- Out goes the Multibeam LED headlights and Burmester sound system
- Very competitve prices considering our weakening Ringgit
- CKD may not slash prices by much
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia launched the all-new 2022 W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class last week, with prices starting from RM 288,334 for the C200 variant, topping out at RM 330,681 for the C300 variant.
Mirroring a similar arrangement as the previous W205-generation model, the W206-generation C-Class arrives in Malaysia in imported (CBU) form. Local-assembly (CKD) will commence later this year.
Given how much our Ringgit has weakened over the past 10 years, it’s surprising to see that the W206 C-Class did not see a significant increase in price.
However, upon diving deeper into the equipment list of the W206 C-Class reveals that Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had to omit some features to keep prices in check.
No more Multibeam LED headlights
The most noticeable change is the removal of the Multibeam LED headlights on the W206 C-Class, regardless of variant. It was a feature offered on the C300 model, but now all variants of the W206 generation C-Class make do with LED High Performance headlights, which are essentially regular LED headlights.
Stepping into the cabin and the changes are more apparent.
No more Burmester sound system
Out goes the Burmester surround sound system, replaced with Mercedes-Benz’s own sound system. MBM also axed the two rear USB charging ports and swapped out the 3-zone automatic Thermotronic climate control to a simple 2-zone automatic Thermatic system.
The W205's USB ports
Another feature that MBM axed from the W206 C-Class is Remote Engine Start.
It’s not all gloom however, as the W206 C-Class brings wit it a completely revamped MBUX infotainment system, now with the ability to scan fingerprints for a more personalized touch. There’s also a futuristic Augmented Reality (AR) feature that uses video feed from a camera located in the front of the car into the central display.
Think of it as the Live View feature in Google Maps, as the system superimposes virtual objects and markers onto the video feed, making navigation a breeze.
C200's 1.5-litre turbo-4 thats hooked up to a 48V ISG
Also new are the mild-hybrid powertrains. The C200 gets a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder engine paired an 48V integrated starter generator (ISG), producing 204 PS and 300 Nm.
C300 gets a larger 2.0-litre turbo-4 that does 258 PS and 400 Nm
The C300, on the other hand, makes 258 PS and 400 Nm out of a larger turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine.
Previous generation W205 C-Class at the Pekan plant
Don’t hold your breath for a cheaper CKD W206 C-Class, as the net price reduction could be negligible at best.
Currently, CBU cars are subjected to only 5 percent sales tax. CKD cars will resume paying the full 10 percent sales tax starting 1-July 2022, negating some of the gains in price reduction.
Keyword: Similar price, less equipment: what’s removed from the Malaysian-spec CBU 2022 W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class