Mercedes C-Class 200 sedan test: comfort and technology

By werdt11/05/2022595 Views

Launched in 1982, the Mercedes C-Class continues to seduce customers over generations, with more than 10.5 million units sold in forty years, including 2.5 since 2014. A real success story for the sedan, which remains one of the brand's best-selling models today, alongside the A-Class. new generation, which was therefore officially revealed at the beginning of the year. A very largely modernized fifth version, qualified from its presentation as a mini-Class S, by its style but also the technological leap forward made. But does it really keep its promises? We got behind the wheel of the 200 petrol version to find out.

A real magic carpet

If the German firm still seduces mainly thanks to diesel, since this engine represents 70% of sales of the Class C, it does not neglect its customers who are followers of gasoline. They can therefore opt for the version equipped with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder 204 horsepower, associated with a 9G-Tronic gearbox and a 48-volt light hybridization. A rather convincing set and above all very flexible, very typical comfort. It is this word that will best describe this Mercedes C-Class, which takes care of its occupants, well installed at the front and at the rear, thanks to a wheelbase up 2 centimeters. The driver benefits from an ultra-technological cockpit, with a modern and intuitive MBUX system, comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, combined with a large 11.9-inch touch screen in a vertical position. The set is very qualitative, although the touch controls on the steering wheel are absolutely not practical, whether to change audio tracks or change displays.

Around town, the sedan is a real treat, with smooth gearshifts and good overall soundproofing. On faster tracks, we will appreciate the suspension which is both flexible and firm enough to limit body movements. Nevertheless, and if the progress is notable, the sedan remains above all typed comfort, with a flexible direction and a box which has a little more difficulty to follow when the pace increases. The weight of the car, displayed at 1,650 kilos does not play in its favor either, with very average agility, although the whole remains reassuring. On the other hand, we regret the braking, which requires a certain time of adaptation, in particular because of a transmission between the regeneration system and the mechanical braking which is too perceptible. The feeling is then quite unpleasant, despite good efficiency and sufficient bite. Finally, if the 48-volt hybrid system is almost imperceptible, it makes it possible to slightly limit consumption, displayed at 6.3 litres, while emissions are established at 143 g/km.