Mercedes-Benz C200 2019 Review
Bigger is not always better. And nor do you have to buy the priciest model to get the latest technology.
That is at least the case with the entry-point into the updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class range, as the base-model C200 compensates for having a smaller 1.5-litre engine with cutting-edge, fuel-saving hybrid assistance.
It's a key part of the mid-life facelift for Australia's most popular luxury car, which also sees revised styling changes, improved specifications and significant upgrades to the interior.
- Brilliant mild-hybrid powertrain
- Huge dynamic depth of talent
- Digital cabin overhaul looks modern
- Top-shelf safety not optional in C200
- Squeezy back seat
Is it right for me?
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been the country's best-selling luxury car - and the second most popular mid-sized sedan behind only the Toyota Camry that was propped up by significant fleet and rental car numbers - for more than a decade, across almost two full generations.
The latest W205 C200 has been a multiple winner in Drive's Best Luxury Car under $80,000 category in our annual Car of the Year awards after it trumped a strong field to take out the overall crown in 2014.
Beyond its critical acclaim, it has clearly struck a chord with Australia's growing affluent society balancing badge cache, traditional luxury and exceptional comfort with modern technology, including the latest in safety and connectivity innovations.
Can I afford it ?
While the 2019 C-Class retains all the hallmarks expected from a Mercedes-Benz, it amplifies the tech with 6500 new or modified parts. Yet, despite the significant number of changes, the German brand has squeezed it all in with only incremental price increases.
The C200 kicks off the line-up at $63,400 (plus on-road costs) as a sedan - $1500 more than before - and it also offered in wagon, coupe and convertible body styles at $65,900, $67,900 and $88,400 respectively.
The sedan and wagon can also be had with a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine in exactly the same specification, as the C220d, for an additional $1500, while all four body styles are available in the mid-range C300 with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, with prices starting at $71,400 for the four-door sedan and increasing with the same margins as the C200.
What do you get for your money?
Even at the base level, the C200 and C220d come generously equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, new-look LED headlights and revised bumpers at both ends while the cabin features fake leather trim, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, 64-colour ambient lighting, a new multi-configurable 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a wide screen 10.25 infotainment display with sat nav, digital radio, Bluetooth and smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices.
Both also feature a comprehensive safety suite with nine air bags, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot warning, a tyre pressure monitor and reverse camera.
The C300 builds on that with more active functions within its standard Driving Assistance Package that includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, active blind spot and rear cross-traffic alerts, as well as a few more luxuries such as genuine leather interior trim, larger 19-inch alloys, keyless entry, an automated boot and rear privacy glass.
How much does it cost to maintain?
All Mercedes-Benz models are covered by a three-year, 100,000km warranty, and come with capped price servicing for the same period.
Service intervals are set every 12 months or 25,000km with the first visit costing from $396 with subsequent maintenance costing $792 each year.
Is it well built?
Even though the C-Class is relatively affordable (for a Mercedes-Benz) it has all the fundamental elements you'd expect from the three-pointed star with excellent build quality, tight panel gaps, rich paintwork and high-class materials used throughout the cabin.
What are the Standout features?
The new bits and bobs elevate the ambience of the cockpit to give it a much more modern appearance.
It was starting to look a little tired with its traditional analogue gauges and the small tablet screen on top of the dash, especially in the base-level C200 which had a low-grade interface. Now, though, the digital instrument cluster, which can be configured through three different themes, not only looks more modern it can display a multitude of useful information.
It can all be controlled via a new-look steering wheel that has touch pads on each spoke, as well as buttons and toggles for the audio and cruise control functions. And while it does take some time to become familiar with how to swipe through the menus, it makes it easier to use.
Similarly, the widescreen infotainment screen offers a much more comprehensive array of functions with crisper graphics and a new menu system.
What does it have that others don't?
Within that display, occupants can alter the ambience of the cabin using Mercedes' gimmicky Energizing Comfort Control feature (which is optional on the C220d on top of the $4545 Premium package and standard on the C300) which manipulates the temperature of the air conditioning, the heated seats, music and the fragrance dispenser depending on a number of pre-set moods. It is designed to keep the driver either invigorated on long country drives or relaxed in the cut and thrust of heavy city traffic.
While all C-Class models now feature adaptive suspension as standard, uniquely each model can also be equipped with a multi-stage air suspension set-up for an even plusher ride.
The most important new element, however, is the new 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine in the C200 with its 48-volt mild hybrid system (which we will explain more about later).
How practical is it?
The four-door measures 4686mm in overall length, is 1810mm wide and rides on a wheelbase with 2840mm between the front and rear axles, giving it enough space to accomodate give people.
It's a fairly conventional sedan that plays the role of a luxury car well, with a smart looking design that is neither too big or too small.
