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IMPRESSION
October 28, 2021
Test Drive the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Incredibly Powerful and Sportier Than Expected
Rear-axle Steering Enhances Cornering Enjoyment
On the model we tested, there were moments where the ride felt a bit stiff. On roads with undulations at higher speeds, I sometimes felt it was quite firm. The public relations representative from the Japanese subsidiary explained that this was due to the stiff sidewalls of the tires.
The "AMG Line," popular for its sporty specifications, features optional "rear-axle steering" which significantly enhances the enjoyment of cornering. Even on tight corners, it turns with a satisfying agility.
This system steers the rear wheels at an angle relative to the front wheels depending on vehicle speed. Below approximately 60 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite phase to the front wheels, effectively shortening the wheelbase. This improves maneuverability in tight spaces.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the minimum turning radius is reduced by a remarkable 40cm compared to models without this system. In the 1970s, Mercedes-Benz cars achieved exceptionally large steering angles using high-precision joints on the front wheels. It's a strong reminder of the passage of time that the new generation achieves improved maneuverability through electronic means.
Conversely, above 60 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the same phase as the front wheels, enhancing straight-line stability. While the previous C-Class was also an excellent car, the latest model pulls ahead with its technological prowess.
The interior is dominated by a 12.3-inch flat instrument cluster and an 11.9-inch media display, similar to the new S-Class. The "MBUX" voice command system, which allows operation of the air conditioning and navigation, seems to have improved in its voice recognition accuracy.
Furthermore, a biometric authentication system using fingerprint and voice recognition is incorporated. This system automatically adjusts settings such as seat position, cockpit display style, steering wheel and door mirror positions, and paired mobile devices according to the registered profile.
Through a mobile device, you can open and close windows and the sliding roof, lock and unlock doors, and set navigation destinations. The parking location is also displayed on a map app. AR navigation, which combines camera images with map data, is also available as an option.
The core enjoyment of driving is enhanced, while the latest digital technology is also seamlessly integrated. This is the C-Class's greatest characteristic. Fuel efficiency has improved to 14.5 km/liter from the previous 12.9 km/liter. This means reduced CO2 emissions per kilometer driven, leading to improved environmental performance.
The price starts at 6,540,000 yen for the "C200 Avantgarde." Later, the 2-liter diesel "C200d Avantgarde" and the plug-in hybrid "C350e Avantgarde" will be introduced.
