We compare the first batch of the W206 C-Class against the first batch of W205 C-Class models.
When it comes to the Benz brand, the C-Class has become the default entry point into the brand. In this latest generation, the C-Class is no longer the smallest 4-door Benz in the market. If anything, that elevates the C-Class’ importance and level of prestige in the model range.
The previous C-Class was quite a popular vehicle, especially given how good it looked. Let’s see if its replacement is as impressive. We initially thought of comparing this new W206 C-Class against the final iteration of the W205, but given the significant price advantage of CKD models AND the fact that older C-Class owners will probably be more likely to upgrade their cars than those who just bought their vehicle in the last 2+ years, we’ve decided on a more apples-to-apples comparison.
Therefore, we’ll be comparing the best of the first-year CBU batch of W205 from 2014 versus this CBU batch of W206 from 2022. In particular, we’re comparing the top-spec C250 AMG Line from 2014 against the top-spec C300 AMG Line from 2022. It’s worth noting that the C250 AMG Line was not part of the initial offering in Malaysia, but was quickly added to showrooms after about 1 month.
Let’s begin with the dimensions of the vehicles.
The new C-Class is a clear winner in this aspect. It’s 65mm longer overall with a 25mm longer wheelbase, 10mm wider and Mercedes-Benz claims ergonomics for occupants has been improved all around. What’s more, the new C-Class is lower to the ground by 5mm.
However, it’s not a clear sweep for the new C-Class. In terms of boot space and its fuel tank capacity, the W206 is a step down. It has a trunk that is 25 litres smaller and a fuel tank that carries 16 litres less petrol than the W205. Pair this to an increase in weight of 170kg and you have a new car which with a shorter full tank range than its predecessor, but this is theoretical and hasn’t yet been tested. We’ll talk about fuel efficiency in the next segment.
Both the 2022 C300 and 2014 C250 are powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine. However that’s where the similarities end. The new C-Class gets a mild-hybrid powertrain and the engine itself is of a new design and has a much higher output. The C300 produces 255 horsepower at 5,800rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,000rpm with its electric motor supplying 20 hp and 200Nm of torque while the C250’s petrol engine could churn out 211 hp at 5,500rpm and 350Nm of torque at 1,200rpm. 0-100km/h in the new C-Class takes just 6 seconds while in the C250 it would have taken 6.6 seconds.
The new C300 is also paired to the 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox whereas the C250 and much of the pre-facelift C-Class models, came with the 7G-Tronic automatic too. Fuel efficiency has suffered somewhat due to the weight increase and the new car is rated for 7L/100km where the C250 could return 5.3L/100km. It’s also worth noting that the older car has AMG Sport suspension that is lowered somewhat whereas the new car comes with Agility Control Suspension.
In terms of equipment, the new C300 mostly wins, but there are some blows traded between both cars dressed in the AMG Line kit. The new car has larger 19″ AMG rims where the older one comes with a set of 18″ wheels instead. Lighting on the new C-Class is 100% LED with Auto High Beams where the older car had combination LED taillamps and Adaptive LED headlights.
The biggest jump in equipment is in terms of electronics. The new car has a larger portrait-oriented 11.4″ MBUX infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto where the older car started off with a COMAND 8.4″ floating infotainment system. The trade off here is that the older car had the 13-speaker, 590W Burmester Surround Sound system.
The new car has a fully-digital instrument cluster, electric steering adjustment, a wireless phone charger, 4 USB-C ports, and other extensive MBUX features, all missing on the C250 from 2014. In terms of safety, the new C300 also comes with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assistance, blind spot collision prevention, rear cross traffic collision prevention and more where active safety was absent in the first batch of CBU W205 models.
Finally, there’s the pricing. With the ongoing SST discount, the new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 AMG Line is fully-imported from Germany for RM330,681 while the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C250 AMG Line was fully-imported from South Africa for RM339,888. We have to say the new car is an overall step up in value-for-money compared to the first batch of W205 cars.
We will try and do another one of these against the final batch of CKD W205 models when local as soon as this W206 is available as a locally-assembled car.
