kmpl.
2015 Mercedes Benz C200
Overall, it has excellent ride quality, hitting the corner is fun and you never feel you are out of power. There is very little body roll due to high raised suspensions specifically for Indian road conditions. The electronic steering is quick, more responsive and accurate and gets hard enough as you move speed upto three digits.
If anyone has ever told you Mercedes cars feels heavy, has certainly not driven new c class. This one feels very light and agile. The new C class is lot more comfortable to be in, you feel the luxury in every small detail.
2015 Mercedes Benz C200 in its element
Verdict
So the new C class is more powerful, bigger in space and loaded with features and you just cant miss the fact its the most beautiful. That means its the perfect blend of luxury and sport at Rs. 40 lakh.
