Mercedes C-Class In-Depth Review 2022 - Still the BEST Luxury Saloon?
BUY, LEASE OR FINANCE A MERCEDES C-CLASS FROM OSV: bit.ly/3izXGi6
Despite the rise and rise of the SUV, the C-Class continues to be Mercedes' best selling international model. No pressure then for this redesigned fifth-generation 'W206'-series version. Which fully embraces various forms of engine electrification. And brings more than a dash of S-Class luxury to this important segment.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
00:37 Background
04:15 Driving Experience
14:03 Design & Build
29:38 Market & Model Range
44:10 Cost of Ownership
53:16 Summary
Background
Thinking of a German mid-sized premium badged saloon or estate? If so, then your options have always been pretty straightforward; the dynamic drive of a BMW 3 Series, the uber-cool technology of an Audi A4 or the aspirational image of a Mercedes C-Class. With this fifth generation 'C' though, Mercedes wants to offer more; a sharper drive to temp BMW folk; and a big enough step forward in technology and efficiency to make a potential Audi customer think again.
We've heard this before down the decades of course, since the first generation 'W202'-series C-Class was first introduced back in 1993. Particularly with this MK5 model's 'W205'-series predecessor, launched in 2014 which went on to sell 2.5 million units. But there are strong grounds for Mercedes' claims for conquest business this time round. Under the skin, many aspects of its updated 'MRA' ('Mercedes Rear Architecture') platform are shared with the latest S-Class - as is much else. The aim is to redefine what 'luxury' means in this segment. Sounds promising. Let's take a look.
Driving Experience
There's quite a change here. This latest C-Class is powered only by electrified four cylinder powerplants - yes, right up to the top C 63 AMG variant. The mainstream engines have mild hybrid tech, with pricier plug-in options if you want them. The entry petrol model is the C200, which has a 1.5-litre unit offering 204hp. Next up is the 2.0-litre C300 with 258hp.
Mercedes hasn't abandoned diesel either. There are three options, all of which use a revised 2.0-litre unit, which now gets an extra 42cc of capacity. The C220d has 200hp and the top C300d has 265hp. All C-Class models have to be had with 9-speed automatic transmission.
We mentioned plug-in options, said by Mercedes to be 'significantly more electric' - and so it proves. Courtesy of a much larger 25kWh battery pack beneath the boot floor, the C300e petrol PHEV manages between 34 and 62 miles of all-electric driving range. It's also pretty quick, courtesy of a combined 304hp output and can drive in all-electric mode at up to 87mph. Mercedes has engineered the usual flagship high performance AMG models to complete the range.
Design and Build
From the front end, the design cues echo those introduced with the facelifted E-Class, particularly the grille and the full-LED headlight arrangement. This 'C' has moved closer in size to an 'E' too, being 65mm longer and 10mm wider, though the roof line has fallen by 7mm. Key aesthetic features include the smart bonnet with its twin power bulges and the stronger shoulder line which flows into a neat boot lid that's flanked by angular LED tail lights and which features a subtle integrated spoiler.
The previous generation C-Class was heavily influenced by the larger S-Class model, as is this 'W206'-series model - and you notice that most of all inside. A huge portrait-style touchscreen now dominates the centre stack, with three 'jet engine'-style circular vents just above and single vents at either end of the dash. That screen is a real cabin talking point, as is the fact that for the first time in a C-Class, the instrumentation is all fully digital. A 'floating' 10.25-inch digital instrument panel takes the place of the previous more conventional binnacle, with a larger 12.3-inch screen available as an option. Either way, you can customise the display via three 'themes' - 'Discreet', 'Sport' and 'Classic'.
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Would you buy the new C-Class?
I just ordered one :-) C300 Sedan w. AMG, Premium Pack, Trailer hitch, USB pack and in Obsidian Black. It's waiting at a port in South Africa to be boarded on a vessel headed for Europe.
Already did.
