Mercedes-Benz C200 Review: A Refreshed Luxury Sedan

Introduction

The Mercedes-Benz C200 is a tough competitor to the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. It is arguably the most comfortable entry-level sedan in the luxury segment. 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, opting instead for bigger intakes for a sportier appeal. This nice touch 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 the larger, more elegant E-Class are a thing of the past.

Overall, the refreshed Mercedes-Benz C200 is a great-looking sedan and one that will undoubtedly turn heads as it cruises the city streets. The limited changes have made an already elegant offering even more sophisticated.

Interior

On the inside, one would immediately notice three significant 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 relatively unchanged.

The larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen (that unfortunately still isn’t touch) needs to be controlled by the rotary wheel and trackpad 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 brings with it Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The steering wheel undoubtedly looks better than before, featuring metallic accents for the scrolls and Blackberry trackpads for smooth maneuvering. The controls on the right side of the steering wheel command the infotainment system while the controls on the left manage the instrument cluster, cruise control, and speed limiter.

The all-digital instrument cluster looks great and 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 also changes depending on what information you’d want to see, which is a fabulous feature.

Other great features on the refreshed C200 include 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

These features work together 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 represent a significant jump from the pre-facelifted model. A new 9-speed automatic transmission makes the car quieter and much more fuel efficient than its predecessor. Tailored for all occasions, the C200 offers multiple drive modes to choose from:

1. Eco
2. Comfort
3. Sport
4. Sport+
5. Individual

These modes allow drivers to choose and alter factors such as engine response and steering heft.

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, so there isn’t much to say about that. In conclusion, the refreshed C200 is a sensible, comfortable, and beautiful car. Good job, Mercedes!