A Standard for the Automotive Industry

The debut of the new C-Class is undoubtedly one of the biggest news stories in the imported car world this year. This is because, even with the rising popularity of compact models like theA-ClassandB-Class, the C-Class remains the pillar of the Mercedes brand and a benchmark for the automotive industry.

The outline of the W205 new C-Class has been widely discussed in specialized media since last year (2013). In particular, the high quality of its interior and exterior design is drawing attention as it rivals the highly acclaimed currentS-Class. Its world premiere at the Detroit Show earlier this year also seems to have been met with considerable acclaim.

First, let's briefly report on the appeal of the new C-Class. We'll start by discussing its body dimensions, which have finally expanded to a respectable global D-segment size.



Audi'sA3andBMW's3 Series, among other rivals, have successively increased in size, while the C-Class had previously maintained a compact form. This was very welcome for Japanese users with size limitations in daily use, so many may have been disappointed to hear that the new C-Class has grown in size. After all, the new model has achieved a wheelbase and width that, until recently, would have been considered suitable for an E-Class.

After all, the new model has achieved a wheelbase and width that, until recently, would have been considered suitable for anE-Class...

According to the engineers, the extended wheelbase is to increase rear legroom, and the increased width is for the adoption of a four-link front suspension and interior space expansion. The background that allowed the C-Class to confidently increase its size is also likely due to the fact that the stylish four-door sedanCLA-Class, which is almost the same size as the previous C-Class, has already been released and is enjoying great popularity as anticipated.

Anticipation for the Drive

What about the powertrain? The home market offers or plans to offer a bewildering array of engine options. For example, diesel turbos (C180, C200, C220, C250 BlueTEC), gasoline (C180, C200, C250, C400), mild hybrids (C300 BlueTEC), and plug-in hybrids (C350). Of these, the gasoline versions with 7-speed AT (C180, C200, C250) will be introduced to the Japanese market within this year. While diesel turbos are planned, the grades have not yet been announced. Similarly, the introduction timing for 4MATIC (4WD) is also undecided.

Furthermore, regarding the driving experience, the adoption of Air Body Control suspension (optional), a first in its class, is sure to be a talking point. Along with the weight reduction, this heightens anticipation for the drive.



Above all, the high level of finish in the interior and exterior is the new C-Class's greatest highlight. The exterior design is so imposing that it's easily mistaken for an S-Class, making it difficult to distinguish at a glance. It's reminiscent of the "190 Series," which could be considered the first C-Class.

The interior finish is even more impressive. The design and quality of the door trims, center dashboard, and console are truly on a higher class. With the latest operating system, including the COMAND system with a touchpad, it completely surpasses the current E-Class. Of course, the safety equipment is the same as that of the higher-class models.



Incidentally, other specifications include the Avantgarde, with the three-pointed star on the grille, and the Exclusive, with the mascot on the hood, similar to the previous model. However, for the Japanese market, the plan is to introduce the Avantgarde or the AMG Line with run-flat tires.

Shared Taste with the S-Class

I got into the test car, a bluish silver. The wide center dashboard and console made me feel the benefit of the increased width. It not only provides a sense of spaciousness but also enhances the feeling of luxury even in a compact size.

However, if this area is excessively shiny with piano black, it can look cheap. I think a smooth, matte wood or metal finish would be more fitting.

Looking around, there are shared design elements with the S-Class everywhere, such as the air vents, Burmester speaker covers, electric seat adjustment switches, and other controls.



The most striking feature is the newly designed touchpad base. It's so beautiful that you'd want to display it on your desk as an objet d'art. This is an expression of sensibility that was completely absent in older Mercedes cars.

After admiring the alluring interior, a combination of cranberry red and matte wood, I ran my hand over the tactile and comfortable steering wheel, and slowly pressed the accelerator pedal.

The moment it started moving, I was enveloped in a hybrid sensation, a blend of lightness and solidity, truly the best of both aluminum and steel. As soon as I started driving, I felt a sense of "This is good, really good," something I haven't felt since my first drive in the current Golf.

The ride comfort, even with the Air Body Control mode set to Comfort, still felt a bit jarring at very low speeds. As the speed increased, it became less noticeable, but I wonder if the run-flat tires are the main reason for this. In fact, when I test-drove the 18-inch version of the 250 BlueTEC, I didn't get that impression at all.

Exceptional Quietness

Despite being a 2-liter gasoline turbo, its acceleration is simply powerful. With maximum torque of 350 Nm available from around 1,200 rpm, reaching 80 km/h is effortless. It's said to have comparable 0-100 km/h acceleration times to the 250 BlueTEC diesel turbo, which also carries the "250" designation. However, when actually comparing them, the BlueTEC's overwhelming torque surge makes it feel faster (more powerful)...

The quietness of the new C-Class is also one of its charms. While not completely silent, there are almost no bothersome noises. It maintains a very comfortable cabin at all times (although the diesel engine can be a bit noisy at startup).

Impressive Handling Performance

When I switched the Air Body Control mode to Sport+ using the switch next to the COMAND dial, the steering feedback significantly increased, and the handling became more aggressive. As a result, the nose became sharper, and the steering felt remarkably agile and responsive. It's particularly satisfying to feel the front wheels gripping the road as if they were extensions of your hands.

This is a level of responsiveness that is difficult to find in other D-segment cars of this class, truly offering a class-leading driving experience.

With its high standards, the C-Class has once again emerged as the class leader.

Mercedes-Benz C 250
Body Dimensions: Length 4,686 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,442 mm
Wheelbase: 2,840 mm
Engine: 1,991cc Inline-4 Turbo
Max Output: 155 kW (211 ps) / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Max Torque: 350 Nm / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed AT
Drivetrain: FR
Fuel Economy (NEDC): 5.3 ℓ/100km (approx. 18.9 km/ℓ)
Max Speed: 250 km/h (limited)
0-100km/h Acceleration: 6.6 seconds
CO2 Emissions: 123 g/km

Mercedes-Benz C 250 BlueTEC
Body Dimensions: Length 4,686 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,442 mm
Wheelbase: 2,840 mm
Engine: 2,143cc Inline-4 Diesel Turbo
Max Output: 150 kW (204 ps)
Max Torque: 500 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed AT
Drivetrain: FR
Fuel Economy (NEDC): 4.3 ℓ/100km (approx. 23.3 km/ℓ)
Max Speed: 250 km/h (limited)
0-100km/h Acceleration: 6.6 seconds
CO2 Emissions: 109 g/km