New Mercedes-Benz C200 & C300 Launched

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has launched the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class which includes its latest intelligent user interface, including biometrics. The 2 variants available are the C200 Avantgarde and C300 AMG Line, both of which are imported. Plans for local assembly will happen later.

The C200 is powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder turbo engine with an output of 204 hp (+ 20) and 300 Nm of torque (+ 200), while the C300 uses a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo which produces 258 hp (+ 27) and 400 Nm (+ 200). Both the engines come from the current Mercedes-Benz’s FAME (Family of Modular Engines) range, and get an additional boost from an integrated starter-generator (ISG) for assistance at low engine speeds. The 2nd generation ISG provides an additional output of 15 kW and 200 Nm. This mild hybrid system has a 48 V electrical system that manages gliding, boosting and energy recovery to improve fuel efficiency. Mercedes-Benz has, for the first time, combined all the innovations of the modular engine family of 4 and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel units in a single engine. It claims that this system provides a smooth and seamless transition in the starting and stopping of the engine thus enhancing the driving experience.

C200 1.5L Engine

C300 2.0 Engine

The 9-speed 9G-TRONIC transmission was also developed for use with the ISG and uses a new generation of the fully integrated transmission control with multi-core processor and new design and connectivity technology. With the redesign, the weight of the transmission controls has also been reduced by 30%. Furthermore, the twin scroll turbocharger was developed with assistance from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team. This has allowed the output of the C 300 to be increased by up to 20 kW overboost for short periods.

In terms of performance, the C200 can do a 0 – 100 km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 246 km/h, while the C300 can do it in 6 seconds and reach 250 km/h. The fuel efficiency of these cars are rated at 6.6 l/100km and 7.0 l/100km respectively.

The visual appeal of the C-Class is bolstered by sporty design elements, with a combination of short front overhang, long wheelbase and rear overhang. The windscreen and passenger cell are placed further back in a “cab backward” design. The designers have also kept lines to a minimum thereby accentuating the so-called catwalk line or shoulder line even more. On its face, both variants carry the central 3-pointed star on varying grille designs. The Avantgarde Line trim for the C200 has vertical grille fins and elegant trim strips in high-sheen aluminium and chrome. While the AMG Line for the C300 has the Mercedes-Benz pattern grille with the star design in chrome. Further, the C200 sits on lowered comfort suspension and 18” 5-spoke wheels. The sportier C300 has 19″ AMG multi-spoke wheels. Other key exterior highlights of including panoramic sunroof, LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist.

The rear-end design is typical of a Mercedes-Benz sedan. The tail lamps for the first time have a 2-piece design in the C-Class, with the light functions divided between the side wall and boot lid lamps. Both rear ends are nearly indistinguishable save for the vertical vents on the rear bumper of the AMG Line model.

The interior of the C-Class is where a lot of innovations are presented. The dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section, with a wing-like section with new, flattened round vents inspired by aircraft engine nacelles, and an opulent expanse of trim that flows from the center console to the dashboard.

The dashboard and central display are tilted towards the driver by 6 degrees and features a high-resolution 12.3” free-standing driver display. Taking up dashboard space is a large touchscreen in portrait orientation, which gets to lay out the navigation app in a useful manner. It also features a fingerprint scanner which can identify you quickly and conveniently, thus enhancing the protection of personal information. The fingerprint scanner is located in an ergonomically convenient location below the central display. As part of a one-time process it records the distinctive biometric features of up to 2 random fingers per user. Therefore, no one is able to observe a number combination, which could happen with PIN entry.

In addition, a dashboard covered with man-made leather and featuring nappa-look beltlines is available for the C-Class. The available trim showcases innovative surfaces. These include new interpretations of open-pored veneers in stylish tones and a black, open-pored wood veneer featuring fine inlays of genuine aluminum that follow the dashboard’s contours.

Further, the door center panel with integrated armrest has evolved from a vertical surface into a horizontal one. Reflecting the design of the center console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle, and houses the power window controls. Another highlight is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.

The special design of the comfort or sport seats of the new C-Class uses layers and enveloping surfaces to create a visual impression of lightness. The head restraints are a completely new design and are attached to the backrest with a sealed piece of trim under which the adjustment mechanism is located.

Just like the new S-Class, the new C-Class gets the 2nd generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) that utilises the versatility of the digital screens. The driver display and media display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience with information displayed in a clear and structured way. The look of the screens can be individualised as long as it’s in the 3 display styles i.e. Discreet, Sporty, and Classic. There are also 3 modes i.e. Navigation, Assistance, and Service.

• In “Classic” style, the driver is welcomed with a familiar display environment. The proven display with 2 tubes and changing content between them provides all the information relevant to the driver.
• “Sporty” turns into a red theme, with dynamic design of the central rev counter.
• In “Discreet” style, the content is reduced to just the essentials. In addition, both screens can be shown in 7 color schemes with the ambient lighting.
• In the new “Assistance Mode”, the traffic situation is shown in real time and supplemented with important displayed information.

The 2nd gen MBUX also includes the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant that is more interactive and has learning capabilities by activating online services in the Mercedes me App. Similar to the S-Class, certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword “Hey Mercedes”. This includes taking a telephone call. “Hey Mercedes” also explains vehicle functions e.g. providing guidance on connecting a smartphone by Bluetooth or where the first-aid kit can be found. The system also integrates Spotify and Apple Music for a more customised entertainment.

Furthermore, Augmented Video is available as standard in the Malaysian models of the C-Class. A camera registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle and the moving images are shown on the central display. In addition, virtual objects, information and markers are superimposed on the video image. These include directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and others. This helps make navigation easier, especially in urban areas.

Also, the over-the-air (OTA) update feature of the MBUX system allows you to get the latest features and functions, ensuring the system remains relevant for a longer time.

“The C-Class has been our bestselling model to date. Since its introduction as the 190, over 10.5 million Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been delivered globally. Likewise in Malaysia, our customers love this vehicle as we continue to define the standards of comfort and innovation in the premium midsize sedan segment. With the new C-Class, our designers have been tasked to develop a car that combines human-centered innovations with sporty and modern design. Today, we are convinced that we have succeeded in delivering a car where design meets luxury and technology. We are very excited to introduce the new C-Class in Malaysia and with the latest edition, we are taking the next logical step on our road to a digital and sustainable future with a host of innovations that sets the benchmark in this segment,” said Sagree Sardien, President & CEO, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia. “The new C-Class redefines its segment in several respects at once: the comfortable spaciousness in the rear, the interior ambience and the high-quality workmanship. Following the pinnacle of luxury in the S-Class, the second generation of MBUX already débuts in the new C-Class. All the possibilities for intuitive operation and personalisation have been adopted, plus driver-orientation as a new feature specific to the model series: the dashboard and central display are slightly tilted towards the driver, underlining the sportiness of the C-Class as a first in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car,” added Michael Jopp, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

The Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde Line is priced at RM288,334, and the C300 AMG Line is RM330,681. Prices are on-the-road without insurance.

Mercedes-Benz Financial has tailored financing packages available that enables you to have regular fixed monthly instalments over a set period of time.

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