The fifth-generation C-Class, launched this week, is named the ‘Baby S-Class’ by the carmaker. “The letters C and S sit at opposite ends of the alphabet … in our portfolio, they’re moving closer together,” mentioned Ola Källenius, CEO, Mercedes-Benz, in regards to the new C-Class. But does the automobile deserve a lot reward? Remember, Mercedes-Benz calls the S-Class the ‘best car in the world’!We lately drove the C-Class on hilly roads round Mussoorie in Uttarakhand.
What is the C-Class?
First launched in 1982, the world has seen 5 generations of the C-Class. It was launched in India in 2001, and over 37,000 models have been bought right here. At one cut-off date, it was the entry-level Mercedes-Benz automobile in India, however now it’s a correct luxurious automobile in nearly each facet—be it consolation, connectivity, expertise or consideration to element.
What defines its design?
It has grown in dimension (nearly the scale of the earlier era E-Class), and the design is rather like that of the S-Class, particularly the rear space with two-section tail-lights. It has an extended wheelbase in comparison with the earlier era C-Class.
How is the cabin?
The dashboard appears like a murals and seems impressed from the S-Class. Technology options adopted from the S-Class embody the big central display (outfitted with the most recent era NTG7, the corporate’s infotainment system), intensive personalisation and biometric authentication, wi-fi smartphone integration, and over the air updates to the automobile’s software program. Front seats are very spacious, and the three-spoke steering wheel is oh-so-sexy.
There is a lot ‘convenience’ contained in the cabin that it looks like tailored across the occupant. For instance, the central display is driver-oriented, sunblinds in left and proper rear doorways, electrical sunblind for rear window, the rear-seat backrest might be totally folded to entry the boot, and ambient lighting that adjustments colors.At the rear, the big central tunnel means there may be room just for two passengers.
Despite longer wheelbase in comparison with the earlier era mannequin, the house to maneuver round your legs is proscribed. The C-Class, clearly, is a driver’s automobile, as an alternative of a chauffeur-driven automobile.The boot house is proscribed—most of it’s taken up by the spare tyre.
Which engines energy it?
The entry-level mannequin (C 200) will get the 1496cc petrol engine (204 hp, 300 Nm). The 1993cc diesel is out there in two output choices (200 hp/440 Nm and 265 hp/550 Nm). The latter one propels the automobile forward like a rocket, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration timing of simply 5.7 seconds.
How does it drive?
In the petrol mannequin, the cabin is eerily quiet, however within the diesel the engine rattle might be heard contained in the cabin (which is regular for any diesel automobile). Once the engine warms up and also you’re on the street, the rattle nearly dies down. On clean roads, the C-Class drives nearly sticking to the street, and even whereas cornering at excessive speeds it doesn’t lose its line. But on dangerous roads or gravel, the trip turns harsh. A few instances it scraped tall velocity breakers as effectively whereas driving throughout villages close to Mussoorie.
How good a purchase is it?
Priced Rs 55 lakh to Rs 61 lakh ex-showroom, it’s costly. Its conventional rivals (BMW 3 Series for Rs 46.9 lakh and Audi A4 for Rs 40.5 lakh) come throughout as extra worth for cash. But Mercedes-Benz India is at present having fun with its place within the solar, it has nearly 5,000 bookings, demand is powerful, and it might demand some premium. But it’s additionally a undeniable fact that the brand new C-Class, a mini limousine, seems much better than its rivals, and its competitor presumably is the equally priced 3 Series Gran Limousine.
Specifications
Variant | C 200 | C 200d | C 300d |
Fuel | Petrol | Diesel | Diesel |
Engine | 1496cc | 1993cc | 1993cc |
Power | 150 kW (204 hp) | 147 kW (200 hp) | 195 kW (265 hp) |
Torque | 300 Nm | 440 Nm | 550 Nm |
0-100 km/h | 7.3 seconds | 7.3 seconds | 5.7 seconds |
Price | Rs 55 lakh | Rs 56 lakh | Rs 61 lakh |
Competitors: BMW 3 Series (Rs 46.9 lakh) and three Series Gran Limousine (Rs 54.5 lakh), Audi A4 (Rs 40.5 lakh) and Volvo S60 (Rs 45.9 lakh)
Source: www.financialexpress.com”