My next car🙏🏾
already got the c300 4matic. just for info the park asssit is fully automatic you dont need to operate accelerator or brakes👌
Leasing might be ok. BMW, Audi and Merc will have expensive failures after the short warranty has expired.
This is the most comprehensive and non biased review I've seen. Great presentation by reviewer.
Cheers Ralph, glad you found the review useful 👍
OSV, by far the most sensible honest n useful car reviews of any car channel on U Tube or TV right now, G/men thank you ALL, your subjective unbias n to the point of what any car buyer could wish for, one day you will be the most-watched n respected car channel on earth, I sincerely believe so
Agreed, 1000%
As an Audi A4 owner and previously owned a 3 series this looks to be the new class leader. That interior is quite impressive.
well, only if you go with a fully spec amg line version c300 for instance...that will cost you as a fully spec a5 sline 45tfsi quattro , which is tbh much nicer car overall, more sporty, more cocky and more road presence with those big and wide 20"!...only thing i like about new c class is lines that flow perfectly, it looks like a damn shark, so smooth and clean design...but as i said, i prefer audis....
You one of the best out there. Thank you for review.👍
Our pleasure, Billy! Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT
Love the details, honesty and tech parts.
Thanks Johnny, that's great to hear 👍 Make sure to subscribe for the latest in-depth vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT
A comprehensive review but in Australia only C200 and C300 are available with huge price increases and an agency model meaning no discounts combined with no wagon or diesel will probably mean customers will look elsewhere. The initial batch of cars have come with the optional adaptive suspension but from reports is not all that good. Due to chip shortages , this option is not available currently. Tell me, are you able to operate all the touch controls with drivings gloves?
Excellent reviews and comparison. I still look at my old model (W205 2018), and tell it "how beautiful you are!" Greetings from Tel Aviv!
Great to hear! Many thanks for watching 🙏 Subscribe for the latest in-depth reviews: bit.ly/319ZKoT
I like the black beeding & Black alloys
OSV is the best reviewer of cars. How does this guy remember so much information??
It's our specialty! Thanks for watching 👍
Did I misunderstand perhaps that you say the suspension is disappointing? Strange because other reports say it rides extremely well 🤷🏼♂️
My w205 has had ongoing issues with creaks and rattles. A problem I didn't have with my F30. BMW was also more fuel efficient. C Class is a brilliant car though, I found the c class steering to be much better than the BM which I didn't expect.
Have a w205 for 5 years and have not had any of the issues described above
A very good review, so comprehensive. It's clear that Mercedes is cutting cost everywhere, but they're trying to make up for it with tech and how it all looks. There was no reason to change how the seat controls work, they were the best in and the industry standard for 40+ years. A shame. The real problem for me though is that won't even be an I6 on offer here. As beautiful as the car is, it's a hard pass for me on the moped engine only W206.
What colour is the Merc in the video?
Love the new C Class 😍
2:35 the picture shows the previous gen S class, not the new one
Nice spot! What do you make of the new C-Class?
amazing 😍
Thanks for watching, Oleg! Make sure to subscribe to keep up-to-date with our latest in-depth vehicle reviews - bit.ly/319ZKoT
Best Chanel if you want real information
Thanks Suna! What are your thoughts on the C-Class?
So what do you think about the sport suspesion? In comfort mode feels comfy for a long drive? And in sport plus mode it feels different ?
Hi Alex, our vehicle experts will be happy to talk this through with you 👍 Get in touch with the team on 01903 538835 or book a date/time that best works for you - bit.ly/3soFVbF
I am wondering same. In Australia we are forced to buy AMG package which will make it sporty suspension and I am not sure how comfortable it will be on Aussie sub standard roads. This is the only reason I haven't placed order yet.
Gotta love how manufacturers are making their cars more complicated- implementing a battery pack/hybrid system within..making a repair nightmare for down the road past the warranty period…whereas Tesla, for example, has created ‘castings’ with a structural battery pack (quite genius!) You may wonder who will win this race…
Strategically this is a stop go for MB. I doubt the next c class will be full ICE more likely modular EV or full hybrid😮
Looking at this review and your last-gen facelift-W205 model review, the latter car looks more appealing as the former's looks, user interface and quality doesn't look so good.
