The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long been the benchmark compact luxury sedan, the same way we look at the Porsche 911 as a benchmark for sports cars, or the VW Golf as a mainstream passenger car benchmark.
So it’s kind of a big deal when a new one hits the market.
We had the C220d on test a couple of months ago and wanted to see how the petrol derivative stacked up.
In our review of the C220d, the most significant takeaway was the plethora of technology available and the overall refinement of their FAME (Family of Modular Engines) diesel unit. The four-cylinder engine proved impeccable and could be the best of the W chassis so far.
The C200 is the petrol derivative, and while the chassis' are identical, the differences – if any – would be how it performs compared to the more frugal diesel. As a matter of comparison, the C200's engine produces 150kW and 300Nm, while the C220 d is higher in the torque stakes, delivering 147kW and 440Nm. In addition to the internal combustion engine, a 48V electric motor adds an extra 15kW and 200Nm when needed during the drive. Click here to read our review of that vehicle.
Quick specs
Engine – turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder
Transmission – 9-speed automatic
Power outputs – 150kW and 300Nm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h - 7.3-seconds
Top speed – 246km/h
Claimed fuel consumption (combined) - 6.6-litres/100km
Just like the C220 d, the C200 came equipped with the optional AMG styling package (R54 000) that consists of 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, a diamond grille with small Mercedes-Benz badges, AMG floor mats, a multifunction sports steering wheel in Nappa leather and an uprated braking system with larger brake discs on the front axle. If you're going to spec out a C-Class, the AMG package is the way to go, all while keeping the price below R1 million.
Same but different
Newer isn't necessarily better when it comes to vehicles, but the notion changes with the current W206, which is an improvement over its predecessor. On the inside, it feels very posh, much like the ultra-luxurious S-Class. The first-generation horizontal MBUX screen on the dash is replaced by a better-suited second-generation unit comprising a 30cm touchscreen tablet and a smaller screen behind the steering wheel. The former comes standard with Android Auto and Apple Car Play functionality. Mercedes-Benz could've improved (or removed) the plastic bits, which is a bit of a let-down.
How does it drive?
We couldn't tell the audible difference between diesel and petrol at initial start-up. You really have to turn down the volume and listen to the initial start-up to know it's actually the petrol version. The C200 can do long road cruising and inner city drives at a whim, mainly due to the low centre of gravity where the car feels planted – even with the low-profile tyres. Overlooking the finicky design with its closely positioned touch functionality, the steering wheel feels good in the hands with proper ergonomic grip.
Even though the C200 has a smaller 1.5-litre engine, it is certainly not underpowered, not by a long shot. The engine, combined with the nine-speed automatic, hauls the almost 5-metre-long sedan effortlessly and keeps the fuel consumption in line with the diesel counterpart where daily driving is concerned. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption figure of 6.6-litres per 100km; the best we managed was 6.7-litres. When we drove the diesel version, we managed 5.1-litres. That's not a massive disparity for petrol versus diesel because petrol engines are considerably more thirstier.
That is where Mercedes-Benz has an advantage over its rivals. Their engines are the best in its segment. Its 66-litre tank allows for driving long distances, no matter which drive mode is engaged, and you instantly feel the difference in response from the driver's seat when switching from Eco to Sport, for example. Activate the sunroof and ambient lighting, and you have a luxury sedan that commands attention. The German brand got a lot right with the sedan, and it shows.
Spec, pricing and aftersales
C 200 – R910 056
C 220 d – R961 099
Mercedes-AMG C43 - R1 538 591
The brand offers the choice of two PremiumDrive plans. The PremiumDrive Platinum comes with a five-year and/or 100 000km service and maintenance, while the PremiumDrive Lite has three years and/or 60 000km (whichever occurs first).
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