The Mercedes-Benz C200 is a tough competitor to the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series and is arguably the most comfortable entry-level sedan into the world of luxury. Fresh out of a mid-cycle refresh, we take a closer look to find out what’s new on the outside and inside of the Mercedes-Benz C200.
Exterior
What’s instantly noticeable at first glance is that the German sedan receives a new set of headlights. The Multibeam LED lights are a welcomed change while the AMG and Avantgarde trims receive slightly different lights with an LED strip that snakes through the middle of the headlight.
Trading luxury for a tad bit of sportiness, Mercedes-Benz has also done away with the chrome strip on the front bumper of the new model and instead opted for bigger intakes for a sportier appeal. It’s a nice touch that adds an element of toughness to an otherwise sedate sedan.
At the back, the brake lights now have a unique pattern embedded into them – almost like an inverted bracket – making them easier to identify. Confusions between the C-Class and bigger, more elegant E-Class are a thing of the past.
Overall, the refreshed Mercedes-Benz C200 is great looking sedan and one that will undoubtedly turn heads as it cruises the city’s streets. The limited changes have made an already elegant offering even more elegant.
Interior
On the inside, one would immediately notice three big changes as part of the facelift: the infotainment screen, the metallic buttons on the steering wheel, and the all-digital instrument cluster. Everything else regarding the cosmetic appeal of the C200 remains rather unchanged.
The larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen (that unfortunately still isn’t touch) needs to be controlled by the rotary wheel and track pad along the center console. Alternative control methods also include the buttons and trackpads located on the steering wheel. Keeping up with the times, the refresh does bring with it Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
The steering wheel undoubtedly looks better than before with metallic accents for the scrolls and Blackberry trackpads for smooth maneuvering. As mentioned, the controls on the right side of the steering wheel command the infotainment system while the controls on the left control the instrument cluster, cruise control, and speed limiter.
The all-digital instrument cluster looks great, but it also allows you to choose a layout / theme of your choice. The three options for the themes are Classic, Progressive and Sport – just to put you in the right mood. The tachometer alone also changes depending on what information you’d want to see, which is a fabulous feature.
Other great features on the refreshed C200 are a panoramic roof, wireless charging mat, an ambient lighting system with 64 colors, and automated parking. Safety features include lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, collision warning – forward and sides, lane departure warning, among others that work to keep you very safe on the road.
Drive
Under the hood of the C200 is a 1.9-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 204 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. These figures are a big jump from the pre-facelifted model. What’s also new is the 9-speed automatic transmission, making the car quieter and much more fuel efficient that the outgoing model. Tailored for all occasions, the C200 also offers multiple drive models to choose from: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual that allows drivers to choose and alter factors such as engine response, steering heft, etc.
Verdict
The Mercedes-Benz C200 is known for being one of the most comfortable yet luxury packed sedans and it has proven to be just that, once again. The smooth drive, comfortable interiors and sleek exteriors make this car nearly perfect. The only red flag is its steep price tag of AED 220,000. But hey, the badge doesn’t come cheap and so there isn’t much to say about that. In conclusion, the refreshed C200 is a sensible, comfortable and beautiful car. Good job Mercedes!
