The new BMW 3-Series (G20) may be the new kid on the exec block that everyone is talking about right now. But the facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205) is the freshest sedan in the entry-premium segment you can purchase right now in Malaysia.
Yes, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has finally given its bread-and-butter model an update, one which involves a total engine overhaul for the base C200 variant amongst many other technological updates.
It’s a three-model range for the C-Class this time around, starting with the C200 Avantgarde which is now powered by a 1.5-litre four-pot turbo with EQ Boost. It’s a similar starter/alternator hybrid setup to the one found in the new CLS which produces a combined output of 184hp and 280Nm of torque. As the greenest offering of the three, the C200 sips just 6.3l per 100km on the combined cycle. Well, on paper at least.
The remaining members of the trifecta are the C300 AMG Line and C43 AMG, which soldier on with their old blocks. There are significant power gains to note, though. The C300’s two-litre now makes 258hp and 370Nm while AMG development engineers have managed to extract 23 additional horses out of the C43’s three-litre bi-turbo V6, bumping the total output up to 390hp/520Nm. Both models clock century sprints of 5.9 and 4.7 seconds respectively, with vmax capped at 250kph for the feistier duo.
Inside, all models are treated to keyless ignition and a new 12.3-inch digital cockpit accompanied by a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment capable of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. This closes the technological gulf between the four-year-old W205 and Stuttgart’s glitzier offerings like the new W177 A-Class, on top of tidying up cabin aesthetics.
In terms of safety, the C200 is enhanced with Blind Spot Assist while the C300 and C43 get Active Lane Keeping Assist as a bonus. Both systems operate at speeds up to 200kph. LED headlights are also standard across the range, but only the C300 and C43 get the new ‘Intelligent Light System’ up front.
Price-wise, the C200 Avantgarde will set you back RM259,888 while the C300 AMG Line costs RM304,888. The C43 AMG continues to be the most affordable model in Mercedes-AMG’s catalogue at RM421,888. All models are locally-assembled in Pekan, Pahang, and their prices are on-the-road without insurance.
Mercedes-Benz Financial is even offering a Flex-C financing package which allows you to own a brand new C200 Avantgarde from RM2,688 (22 per cent downpayment, three-year tenure). However, this offer is only valid until 31 December 2018.