If you carry more gear more of the time, the wagon body style is obviously a more practical alternative while the two-door coupe and convertibles are focused on style rather than flexibility as they are limited to four-seat configurations.
As part of the 2019 update, all feature new front and rear bumpers with redesigned head lights and tail lamps, as well as new-style alloy wheels.
Is it comfortable?
In any of the body styles, the C-Class remains the benchmark compact luxury car with a good driving position that offers plenty of adjustment, comfortable and supportive front seats and decent all-round vision.
There's plenty of small item storage throughout the cockpit with the column-mounted gear lever freeing up space for a large binnacle at the base of dash, and supported by decent-sized door bins and a lidded centre console between the seats with USB and 12V power outlets and an SD card slot for the hard drive in the audio system.
Easy in, easy out?
The long-nose, short-bootlid design of the C-Class means there is ample room within both the front and door apertures to easily access the cabin.
Space and versatility?
Once there, front seat occupants are treated to a generous amount of head room - particularly if you like the seat cushion to the positioned as low as possible - which is largely carried over to the same degree for those in the back.
Legroom is a little tight for adults to travel in absolute comfort, but the front seats have scalloped backrests for additional kneeroom which makes it a little easier.
The boot in the sedan has a total volume of 455L. The wagon has 480L under the cargo blind but then has more useable space for larger loads, and now comes with a 40:20:40 split folding rear seat for greater flexibility in the seating configuration.
What's the engine like?
As mentioned previously, the C200's new powertrain is one of the standout features of the updated C-Class range.
The 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 135kW and 280Nm, which are far from amazing numbers on their own. But it is hooked up to a belt-driven generator fed by a 48-volt mild hybrid system that can add an additional 10kW and 160Nm of power for short bursts of acceleration while also driving away from a standstill using just the electric power alone.
Ignore the figures, because this is a brilliant new engine that feels like a much bigger motor with effortless pulling power, a strong mid range and one that is exceptionally quiet and refined. The transition from electric to petrol power is imperceptible, and the fact it can shut down the engine at cruising speeds and kick start the initial acceleration on the battery pack will ensure real-world fuel economy savings.
We didn't have an opportunity to drive the C300 during the local launch of the 2019 C-Class in rural Victoria this week, as those models are due to arrive in showrooms soon after the C200. It's 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder has been tweaked to now produce 190kW of power and 370Nm of torque.
Nor did we drive the C220d with its new-generation 2.0-litre turbo diesel that produces 140kW and 400Nm.
How much fuel does it consume?
You can - kind of - also ignore the C200's claimed average fuel consumption of 6.4L/100km, which is only 0.1L/100km better than the advertised figure of its precedessor, as it was recorded using more stringent WLTP test procedure that better represents real world driving conditions compared to the previous NEDC lab test cycle.
The reality is that is approximately 10 per cent more efficient than before, which is believable as we recorded an average figure of 6.3L/100km during our test drive from Melbourne Airport to the King Valley in the Victorian high country.
To put it in context, it is sandwiched by the C220d that consumes an average of 4.7L/100km and the C300 which is bound to drink more when final homologation figures are revealed.
Is it enjoyable to drive?
There is a delicate balance in the way the C-Class drives that has undoubtedly contributed to its success, both in terms of its popularity and the awards it has racked up.
The fundamental basics of its rear-drive chassis are simply spot-on, from its responsive and well-weighted steering to its compliant body control, from its inherent dynamic prowess in the corners to its perfectly-calibrated safety systems. Everything works in unison rather than as isolated indidual components to make the C-Class as comfortable as it is competent.
Now that all models, including the base-level C200 and C220d, are equipped with adaptive suspension it only amplifies the broad range of its bandwidth; the softest Comfort setting soaks up bumps with aplomb while the Sport and Sport+ modes limit its vertical movement and keep it hunkered to the road without compromising its compliance too much.
The nine-speed automatic works a treat too, intuitively managing to be in the right gear at the right time. And even when it hunts through the higher gears while countering any undulations at highway speeds, it does so with stealth-like smoothness.
Does it perform as you expect?
The C200 was always a sweetie, but - frankly - it was starting to show its age four years since it first launched.
The 2019 update brings it right up-to-date with the latest trends and will almost certainly ensure it retains its position at the top of the pops, even against tougher competitors in the newer Audi A4 and next-year's all new 3-Series.
You might have to look hard to see notice the changes in the 2019 update but you certainly appreciate them from behind the wheel.
2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Sedan Price and Specifications
Price: from $63,400 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol with mild hybrid
Power: 135kW at 5800-6100rpm
Torque: 280Nm at 3000-6100rpm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic, RWD
Fuel Use: 6.4L/100km
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