The fifth-generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is on-sale now in Australia with a two-variant range starting from $78,900 before on-road costs.
A comprehensively new model, the W206-chassis C-Class ushers in a significant $12,000 price increase over the outgoing, runout W205 generation.
Sweetening the deal is a new cabin architecture built around a dramatic 11.9-inch portrait-orientated touchscreen, while all variants now feature AMG Line styling treatment – this was previously a $2846 option.
The new C-Class will be in dealerships shortly
The new C-Class sedan is larger in every dimension measuring 4793mm long (up 107mm), 1820mm wide and riding on a 25mm longer 2865mm wheelbase.
For now, the C-Class will only be sold in sedan body style with strong indications from Mercedes-Benz Australia that the station wagon and C-Class All Terrain crossover are unlikely to be released in Australia to compete with BMW, Audi and Volvo estates.
Later, two-door coupe and convertible form factors of the new C-Class will be revealed, with the sporty models a probable shoe-in for our market.
Originally slated to arrive in Australia before the end of 2021, the release of the new C-Class was deferred due to semiconductor shortages that caused production delays.
Initially the C-Class will be available with two 48-volt boosted powertrains
Initially, the C-Class will launch with two grades: an entry-level C200 and mid-spec C300 both of which use all-new turbocharged petrol four-cylinders engines with 48-volt electrics.
High-performance Mercedes-AMG models are expected to follow, though as we’ve covered at Chasing Cars the C63’s current 375kW/700Nm 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 will not return to the W206, instead the flagship AMG variant will utilise a four-cylinder-based hybrid powertrain.
All four-cylinder engine lineup for W206
The C200 gets a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder which develops 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque.
Shrinking the engine capacity from 2.0-litres to 1.5 means the new C200 boasts an improved ADR efficiency rating of 6.9L/100km, which is a tenth better than before.
Until AMG models arrive the C300 is the flagship C-Class in Australia
A more powerful C300 will also be offered at launch with BMW 330i-equalling outputs of 190kW/400Nm from its ‘M254’ 1999cc turbo petrol four-cylinder engine good for a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.0 seconds.
Following Mercedes Benz’s midsize sedan tradition set back in 1982 with the ‘W201’ 190E, the C-Class has rear-wheel drive, while AWD models – including the new C63 – will follow later on. For now, both variants utilise a nine-speed torque converter automatic.
Other engines are available globally including a 2.0-litre turbo diesel C220d and C300d, though these will not be offered in Australia.
There is also a C350e plug-in hybrid powertrain overseas that combines the C200’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack for 230kW/550Nm outputs and zero-emissions WLTP range of 89-110km, though this won’t come to Australia initially.
What is standard on the C-Class?
Pricing for the entry-level C200 starts at $78,900 which is a $12,000 increase over the outgoing C200, though the new car arrives with a higher level of specification than before – with the AMG Line pack, power boot-lid and keyless start included as standard.
The C-Class’s cabin is packed with the latest technology
The latest C-Class has reaped the benefits of Mercedes-Benz’s trickle-down technology from the S-Class with a vast 11.9-inch central touchscreen (though the flagship S-Class still wins with its 12.8-inch display) and latest MBUX operating system that features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
While the new touchscreen is the centrepiece, the trackpad has been retained in the new C-Class as have the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. There’s also an updated voice recognition system and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display as standard.
The standard navigation system features an augmented reality display for the central screen, and the C-Class can be linked with an app on your phone to provide information on where you parked the vehicle and live-traffic updates with predictive navigation.
There is also fingerprint recognition that can be anchored to driver profiles with preferences stored for HVAC, seating and ambient lighting settings.
The wagon has been ruled out for Australia
Electrically adjustable sports seats with four-way lumbar adjustment are standard fitment, though the C200 uses ‘Artico’ synthetic leather upholstery.
Starting from $90,400 before on-road costs and options the C300 sedan will be the range-topping C-Class until the AMG models arrive.
For the extra asking price, Mercedes-Benz includes leather upholstery on the electrically-adjustable seats, privacy glass and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.
How safe is the new C-Class?
The C-Class is yet to receive an ANCAP or Euro NCAP safety score though there are some key inclusions that should see the new sedan pass with flying colours.
The new C-Class will arrive with refreshed safety credentials and driver aids
The ‘W206’ C-Class gets a total of 10 airbags including a one between driver and passenger for the first time.
There’s also an updated suite of driver assistance technology that includes adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, front AEB with pedestrian, cyclist and junction detection, lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022: prices in Australia
All prices listed are before on-road costs.
- C200: $78,900
- C300: $90,400