The C-class is a sedan/wagon at the entrance of Mercedes-Benz that adopts the traditional FR system. I once rode the early model of the W204, which was said to be a masterpiece. For a little while, I thought that I could touch a part of Mercedes car making, but I couldn't let it go. I was fascinated by the exquisite drive feel and ride comfort.
The next W205 made me think of Mercedes as expected, with advanced ADAS systems, infotainment systems, power train changes for energy saving, and constant evolution of the car body. And this year of the corona wreck, the C class received a full model change for the first time in seven years. This is the first step towards a full-fledged digital age. This is one that I am personally interested in.
The first car that came into Japan was the C 200 Avantgarde (AMG line), and all the test cars were unified in this model. The tires are Pirelli "P7" (front 225/45R18, rear 245/40R18).
The exterior design is dynamic in line with recent Mercedes trends and incorporates the essence of the S-Class. The two power bulges on the bonnet, which had been a symbol of AMG models until now, have also become standard on the new model. The features of the AMG line are the star pattern grille studded with three-pointed stars and the difference in tail pipes, and the side skirts are also designed to give an image of aerodynamics.
The test drive this time was the new "C class" announced in June. Pre-orders for the "C 200" and "C 220 d" will begin in late July, with the "C 200 4MATIC" starting in the first quarter of 2022 and the "C 350 e" starting in mid-2022. Deliveries of the C 200 and C 220 d are scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2022. The test car is the "C 200 Avantgarde (ISG-equipped model)" (6.54 million yen), the body size is 4793 x 1820 x 1446 mm (length x width x height, European reference value), the wheelbase is 2865 mm, and the exterior has a short front overhang. , long wheelbase, and rear overhang combine to create dynamic proportions that make the car look as if it is sprinting even when it is stationary. Compared to the predecessor model, the overall width is limited to 10mm, while the overall length is 65mm longer, giving it a relaxed silhouetteIn the interior, you can see the LCD meter panel. The 12.3-inch main meter in front of the driver stands on its own, and the display can call up three types of screens such as navigation and maintenance. In addition, the dashboard center has a large 11.9-inch LCD screen that can call navigation, audio, various services, etc. The number of switches that existed so far has been drastically reduced to the minimum required.
The dashboard is divided into upper and lower halves, with the upper part shaped like a wing, and the newly designed rectangular air outlets with rounded corners reminiscent of the nacelle of an aircraft engine, creating a sporty look. The steering uses the latest generation model of Mercedes-Benz, and is equipped with functionality that allows you to complete all the settings in the navigation and instrument cluster, as well as the settings of the safe driving support system at your fingertips. In addition, a pad equipped with a new capacitive sensor has been added to the rim for the hands-off detection function when using the Distance Assist DISTRONIC, which was previously determined by contact with the touch control button or the torque applied to the steering wheel. The adopted wheelbase is 25mm longer than the previous model, the rear seat legroom is 21mm longer, and the rear seat headroom is also expanded by 13mm, improving the comfort of the rear seats (the figures are European reference values), and the 12.3-inch driver's seat. 's large cockpit display is self-supporting and is positioned so that it appears to float above the dashboard and in front of the large interior trim. Cockpit display and media display can be selected from 3 styles (Gentle, Sporty, Classic) and 3 modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service)The powertrain is a newly developed in-line 4-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo "M254" type engine. The maximum output is 135kW (204PS) / 300Nm, which is a powerful engine with 20kW / 20Nm more output than the previous M264 even with the same 1.5 liter. Combine this with a 48V mild hybrid. The conventional C-Class mild hybrid was a belt drive (BSG), but by changing to an integrated starter generator (ISG), it was made compact and highly efficient. This electric booster is capable of boosting 15kW/200Nm for a short period of time, producing more output than the BSG.
The C 200 Avantgarde adopts a new in-line 4-cylinder 1.5-liter turbo "M254" engine that generates a maximum output of 150 kW (204 PS) / 5800-6100 rpm and a maximum torque of 300 Nm / 1800-4000 rpm. The mild hybrid system ISG, which is placed between the engine and transmission, can boost up to 15 kW (20 PS) and 200 Nm for short periods of time.