2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Review

As long and storied as the history of Mercedes-Benz is, it is the compact executive car that forms the backbone of the basis of their modern image – especially when you consider that Mercedes-Benz has shifted from an older demographic to one that’s noticeably younger. Vehicles like the A-Class have seen much larger uptake, as has the model we’re talking about here today: the C-Class.

Interestingly enough, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has always managed to operate in its own little bubble in a sense. By this, we mean that other products may have been influenced by the offerings of rivals resulting in a bit of a streamlining towards a similar product, but the C-Class has managed to avoid this and go about what it does on its own terms.

And what exactly does that mean? Its powertrains have been unique and robust from even three generations ago, with supercharged 1.8-litre KOMPRESSOR models being somewhat popular among C-Class buyers. The next generation saw the introduction of turbocharged 1.8-litre petrol engines in the form of the CGI powertrains that represented a big leap forward in terms of performance and efficiency.

The more current models have a consolidated range of turbocharged 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines in varying states of tune. Larger engine variants were re-designated as AMG models, leaving just the Mercedes-Benz C200, C250, and C300 as the regular C-Class model variants.

The all-new C-Class you see here now was launched in 2022, and the best selling Mercedes-Benz model series in the last ten years is now available in two iterations for the Malaysian market - the all-new W206 C200 Avantgarde and the C300 AMG Line.

For the time being both of the models are CBU with plans to CKD them in the second half of 2022 in Pekan, Pahang.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Specifications

Two variants are on offer:

The W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Avantgarde comes with a 1.5-litre engine pushing out 204 hp and 300 Nm of torque - being a Mild Hybrid is it paired with a 48-volt Integrated Starter Generator  

The beefier option of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C300 AMG Line in turn comes with a 2.0-litre engine pumping out 258 hp and 400 Nm of torque, also paired with a 48-volt Integrated Starter Generator.  

Drive for both variants is delivered exclusively to the rear wheels through an enhanced shifting 9-speed conventional automatic transmission known as the 9G-TRONIC. This transmission is an evolution of the 7-speed units that were common before this, shifting quicker and more smoothly than ever before. It doesn’t get as much love as units from BMW, but it does its job more than well enough.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Exterior

The W206 C-Class has taken the already very high-value appeal of the previous C-Class and modernized it, further enhancing it with sporty design elements. This was achieved through the combination of short front overhang, long wheelbase and rear overhang. The sporty bonnet with power domes accentuates this urge of forward motion. The windscreen and passenger cell have been moved to the rear for these classic proportions known in the industry as "cab-backward design".

The C200 in Avantgarde trim is highlighted by the radiator grille upfront as well as elegant trim strips in high-sheen aluminium and chrome, complementing the 18-inch 5-spoke wheels riding on lowered but comfort suspension.

The more aggressive C300 AMG Line comes with 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels, a panoramic sunroof and LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Interior

The inside of the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has evolved a great deal since the previous generation, incorporating styling cues from its more premium sibling, the S-Class. 

Upon entering the cockpit, you will immediately notice the split dashboard design that extends into a wing-like section that houses the new flattened round air-conditioning vents.

The dashboard and central display is tilted towards the driver, with a high-resolution 12.3-inch free-standing driver display setting it apart.

Access to Mercedes' famed MBUX system is controlled via touchscreen with a very advantageous portrait orientation for ease of navigation. A fingerprint scanner identifies you quickly and conveniently, safeguarding your personal data. The scanner is located in a convenient location below the central display and can record the distinctive biometric features of up to two random fingers per user.

The driver display and media display can be further customized into three display styles: Discreet, Sporty or Classic. Ambient lighting is also standard in the all-new C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Safety Features

Safety items haven’t been highlighted particularly well with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, though this is largely because they have been around for an extremely long time and are regarded more as standard options than things to shout about. However, key safety highlights include Active Parking Assist with PARKTRONIC, URBAN GUARD vehicle protection, Lane Tracking package, Pedestrian protection and Parking package with reversing camera. 

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Strengths & Weakness

As the average luxury car consumer in Malaysia, there are really few things to find fault with when it comes to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It’s now a lot more premium looking, comfortable enough, quick enough, smooth enough, and roomy enough inside to tick all the boxes you would be looking for when it comes to a Mercedes-Benz. 

The unfortunate problem with the C-Class stems from the very thing that gives it an individuality among its peers – it doesn’t handle as well as its rivals do, to the point where it can lead to some slightly jarring and bizarre situations when you’re throwing the car around. Hitting a mid-corner undulation causes diagonal pitching across the chassis and forces even a fairly confident driver to back down.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Price

The all-new W206 C200 Avantgarde and the C300 AMG Line are priced at RM288,334 and RM330,681 respectively. This is inclusive of current sales tax exemptions that are in place. 

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Features

Augmented Video is available as standard in both the Malaysian variants of the 2022 C-Class. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle, showing the moving images on the central display. This helps make navigation much easier, especially in urban areas.

The "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant has become more interactive and has learning capabilities when you activate the online services in the Mercedes me App.

With the "Spotify and Apple Music" service, Mercedes-Benz has now fully integrated the major music streaming services into the MBUX infotainment system for your listening pleasure.  

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 Fuel Consumption

Official manufacturer data from the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lists the C200 returning between 6.2 to 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres of combined driving while the C300 variant was quoted as returning between 6.6 to 7.0 litres per 100 kilometres.