Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 of the new generation: more power and economy. Full overview

2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41

The 2022 Mercedes C-Class is a car that, according to the official statement, was built from scratch. German engineers redesigned the proprietary MRA platform and redesigned both suspensions, which had a positive impact on handling. At the same time, the engine range was revised: now the competitor to the BMW 3-Series and Genesis G80 is equipped with 1.5-liter supercharged engines, each of which is combined with a 48-volt starter-generator. A more powerful version of the power unit is complemented by a plug-in all-wheel drive. In Russia, prices for the new C-Class start at 3.66 million rubles. This amount already includes an AMG aerodynamic body kit, seats with a combined trim and the necessary set of safety systems. The top version has a premium stereo system, panoramic cameras, 4-zone climate control and other equipment.

Specifications

Despite the fact that the 2022 Mercedes C-Class is, in fact, another stage in the evolutionary development of the sedan, the car really came out in a new body. Outwardly, as official photos show, it differs significantly from its predecessor. In addition to changing the body and interior, Mercedes-Benz has deeply reworked the technical characteristics and equipment, which has led to an increase in prices for the German model.

As previously noted, the new C-Class builds on the old MRA platform, which has been substantially redesigned to improve handling and ride comfort. German engineers have upgraded the four-link front and five-link rear suspension. Each of them is combined with an anti-roll bar. By default, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is based on a sports suspension, which can be replaced with a pneumatic suspension for a surcharge.

In Russia, all engines with which the German sedan is offered are combined with a 48-volt starter-generator. It not only improves acceleration dynamics, but also adds 20 hp. power and 200 N * m of torque. Standard under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. Its "younger" version develops up to 170 hp. net power and 250 N * m of torque. Together with such an engine, the C-Class consumes an average of 6, 2 liters of gasoline and accelerates to 100 km / h in 8, 6 seconds. In more expensive versions, the maximum output of the base engine increases to 197 hp, and the torque increases to 300 N * m. In combination with such a unit, the German sedan develops 100 km / h in 7.1 seconds, consuming about 6.5 liters of fuel.

Both available engines come with a new 9-speed automatic transmission and Start / Stop system. A more powerful version of the power unit is also combined with all-wheel drive. In the European market, the C-Class can be purchased with an extended engine range. It sells a sedan with a 2-liter turbo engine that produces up to 258 hp. Optionally, a modified 2-liter turbodiesel appears under the hood of the German model, which, depending on the modification, develops up to 163, 200 or 265 hp. The most expensive version of the C-Class has a hybrid setup based on a 2-liter supercharged engine that produces up to 204 hp and a 129-horsepower electric motor. Its total power reaches 313 hp, torque - 550 N * m. Together with this installation comes a 25.4-kilowatt battery, which provides an electric power reserve of 100 kilometers.

The total length of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is 4751 mm, width - 1820 mm, height - 1437 mm. The wheelbase is 2865 mm, the ground clearance is 97 mm.

Options and prices

The Mercedes C-Class is still presented in Russia with only two trim levels. Perhaps in the future, the number of versions of the sedan will be increased. Moreover, Mercedes-Benz has promised to bring the C-Class station wagon.

Sport

The initial version of the German model is estimated in Russia at a minimum of 3.66 million rubles. For the appearance of a more powerful motor and all-wheel drive, the manufacturer asks for an additional 550 thousand rubles. By default, the 2022 Mercedes C-Class is equipped with an electronic power steering and a sports suspension, which can be replaced for a surcharge with pneumatic suspension with automatically adjustable shock absorbers. In the "base" of the German sedan there are:

• aluminum wheel rims with a diameter of 18 inches;
• automatic gearbox with gearshift paddles;
• self-supporting tires;
• an electronically controlled parking brake with an automatic sedan hold function;
• LED optics arranged in a circle (including fog lights);
• headlights with automatic switching function;
• windscreen wipers with rain sensor.

As standard, the German model is equipped with an electric tailgate, which, in versions with a more powerful engine, is only available as an option. Already in the initial version, a multifunctional steering wheel with a leather sheath, a 10, 25-inch digital instrument panel, an engine start button and seats upholstered with combined materials are installed in the saloon. The front seats are electrically heated and powered as standard. There is also a button for central shutdown of the power windows and a keyless entry system.

The basic version of the German model can be improved with an extensive list of additional options, which includes:

• wheel rims 19 inches;
• electrically adjustable sunroof;
• projection display;
• seats with leather upholstery;
• front seats with lumbar support, ventilation and an electric drive that remembers settings;
• heated rear seats and steering wheel;
• lane keeping assistant;
• adaptive cruise control;
• tracking system for "dead" zones (with a more powerful motor becomes standard);
• intelligent car parker;
• driver monitoring sensor.

