Mercedes-Benz C-Class 200 Avantgarde Line Test Drive Review

April 5, 2022

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This latest version of the C-Class shares some S-Class features

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia very recently introduced the most anticipated, all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class (codenamed the W206) in Malaysia from RM288,334. We are sharing our experience with the C 200 below and we will share our impression of the all new C 300 in a few weeks’ time.

Arriving with groundbreaking standards in comfort with an array of new features we have so much information to share. Meanwhile, did you know that the C-Class is the best-selling Mercedes-Benz model series for the past ten years.

We started our journey of getting to know this all new C-Class at 9.00am when we ignited the newly designed quiet 4-cylinder engine. We were heading down south to Desaru Coast and we had no restrictions with our route (Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is one of the few car manufacturers in Malaysia who allow journalist, lifestyle and motoring to really experience their new vehicles properly).

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 200 Avantgarde Line

City traffic was still high as we snaked along with the rest of morning rush hour drivers and 45 minutes later we were on the open toll highway. Soon it was time to try the latest version of their navigation system (as we wanted to leave the toll highway and use the inner state maintained roads) which is part of the latest generation NTG7 MBUX (same as the version used in the latest S-Class) which is much more than just a personal assistant. It serves as a central nervous system that intelligently networks all the vehicle’s function and so personalized to make life much easier for our customers.

C 200 Avantgarde Line Exterior

The C 200 is equipped with Avantgarde line exterior. The highlights include in particular the radiator grille design with central Mercedes three pointed star as well as elegant trim strips in high-sheen aluminium and chrome with lowered comfort suspension and 18” 5-spoke wheels. The rear-end design is typical of a Mercedes-Benz sedan.

The high-quality design of the tail lamps fascinates with an unmistakable day and night appearance. The lamps for the first time have a two-piece design in the C-Class, with the light functions divided between the side wall and boot lid lamps. Their precisely configured interiors also showcase the standard of particularly high quality in detail with the silver grey diamond-pattern trim.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 200 Avantgarde Line navigation

C 200 Avantgarde Line Interior

The dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section: into a wing-like section with new, flattened round vents reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles, and into an opulent expanse of trim. The latter flows from the center console to the dashboard without interruption.

The driver-focus dashboard and central display are slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees. It features a high-resolution 12.3” free-standing driver display, setting it apart from traditional cockpits with classic round dials. Its portrait orientation is particularly advantageous for navigation and features a fingerprint scanner which can identify you quickly and conveniently.

When you touch the scanner, the system then grants the user access. This is secure and additionally more straightforward than entering a PIN.

The driver display and media display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience. The look of the screens can be individualized with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, and Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). In “Sporty”, for example, the color red is predominant and the central rev counter has a dynamic design. The new C-Class is equipped with ambient lighting featuring optical fibers as standard.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 300 Avantgarde Line

C 200 Avantgarde Line Powertrain

This latest C-Class 200 engine comes with an integrated starter-generator (ISG) for intelligent assistance at low engine speeds as a mild hybrid of the second generation. This ensures power delivery like a more powerful engine.

The ISG uses a 48-volt on-board electrical system that ensures functions such as gliding, boosting or energy recovery, and makes significant fuel savings possible. The engines also start very rapidly and comfortably as a result, so that the start/stop function is almost as imperceptible to the driver as the transition from gliding with the engine switched off to strong acceleration under engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine ensures outstandingly smooth running.

C 200 Avantgarde Line Drive

This new C-Class makes driving the car not only fluent and far more relaxing than most cars, but also adds an another level of sophistication with its comfortable living room. The damping rates on the shock absorbers are well tuned to allow plenty of allowance as we rode the back roads of Johor state.

It does not get sloppy or soggy and feel in control and steering wheel inputs are precise. There is firmness to the ride at times and you will feel some of the worse bumps and lumps when you cross them, but it is never sharp edged or abrupt, it is always smooth. This Benz has a fairly flat attitude through corners.

There is very little body-roll to speak of, and it is fairly nice to drive through twisting sections of road so long as you don’t push too hard as the tyres are not designed for what a Mercedes AMG GT is designed for. As far as handling goes this Benz is rather nice for a luxury car exhibiting fairly progressive steering and little roll as we arrived 4 plus hours later at Desaru Coast.

By the way, when we were on the tolled highway at triple digit speeds it was very quiet, composed and very smooth. Power wise, the new 1.5-litre turbocharged engine managed to impress from our early morning departure traffic lights. You do not get a turbo push when you accelerate hard and instead you get a continues torque wave that builds up fast when you floor the accelerator pedal.

It exhibits a much steadier, smoother flow of power and even though this 1.5-litre turbo engine doesn’t give you a thrill like the Mercedes A35 and A45 hot hatch models, it is designed to be a good cruiser with a luxurious ride.

The brakes do a good job and combine with ABS and brake assist to ensure your heart rate never climbs too high, even in the wet.

On the whole the car is very accomplished, providing a relaxed but responsive drive and it immediately puts its immediate rival in the shade. Low fuel sipping combined with impressive torque of 300Nm in a luxurious space, for just RM288k, its easy to believe this will be another segment best seller.