What is this?
Convert the new one to the previous Mercedes C-Class and you have to look for the visual differences. The youngest generation gets a sharper front and the light blocks are also different, otherwise the W206 is very similar to its predecessor. Although it was a lot bigger, especially to accentuate the class difference with the Mercedes CLA and CLA Shooting Brake. The new Mercedes C-Class has become more than 6 centimeters longer, the track width and wheelbase have grown by 5 and 2.5 centimeters respectively. And the passengers in the back especially benefit from this.
The new Mercedes C-Class Estate has become slightly more spacious, with a load volume that fluctuates between a minimum of 490 and a maximum of 1,510 litres. The loading floor is falcon and the rear seat can be easily folded down, as it should be in a modern estate today.
Inside, Mercedes pulls the map of digitization, with a cleverly designed cockpit environment that is strongly reminiscent of that of the larger S-Class. The Mbux infotainment system is built around a central 11.9-inch touchscreen that bundles just about all functions. The central control button on the center console is history, in 2021 you operate the multimedia module with your voice. And that is getting better. The multifunction steering wheel with sometimes skittish touch pads takes some getting used to, but the seat adjustment on the door and the gear lever behind the steering wheel are fortunately preserved. It is a pity that the choice of materials is not always free from criticism.
What is changing?
The new Mercedes C Break builds on the second generation of the MRA architecture that debuted on the S-Class. As usual, the engines are longitudinal and drive the rear wheels, they run on petrol or diesel and are anyway assisted by a mild-hybrid electrical module at 48 volts that delivers up to 20 hp extra – at least if they don’t have a plug-in hybrid powertrain. possess. Do not look for six-cylinder, the new Mercedes C-Class will only be available with a four-cylinder engine. Also the later expected AMG variant.
The Mercedes C 200 Estate sticks to a 1.5 liter engine that develops a power of 204 hp and a maximum torque of 300 Nm, power that is put on the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. That is enough to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds and to reach a top speed of 240 km/h, after our test week we noted an average thirst of 7.3 liters per 100 kilometers. The small power unit turns surprisingly smoothly, only at full load does it moan under the significantly increased weight of the new C-Class. This C 200 is not a sprinter.
Both the front and rear, the Mercedes C-Class again relies on a multi-link suspension, but the optional air suspension of the previous generation has been dropped. Because that option was rarely or never ordered, according to Stuttgart. Only the plug-in hybrid model versions still come with air suspension on the rear axle to compensate for the extra weight of the batteries.
The new Mercedes C-Class convinces above all with its finely tuned handling, which combines a lot of suspension comfort with excellent sound insulation and a mature drive unit. Particularly serene, as befits a real Mercedes. But without sacrificing driving dynamics, even the C 200 Break effortlessly turns out to be a sprightly driver’s car with a sure-fire front end, precise steering and beautiful balance.
Conclusion?
The individual parts are impressive, but it is the sum that makes this Mercedes C-Class Break so incredibly good. The body design may be something to keep and the interior a little too flashy, but the handling and comfort are at a very high level. We hardly dare to complain about the 1.5 liter power source, although the chassis deserves at least 100 horses and 250 Newton meters extra. You just have to be able to afford it, because the Mercedes C 200 is not a giveaway. And certainly not as an AMG Line.
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