Mercedes-Benz recently launched their fifth-generation C-Class in new flesh and threw in loads of features with outstanding cabin experience, making it look like a Paradise among the entry-level luxury sedans. No doubt that both the interior and exterior designs are flattering, but what is more important is the addition of a 48-volt hybrid powertrain to support low fuel consumption.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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- Model: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
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Overview
So, is it an S-Class but smaller, or maybe an A-Class with loads of tech but sportier? The new 2022 C-Class, also known as W206, is in its fifth generation considering it is a major upgrade over the earlier generation which was aging finely with the overall design language. Not only the design, but the powertrain sees the elimination of the more powerful Bi-Turbo V-6 and V-8 engines, which did come with the earlier AMG C43, C63, and the C63S. A 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four coupled with a 48-volt electric motor is what we will be getting with the new C-Class. There is a 9-speed automatic transmission like the outgoing generation along with an RWD setup as standard. The upcoming model years will be equipped with a hybrid setup to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. It will be interesting to see what the AMG-line has to offer with the upcoming C-Class performance trims. The new C-Class will compete with the BMW 3-Series, Audi A4 Sedan, and the Lexus ES.
Trims And Features
The C-Class sedan will be offered in three trims: Premium, Executive, and Pinnacle. Unlike the earlier generations, the trim list will now get less confusing and the optional packages are separately laid out. The AMG-tuned trims are yet to launch which will possibly include the C43, C63, and C63 S. Both the C 300 and the C 300 4Matic are being powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine but this time they are being assisted by an electric motor of 48-volt, giving the 255 hp and 295 lb-ft a little boost of 20 hp and 148 lb-ft. There are a few optional packages too that are covered below.
Premium. } }
Standard set of features.
- 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 w/48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain.
- Rear-wheel drive.
- Nine-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
- 12.3-inch driver information display.
- 11.9-inch touchscreen center display.
- MBUX with a fingerprint scanner for driver memory functions.
- Keyless entry and ignition.
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
- Sunroof.
- Heated front seats.
- Leather-wrapped sports steering wheel.
- Voice command system.
- Ambient interior lighting.
- Leather upholstery.
Standard safety features include:
- Forward collision mitigation.
- Blindspot monitoring.
- Parking damage detection.
- Active brake assist.
- Attention Assist.
Optional features available with the Premium trim are:
- Heated steering wheel.
- AMG-Line and Night Package.
- Nappa leather upholstery.
- Navigation system.
- Ventilated front seats.
- SiriusXM.
Exclusive. } }
Features from the Premium trim including:
- Enhanced ambient lighting.
- Illuminated door sills.
- Surround-view system with guard 360-degree security functionality.
- Wireless charging pad.
- Active park assist.
- Burmester 3D surround sound system.
Optional features available with the Exclusive trim are:
- Full driver assistance package that includes steering assist, stop-and-go assist, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning.
- Panoramic sunroof.
- Intelligent lighting system with adaptive curve illumination.
Pinnacle. } }
Features from the Exclusive trim including:
- MBUX augmented reality (AR) video for navigation.
- Heads-up display.
- Navigation system.
Optional features available with the Pinnacle trim are:
- Dashcam.
- Integrated toll pass.
Powertrain and Performance
The new 2022 C-Class is powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four from the last generation, which means the power output is 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. However, there is a 48-volt electric motor coupled with the gas engine. This motor alone puts out 20 horses and 148 pound-feet and this hybrid powertrain puts out 275 horses and 443 pound-feet combined. As standard, the C 300 runs through the rear wheels and shifts gears through the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. The intelligent hybrid system can turn off the gas engine if it detects low-speed cruising to minimize fuel consumption. The EPA ratings are not available yet, but it seems that the new C-Class will sip a little less gas compared to the outgoing generation.
In terms of the overall handling, the earlier C-Class was one of the best in the segment and it will be carried over to the new generation. The electronic dampening comes standard with the C-Class along with Agility Control suspension. It is expected to smoothen the ride further and offer even better stability around the corners. The AMG-Line package can be opted for firmer suspension and sportier feel.
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Performance Stats
|
Model |
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
|---|---|
|
Engine Type |
2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 w/48-volt electric motor |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD/AWD |
|
Transmission |
9-speed shiftable automatic |
|
Power |
255 HP/ 275 HP combined |
|
Torque |
295 lb-ft/ 443 lb-ft combined |
|
0-60 (MPH) |
5.9 seconds |
|
Top Speed |
130 |
Interior Design
Mercedes has taken a step forward with the new design language of the C-Class and in the interior, it is quite prevalent. By this look, the cabin might be the best in the segment in terms of modernity and sophistication. The S-Class vibes are felt from the redesigned dashboard which would be one of its USPs. The cabin feels new and it majorly is with redesigned seats, a steering wheel, and a lot more. The vertically flowing infotainment screen is an 11.9-inch display and runs on the latest MBUX system. The new dashboard has plenty of soft touches and leatherette parts as standard. The circular and flattened air vents are aircraft engine-inspired but also have color-changing ambient lighting around them.