Interested in getting a C-Class? Or have something else in mind?
@@OsvUkVehicleSupply the obvious alternative has got to be the BMW 3-series...
The W205 is the better car. Lighter, built tona higher price. The new one is a heavy pig with cheap plastics inside and around the bumpers.
@@mr.c3939 The W205 is of legendarily poor build quality. Squeaky plastics, cheap materials. The W206 is light years better, despite the cheap plastics. But it's nowhere near as squeaky as the last one. And the MBUX system is a leap that's hard to put into words.
It’s hard to trust your review considering you keep showing images of the outgoing S class rather than the current one when saying it’s similar to the current S class…
Thank you for your feedback, we'll pass this onto the team 👍
Make you wonder why MB does not make it a full EV?
Because it's a separate platform, called EQ.
Nice review. But Volvo s60 all the way.
Our new review of the new V60 Recharge PHEV just went live if you're interested! kzhead.info/sun/dtJ9Yb6QhZaclKc/bejne.html
The Volvo is an excellent car, but its infotainment system is a disaster. It runs a DOS compared to the Mercedes MBUX. The HUD is also poor, the C-Class HUD is excellent, large and customisable, unlike the Volvo. Just because an extra is included in a car doesn't mean anything. You also have to look at the quality, because there are big differences in capabilities, in terms of what you get.
Good but long!
Hi Bat-Erdene, here's the short version of this review! kzhead.info/sun/ZtN7qpWQnYGdiK8/bejne.html
No too many quality/reliability issues. Customer service isn't great either. Mercedes Benz are no longer the best luxury brand. That title goes to Lexus.
Lexus is not even close to being the best luxury brand. Most of their cars are outdated, underpowered and ugly. The only Lexus that’s on the same level as the Germans is the LC500. Long term reliability isn’t really important for new cars, espacially luxury cars, since most people don’t keep their cars for more than 3-6 years. Mercedes along with BMW are still the best luxury brands.
What have you been smoking?
@@kristians2704 Styling is subjective. Objectively, Lexus can compete with the germans. I don’t know where you live but most people keep their cars for more than 7 years. For some people reliability is important. You always look at it from one side. I think they’re both good brands. Yes, some of the Lexus models are outdated. It all comes down to you. If you want the flashiest , fastest and have the technology , short term ownership = German Luxury brands. If you search for longevity, reliability, and luxury combined = Lexus. Don’t expect the ES to turn into a hardcore BMW M5. There’s a car for everyone on this planet.
@@kristians2704 The statement that Mercedes and BMW are luxury brands is too far-fetched. Reading your comment, I have the impression that you have never sat in a Lexus, much less drove it.
@@Ramzes945 Mercedes and BMW def are luxury brands compared to Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Ford, Nissan etc. And yeah, Lexus interiors (usually) are not as good as Merc and BMW
Here we are a year later and every ice model from the German big three feels like a dinosaur. At the same time pricing of EV versions of the same model are sheer nuts and the performance is rubbish compared with many EV vehicles at half the price. I won’t be swapping my C class for the new model . Will hold and watch to see some sensibility and better performing EVs turn up. If they don’t, Mercedes and their German peers will loose out.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! We understand your concerns about EV pricing and performance. If you're considering making the switch to an electric vehicle and want expert guidance tailored to your needs, feel free to reach out to us at OSV: bit.ly/39YHCml
Stopped watching hearing some developments were done with Renault.
It's an entry 1.5 4 cyl petrol turbo, longitudaly placed here with mercedes transmission, electronics, chassis, suspesnsion, everything else except the engine block and physicaly attached components to it. It has to do with renault in final product as bosch components from bently have to do with bosch components in dacia.
Ugly from outside, nasty ipad inside = no go.
Interior looks very cheap with that tablet glued on. And is contaminated with gloss black plastic. Every bit you touch is moving brrr..
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