Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has updated the most accessible model in its range of “limousines”, the C200. This renewal of sorts for 2020 picks up where the 2018 facelift left off, with the cheapest offering in the locally-assembled W205 C-Class range gaining more power, matching AMG styling and sports suspension, plus an upgrade on the tech front. 

Under the hood of the new C200 AMG Line is a new two-litre four-pot turbo which makes 204hp and 300Nm of twist replacing the 1.5-litre EQ Boost setup that used to supply the rear wheels with just 184hp and 280Nm. The additional 20hp/20Nm rallies the 2020 C200 to 100kph from a standstill in a respectable 7.1 seconds, all the way to a regulated top speed of 250kph. As before, power delivery is managed by a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. 

The CKD C200 also comes with sportier dampers to cope with the increased output. However, the bits that instantly tell you this is a more capable saloon are mostly derived from the AMG Line package. These include a diffuser-style rear apron, 18-inch AMG alloys, and an AMG interior; “galvanised” paddle shifters and sports pedals included. The “diamond grille” previously reserved to the C300 is also used here for better visual effect. 

In terms of technology, safety equipment and multimedia hardware are largely identical to what was on offer in the 2018 facelift. However, the latter has been boosted with Mercedes me connect, giving owners greater digital access to their vehicle with features such as emergency calls, remote vehicle diagnostics, pre-entry climate control, predictive navigation and parked vehicle locator. That last bit might come in handy in swanky hotel car parks swarmed with similar-looking Mercs. 

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 AMG Line is priced at RM251,587. That’s merely RM1,204 more than the model it displaces, which is not a bad deal at all given the extent of improvements on offer here. It definitely makes for a more compelling argument against the marginally cheaper BMW 320i for buyers who are still teetering on the fence dividing Munich and Stuttgart (figuratively, of course). 

Whose side are you on now?