The "C 200" Equipped with a Mild Hybrid System

The first model we drove was the "C 200 Avantgarde" sedan. This is the highlight model, featuring a powertrain that has been changed from the previous 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo to a mild hybrid system combining a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder turbo engine with a 48V electric motor.

The newly developed "M264" 1.5-liter inline-4 engine単体 produces 135kW (184PS) at 5,800-6,100rpm and a maximum torque of 280Nm at 3,000-4,000rpm. It is combined with a motor that serves as both starter and generator, the "BSG (Belt-Driven Starter Generator)," connected to the crankshaft via a belt, and a "48V electrical system." This system stores electricity generated through regenerative braking in a 1kWh battery, producing a maximum output of 10kW (14PS) and a maximum torque of 160Nm to assist propulsion. The engine's output and torque are generated at higher RPMs because this motor assists in the low-RPM range.

The degree of evolution is immediately apparent from the moment the engine starts. With no starter motor, the engine fires up instantly without any sound or vibration. Furthermore, from the moment of startup, the electric motor assists until the turbocharger's boost pressure reaches a sufficient level, resulting in exceptionally smooth acceleration from a standstill.

The motor also operates during gear shifts. During upshifts, it assists in reducing engine speed drop, and during downshifts, it acts as a brake to control rotation, providing an acceleration and deceleration experience with virtually no perceptible shift shock. This makes navigating the winding roads with their frequent ups and downs around Karuizawa a truly enjoyable experience at a brisk pace. Additionally, restarting from an idling stop is also seamless, with the starter motor providing a smooth, one-shot start without the "thump" of conventional systems, enhancing the sense of luxury.

Run-flat Tires Discontinued

Speaking of luxury, the run-flat tires used in the previous model have been discontinued on almost all models. The switch to normal tires, which provide a greater sense of air volume, has improved comfort when passing over ruts and rough surfaces, a sensation that can be felt through the steering wheel and seat. Mercedes-Benz Japan explained that with Japan's good road conditions and numerous service centers, the risk of punctures is low, and this change was made in response to customer requests, a decision that seems well-justified.



Further refinements include the "MULTIBEAM LED headlights" on the test car, similar to those in the higher-end "S-Class" and "E-Class," and the taillight units feature a "C" motif design. The front grille is now a "diamond grille," with air intakes emphasizing width and side air curtains, giving the appearance a more robust feel. The interior has also been updated with a wider 10.25-inch display atop the dashboard, a C-Class exclusive 12.3-inch cockpit display, and a latest-generation steering wheel designed like the S-Class.

The price of the C 200 Avantgarde Sedan is 5.52 million yen. The total price for the test car in Diamond White, including the Radar Safety Package, AMG Line, Leather Exclusive Package, and Special Metallic Paint, was 7,067,120 yen.

The "C 220 d" Equipped with the Same Diesel Engine as the E-Class

Next, we drove the "C 220 d Avantgarde" station wagon. This model features a powertrain that has been replaced from the previous 2.2-liter inline-4 diesel to the latest "OM654" 2.0-liter inline-4 clean diesel engine found in the E-Class.

Despite a reduced displacement, this diesel engine achieves higher output, producing a maximum of 143kW (190PS) at 3,800rpm and a maximum torque of 400Nm at 1,600-2,800rpm. It utilizes different materials for the cylinder (aluminum) and piston (steel), along with a NANOSLIDE surface coating to reduce friction, resulting in significantly reduced diesel clatter and vibration, as claimed.



Once on the road, the diesel engine noise is barely noticeable, and one becomes captivated by the sensation of the immense 400Nm of torque smoothly accelerating the wagon body. Even at considerable speeds, the tachometer needle remains at a low position, which is surprisingly impressive. You can feel a surge of torque from the sole of your right foot pressing the accelerator; in city driving, you can easily lead other cars by revving to just 2,000rpm.

Furthermore, even without the electric motor assist found in the C 200, gear shifts are smooth. Upon inquiry after the drive, the company's public relations department suggested that the engine change necessitated modifications to the mounts, which likely contributed to this smoothness. The base price of 6.02 million yen, with options comparable to the C 200, brought the total price of the test car in Iridium Silver to 7,509,560 yen.

The More Powerful "AMG C 43"

Finally, we experienced the "AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet," a four-seater open-top model equipped with a high-output V6 engine exclusively developed by Mercedes-AMG and the "AMG 4MATIC" all-wheel-drive system. The "M276" V6 twin-turbo direct-injection engine has been fitted with larger turbines, increasing its maximum output by 23PS to 287kW (390PS) at 6,100rpm, and delivering a maximum torque of 529Nm at 2,500-5,000rpm.

As we were photographing the test car, which featured a brilliant blue soft top combined with a light porcelain/black interior, a light rain began to fall. We hastily closed the top and headed for a test drive on winding roads with medium-speed corners. This operation can be performed even while driving, completing in about 20 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h.



The road surface in Karuizawa was wet, but we selected the Sport+ mode via Dynamic Select. The closest position being Sport+ (lower on the screen) is a characteristic feature of AMG sports models. The AMG logo on the speedometer and the "BITURBO" text on the tachometer are pleasing to the eye. In this mode, the AMG exhaust system truly comes alive. The heroic sound characteristic of the V6 engine, which makes you think "this is what a high-performance car should sound like," and the "phut" of the AMG Speedshift MCT during downshifts, reverberate off the surrounding trees, and can be enjoyed even inside the car with the top down.

The AMG 4MATIC system features a rear-biased torque distribution of 31:69. Combined with the minimal body roll, or rather, the non-existent roll, provided by the AMG RIDE CONTROL sports suspension, cornering becomes exhilarating. Returning to the city, we switched to Comfort mode and experienced a surprisingly calm ride for a high-performance car. The price is just over 10 million yen, at 10.03 million yen.

Driving the various minor-changed C-Class models, one can truly feel that a model already enjoying strong sales has reached even greater heights. While rivals such as the BMW 3 Series (rumored to be getting a new model), the Audi A4, and in Japan, the new Toyota Crown, are numerous in the same category, it seems that catching up to the C-Class will be quite a challenge.