The new W206 Mercedes C-Class is here, and it replaces the seven-year-old W205 model that ran from 2014 to 2021. It features new styling and a new interior. Engine-wise, they are the same as last time except for all 6 and 8 cylinder engines have been dropped and all current 4-cylinder engines will have an electric motor on board making the whole lineup hybrid. The whole lineup then, for now, is all powered by a 4-cylinder 2 liter diesel or petrol engine with an electric motor on board. I do believe Mercedes will also launch a 3-cylinder engine, in the future for the lower-spec models.
The new Mercedes C-Class takes things to a new level. It has been dubbed by reporters as a “baby S-Class” mainly because of its S-Class-themed exterior and interior looks. It is all rather nice and there is a lot of technology. So much so, Mercedes actually say that the new C-Class will be the smartest car you will ever own. Is it though?
The C-Class is one of the best selling compact luxury cars and this new one is aiming to beat the likes of the BMW 3-series, Lexus IS, Genesis G70, and Audi A4. It aims to do that with technology. The party piece is the state-of-the-art Mercedes voice command system called “Hey Mercedes.” This is always shown off by Mercedes in their adverts and it is a big deal because voice command systems have never really worked in the past for any car,
So, what do we think of the new C-Class? Let’s find out!
Disappointed In The Engine Choices
We are heavily disappointed with the engine choices. They’re all two liters! No 6 or 8 cylinder options which is a huge shame. Mercedes were once mad enough to fit the C-Class with their biggest V8, the 6.2 liter V8 from the SLS. That’s a supercar engine. The previous Mercedes C-Class had a Biturbo V8 option which sounded insane.
The 6-cylinder in the C-Class has always been underrated too. Even in the C43, that engine was shadowed by the V8. It was a great engine that sounded so aggressive.
However, the C43 ad C63 models will use a 4-cylinder. Terrible news as the four-cylinder is just not as fun. However, the engine in the C63 will be half the block of the engine used in the GT Black Series supercar. It will also be the same engine seen in the new A45 AMG. Both AMG cars will also be hybrid.
The new C-Class will have powerful engines but they won’t sound too great. We will 100% miss that. Mercedes say the new C-Class gets small engine options only because the engine bay cannot fit a bigger engine. Apparently, an inline-6 or V8 will mess up the “lines” of the car. Furthermore, it is a lot harder to pass emissions tests nowadays with bigger engines, even if the smaller engine is a lot worse for the environment.
We Love The Interior
The interior of the new C-Class is amazing. It’s essentially the same as the new W222 S-Class except the air vents is circular. It looks very premium indeed. The middle 11.9-inch touchscreen is from the S-Class and it is so easy to use. A major improvement on the old screen. It is more so like a tablet than an infotainment screen.
The 12.3-inch driver’s screen too is amazing. The graphics are completely crisp and it shows you everything you need to know. Far better than the dials and digital display used in the previous W205 model. Everything feels high-tech and surprisingly easy to use. The steering wheel is also from the S-Class and it feels and looks amazing.
What Mercedes has done essentially, is taken the interior from their top model and placed it in one of their cheapest models, to try to outperform the competitors. I like that, and I do believe this interior layout will be used on all future Mercedes cars, similar to what Volvo has done with their lineup. The XC90 defined Volvos interior style, and I believe the new W222 S-Class has defined Mercedes’s new interior style.
Is it better than the BMW 3-Series interior? In a way yes, mainly because it has more tech. I am unsure on the layout though just because the 3-series has a lot more detail and buttons which I personally prefer. There will also be the issue of fingerprints in the interior of the new C-class. It’s practically all screen, and when it’s off it shows all of the fingerprints.
It Looks A Lot Like The Old Car
The new W206 C-Class looks a lot like the previous W205 C-Class. It has the same curves and pretty much the same face. It’s more of an evolution, like the Porsche 911 generations then. The main changes outside, are the rear lights, the doors, and the dimensions of the car.
You would have to double-look at the new C-Class to see that it is new. It looks a lot like the old car and in all honesty, most non car people wouldn’t really think of it as new or not.
It’s not a very striking car nor is it a very attractive car. Its design is functional and respectable which in all honesty, is all that matters.
To Conclude
The new C-Class is a respectable car with a lovely interior. It serves a purpose and they have certainly improved the car in many areas. The current W205 C-Class owners would be very interested in the new W206 car, and they should be since the new C-Class is a great car that is comfortable and practical.
Is it fun? Depends on what you define as fun. If you think technology makes a car fun, then yes the new C-Class is a fun car. If you think driving experience defines how fun a car is, then it is a bit too early to decide. Judging from the current news in February 2021, the 4-cylinder only decision is disappointing. However, who knows the AMG 4-Cylinder C63 and C43 may be quite fun. Just the noise will be missed.
I think it’s not a challenge as such to the 3-series G20 BMW. The reason why is because the C-Class appeals to a different type of customer. Somebody who wants a more comfortable ride and a car that is easy to drive. The 3-Series attracts more youthful people who care more so about performance.
The new Audi A4 may just beat the new C-Class as we all know Audi is mad on tech. Though, the Audi brand is nowhere near as prestigious as the Mercedes brand.
Featured image credits via: autoexpress.co.uk