In terms of interior dimensions and practicality, it is slightly better than the outgoing generation. All credit goes to the longer wheelbase which has increased the rear legroom to 36 inches compared to the 35.2 inches. The headroom is increased too with a difference of 0.4 inches. The cargo capacity is the same at 17.9 cubic feet and that will be decent for carrying a fewer luggage downtown.
Key interior features of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are as follows:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control.
- Keyless entry and ignition.
- Aluminum and open-pore wood trim.
- Leather steering wheel.
- 12.3-inch fully digital instrument console.
- Sunroof.
- Ambient lighting.
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating and memory functions.
- Nappa leather seats. (Optional)
2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Interior Dimensions
|
Headroom,rear |
37.5 |
37.1 |
+0.4 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Legroom, front |
41.7 |
41.7 |
0 |
|
Legroom, rear |
36.0 |
35.2 |
+0.8 |
|
Elbow room, front |
58.1 |
57.2 |
+0.9 |
|
Elbow room, rear |
58.1 |
57.6 |
+0.5 |
|
Shoulder-room, front |
56.3 |
55.3 |
+1.0 |
|
Shoulder room, rear |
55.6 |
55.0 |
+0.6 |
|
Luggage capacity acc. to VDA (cu-ft) |
17.9 |
17.9 |
0 |
The infotainment system features are as follows:
- Android Auto and Android Auto.
- Voice command system.
- 11.9-inch touchscreen display.
- Wireless charging pad.
- Burmester premium audio unit.
- Heads-up display.
- Integrated satellite navigation system.
- SiriusXM.
- Augmented reality based navigation system. (Optional)
Exterior Design
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before_label=2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
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The outgoing generation, W205, had looks that were not only aggressive but were preferred by many enthusiasts. With the latest generation C-Class, Mercedes took its design to another level, making it one of the most good-looking sedans in its class. The 2022 model year of the C-Class takes design cues from the latest E-Class, S-Class, and even the CLA. The front fascia gets a set of sleeker and sharper LED headlights similar to the S-Class with the CLA-styled LED DRLs. The hood gets creases and bulges, contributing to its aggressive nature. The intake grille is broadened with the latest generation and has three-pointed stars all over the grille. A massive Mercedes logo at the center and the adjacent lines joining from the sides are new for this generation.
From the sides, the new 2022 C-Class looks like an S-Class but smaller, especially the tail end. The car gets 18-inch alloy wheels as standard but is upgradable to the 19-inch ones. The rear gets taillights similar to the facelifted E-Class which is nice, of course. However, there are a few annoying things about the exterior of the C-Class and the foremost are the fake diffuser and exhausts. If you look closely, the exhaust pipes are down below the body. The front has fake brake cooling vents which do look good but are of no productivity.
If you are curious about the dimensions, yes, they have increased a bit since the outgoing generation. The wheelbase and length are up by 1 and 2.5 inches totaling up to 112.8 and 187.0 respectively. The width has been increased to 71.7 inches which is 0.4 inches wider than the model it replaces.
2022 Mercedes-benz C-Class Exterior Dimensions
|
Length |
187.0 |
184.5 |
+2.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Width |
71.7 |
71.3 |
+0.4 |
|
Width incl. exterior mirrors |
80.0 |
79.5 |
+0.5 |
|
Height |
56.6 |
57.0 |
-0.4 |
|
Wheelbase |
112.8 |
111.8 |
+1.0 |
|
Track, front |
62.3 |
61.5 |
+0.8 |
|
Track, rear |
62.8 |
60.9 |
+1.9 |
Pricing
The 2022 C-Class is expected to be launching at around $45,000 for the base trim. As for the pricing goes, the 2022 BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 sedan will be falling under the $40,000-42,000 price bracket. They might be cheaper but they bring no generational upgrades like the new C-Class. The new Genesis G70 and Lexus ES are good options if you want a luxury sedan that is priced below $40,000 and has exceptional build quality. The C-Class is expected to be priced slightly higher than the competition and that is justifiable for the list of features and changelog it is bringing with it.
Final Thoughts
The new 2022 C-Class is definitely a step above the recently discontinued generation with its upscale cabin experience and deceiving exterior looks. The standard list of features is elongated but the majority of driver assistance features are available as an option. Also, the eschewing of the V-6 and V-8 engines will turn a lot of enthusiasts into cry babies but, it will be interesting to see how the AMG division harnesses the desired power figures from the hybrid system.