In addition to seven airbags, the basic safety complex includes anti-lock brakes, frontal impact prevention, speed control, head optics control and wheel pressure monitoring. Front and rear bumpers are complemented by parking sensors for the C-Class. For comfort in the basic version, there is a two-zone climate control system (optional four-zone), which can be combined with a humidifier and an air purifier, an absorber of unpleasant odors for a surcharge. The standard multimedia complex contains a large joystick, a nine-speaker stereo system, an 11.9-inch touch screen and a rear-view camera. In addition, the launch modification provides an aerodynamic body kit from AMG and navigation. Panoramic cameras can also be purchased as an option.

Sport Plus

For the top version of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class in Russia, they ask for at least 4.48 million rubles. Such a large surcharge in comparison with the price of the base modification is due to the appearance of a premium stereo system with 13 speakers and an electrically adjustable sunroof.

Options and prices (summary table)

#	Equipment	Model years	Cost, rub.	Drive unit	Transmission	Engine, cc cm	Acceleration from 0 to 100, s	Max. speed, km / h	Power, max., H.p. (kW) at rpm	Combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km
1	C 180 Sport	2021 -	3590000	Rear	Automatic transmission 9	1496	8.6	231	170 (125) / 6100	6, 2
2	C 200 4MATIC Sport	2021 -	4130000	Full (4WD)	Automatic transmission 9	1496	7.1	241	204 (150) / 6100	6, 5
3	C 200 4MATIC Sport Plus	2021 -	4390000	Full (4WD)	Automatic transmission 9	1496	7.1	241	197 (145) / 6100	6, 5

* - information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for the exact cost.

Safety

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has yet to pass independent crash tests. However, it can already be assumed that the German novelty has been improved in terms of safety. This is supported by official statements that Mercedes-Benz engineers have strengthened the car's structure. Also, the sedan has been replenished with several active systems that have been finalized. Under certain circumstances, the on-board electronics of a German sedan are capable of taking control of the vehicle, which reduces the likelihood of a collision and increases the protection of passengers and the driver.

Handling and off-road performance

After the change of generations, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was the first in its class to receive an air suspension that supports 5 operating modes. They are adjusted using a selector located on the transmission tunnel. Each mode of operation has a significant impact on the character of the vehicle. After starting Sport, the steering wheel and pedals are sharper. That is, any, even minor movements of the driver immediately affect the behavior of the car. And the engine picks up maximum speed very quickly.

But in Comfort mode, the German sedan really behaves comfortably. In this case, the steering wheel becomes more informative and less sharp, and the suspension easily copes with road bumps. Moreover, the difference with pneumatics will be insignificant. In fact, in this mode, the German model allows the driver to relax as much as possible while driving. But as noted earlier, with the launch of the Sport, the C-Class's habits change dramatically. This mode is made for those who like fast driving. However, it should be borne in mind that with such settings, all minor irregularities will immediately be reflected in the cabin.

The updated C-Class is less suited to driving outside of flat pavement than its predecessor. This is hampered not only by the 97mm ground clearance, but also by the relatively stiff suspension.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of the updated German sedan include:

• increase in power due to the starter-generator;
• reduced fuel consumption;
• more comfortable ride;
• the presence of five modes that change the behavior of the car;
• comfortable lounge;
• intuitive multimedia;
• many active driver assistance systems.

In addition to the overpriced, the disadvantages of the new C-Class include a limited range of engines and trim levels. But in the future, this disadvantage can be eliminated.

Design

The German model retained the body proportions characteristic of its predecessor, but externally changed quite a lot. The C-Class now comes with a polygonal radiator grille with a 3D pattern formed by small metal strips and a large brand name in the center. Below is the bumper, which almost completely occupies the air intake, which expands on the sides. The headlights have been reduced in size during the upgrade. Their schedule has also changed. Similar improvements were made to the taillights. The rear of the C-Class is complemented by a bumper with narrow side diffusers that give the car a sportier look.

The interior of the German model combines minimalist design and premium performance at the same time. Like the flagship S-Class, the new C-Class features a large, vertically oriented, angled touchscreen monitor. Above it are 3 airflow deflectors, which have acquired a more square shape. The steering wheel of the C-Class retains the original "spokes" with electronic control buttons. The transmission tunnel of the German model is covered with a lacquered material, which "bursts" due to the built-in niche with a closing lid.

Sales start

Sales of the new generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class started in Russia in April 2021. A car is imported to our country from Germany.

Competitors

The list of competitors of the German model is:

• Genesis G80;
• BMW 3-Series;
• Audi A5;
• Jaguar XE.