After being short-lived in W205, are Malaysians ready for 2022 Mercedes C200 1.5 EQ Boost MHEV?

• Previous (W205) mild-hybrid (MHEV) C200 was short-lived
• W206 available with only MHEV powertrains globally
• Will likely be re-introduced in Malaysia

The all-new (W206) 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be launched in Malaysia very soon, as the teasers on Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s social media would hint. While exact details on our Malaysian-spec C-Class are unknown, we have a good idea on the powertrain options.

If the facelifted W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is any indication, we’re expecting the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class to be available with two variants - C200 and C300.

Globally, the C200 is equipped with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired an 48V integrated starter generator (ISG), making it a mild-hybrid unit (Mercedes calls it EQ Boost). Meanwhile, the C300 also gets a mild-hybrid unit, but with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine instead.

Also read: 2022 W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class makes ASEAN debut in Singapore with 1.5 mild-hybrid, from RM 795k

The W206 C200’s 1.5-litre EQ Boost mill makes 204 PS, 300 Nm while the C300’s 2.0-litre EQ Boost unit makes 258 PS, 400 Nm. Both are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that powers the rear wheels.

This isn’t the first time the C-Class has seen a mild-hybrid powertrain. It was introduced in the facelifted W205 C200 back in late-2018, which had a 1.5-litre EQ Boost powertrain. Note that the W205 had the M264 engine with a belt-driven starter generator (RSG), while the W206 gets a newer M254 engine with an ISG.

However, an update to the C200 in mid-2020 saw the return of the M264 2.0-litre engine in place of the 1.5-litre EQ Boost unit with 48 Volt mild hybrid.

Our reasoning for the change was there’s not much to be said about the benefits EQ Boost brings to the table. It wasn’t more efficient nor was it cleaner despite being down on output figures compared to the 2.0-litre. The added cost and complexity make it difficult to justify its continued existence, hence the short-lived availability.

Also read: Why the W205 Mercedes-Benz C200 1.5-litre EQ Boost died so soon in Malaysia?

As for the W206 C-Class, it would appear that all powertrain options available globally (including Singapore) are mild-hybrid EQ Boost units, which we believe will make their way here as well. This suggests the return of the 1.5-litre EQ Boost powertrain.

The question now is, would the term “hybrid” be accepted by Malaysians?

WapCar’s Opinion

In general, buyers in Malaysia are sceptical of hybrid powertrains due to its complexity that suggests higher repair costs. Because of this, it’s common for used car buyers to avoid hybrids, which in turn affects resale value.

That being said, Mercedes’ EQ Boost is a mild-hybrid system in which the electric motor supports the engine instead of being able to solely propel the car.

Its lithium-ion battery for the 48V system is relatively small (usually less than 1-kWh) and has less impact to interior packaging and weight compared to a full-hybrid. Should the 48V battery fail, it wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg to replace due to its size.

What we like about mild-hybrid powertrains are the seamless stop-start function and electric-driven air conditioning compressor, which means the air-conditioner still functions when the engine is not running. It also helps fill in the gaps left by turbo lag for better response.

With the current push for electrification, it’s likely that the EQ Boost units are here to stay.

Also read: Launching in Malaysia soon - All-new (W206) 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class teased