2022 Mercedes-Benz C class now available in Malaysia, priced from RM288K. Here’s what you’re getting

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has officially introduced the 5th generation C-class which is waiting to be gobbled up by eager corporate executives. The new model brings with it a slew of upgrades and, surprisingly some odd omissions compared to the outgoing model. Here is everything you need to know about the new W206 Mercedes-Benz C-class. 

Variants and Pricing

Just like the outgoing W205 facelift model, the new W206 C-class will be offered in two variants – C 200 Avantgarde and C 300 AMG Line. The initial batch of vehicles will be fully imported, or completely built-up (CBU), with limited options, while the CKD version coming later in the year. The on-the-road (OTR) prices without insurance and inclusive of the 5% sales tax exemption are as follows: 

• Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avantgrade (CBU) – RM288,334 
• Mercedes-Benz C 300 AMG Line (CBU) – RM330,681 

Some eagled eyed among you might notice that the C 300 AMG Line is more expensive than the bigger E 200 Avantgarde which comes in at RM326,943. However, the E 200 Avantgarde is a CKD unit and enjoys 100% sales tax exemption. 

How does this new price compare to the CKD model it replaces? Well, the 2018 C 200 Avantgarde facelift was priced at RM259,888 while the C 300 AMG Line commanded a price tag of RM304,888.

Admittedly, the price of a Mercedes-Benz C-class is rarely a deciding factor for someone shopping at this price range. But, if you feel the CBU model is pricey for you, then you might want to consider waiting for the CKD model. 

Exterior inspired by the S-class

You’ll be forgiven for taking a second look before identifying this as a C-class instead of the flagship S-class. Both share a lot of the body lines and styling cues, but Mercedes-Benz has turned the dial down on the C-class, keeping a reserved styling. 

Both variants have a big, three-pointed star at the centre of the grille with a line branching off from the sides to the end of the grille. The difference is that the C 200 Avantgarde gets vertical slats, while the C 300 AMG Line gets a star-studded grille. 

The rims are different as well, with the C 200 Avantgarde rolling on 18-inch five-spoke alloys while the C 300 AMG Line rides on 19-inch AMG multi-spoke design. 

For dazzling drivers at night, both models incorporate Mercedes-Benz’s LED High Performance with adaptive high beam assist. For the C 300 AMG Line, this is a downgrade compared to its predecessor’s Multibeam LED headlights, which was a step higher.

For this generation, the higher spec lighting system is called Digital Light LED which is currently found on the new S-class. But I feel that it is relatively new, therefore making it an expensive option for the C-class. Therefore, to keep the price in check, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia might not have checked the box. Perhaps the CKD model would be fitted with the Digital Light LED considering it will be sold at a lower price. 

Posh interior

The first detail to capture your attention is the two screens dominating the dashboard. The instrument panel is now represented by a 12.3” landscape display with three display styles – Discrete, Sporty and Classic. At the centre, there is an 11.9” vertically aligned infotainment display running on Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX). The system offers wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MBUX Navigation Premium and a 4G LTE radio for Mercedes me connect services. Oddly, the infotainment system is not hooked up to a Burmester audio system, not even on the more expensive C 300 AMG Line. 

Those buying the C-class can get a glimpse of what it might feel like to sit an S-class. Overall, the new cabin is much more futuristic and minimalistic compared to the outgoing model, which was already looking dated by 2018 standards.

When purchasing the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, you are given a choice between two interior colour schemes to choose from. The C 200 Avantgarde offers Artico faux leather in black or brown while the Artico faux leather in black or black/brown mix is available with the C 300 AMG Line.

The major noticeable difference between the two variants are the seats and steering wheel design. Getting into the driver seat of the C 200 Avantgarde, you will notice it is fitted with the Comfort Seats and a dated-looking three-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. In stark contrast, the C 300 AMG Line gets Sports Seats and an S-class inspired three-spoke steering wheel finished in Nappa leather. 

Those differences aside, both variants get wireless charging pad, rear sunblinds, rain-sensing wipers, illuminated side sill panels, dual-zone automatic climate control and powered front seats. At the back, there is a 455-litre boot with a powered closing function. 

More performance, same engine capacity

The C-class range gets a brand new engine with a 48V mild hybrid system with an integrated starter motor (ISM). Let’s start with the C 200 Avantgarde and its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. Despite being a small displacement engine, it puts out the same 201 hp and 300 Nm of torque as the 2 litre engine found in the outgoing model. The century sprint is completed in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 246km/h.

On the other hand, the C 300 AMG Line is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine cranking out 255 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Compared to the outgoing C 300 AMG Line, the horsepower is the same, but there is an additional 30Nm of torque. The acclaimed 0 to 100km/h time is six seconds flat and the car will keep accelerating to a top speed of 250km/h.

Both models see the return of the 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission from the outgoing model. The Agility Control adaptive suspension is fitted as standard to both models and drivers can select the driving modes via the Dynamic Select menu. 

Same ol’ safety features

The C 200 Avantgarde and C 300 AMG Line come with good but not great active driver assistance features, but it’s nice to Mercedes-Benz Malaysia not reserving these features for the range-topping variant only. As standard, the C-class gets seven airbags, passive cruise control, active lane-keep assist, active blind-spot monitoring, brake assist with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), active parking assist and tyre pressure monitoring system.

Of course, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia had to keep some features for the pricier C 300 AMG Line, so it gets a 360-degree camera system while the C 200 Avantgarde just gets a bog-standard reverse camera. 

The Malaysian model misses out on radar-guided cruise control with stop-and-go function. This would have been a major feature as it takes most of the stress away from long-distance driving and navigating rush hour traffic. We also lose out on rear-cross traffic alert with automatic braking as well.

Without the addition of these features, the driver assistance feature on the 2022 C-class compared to the outgoing model is identical. That being said, the 2022 C 200 Avantgarde gets active lane keep assist which was only available for the higher spec model in the previous generation.

Now that you are well acquainted with the C-class, what do you think about Mercedes-Benz’s baby S-class? Does it outperform its key rivals, the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4? Let us know what you think in the comments.