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Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022: Australian pricing revealed for new W206-series sedan

 
John Law
Contributor

Following its global unveiling last year, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan has been priced for Australia


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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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