• Two CBU variants - C200 & C300
• 1.5L & 2.0L mild-hybrid powertrains
• Priced from RM 288k to RM 330k

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia has launched the all-new (W206) 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class with two variants on offer – the C200 Avantgarde and C300 AMG Line, priced at RM 288,334 and RM 330,681 respectively.

Both are currently fully-imported (CBU), either from Bremen, Germany or East London, South Africa. We've been told that the majority units are from Bremen, Germany. 

Exterior – Baby S-Class by tradition

The C200 is equipped with Avantgarde line exterior. Highlights include the front grille design with central aluminium strip flanking the three-pointed star.

Also read: Old vs New: 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206), like the new design better?

It rides on lowered comfort suspension and 18-inch 5-spoke wheels with staggered tyre sizes - 225/45 R18 at the front and 245/40 R18 at the rear. These are run-flat items.

The C300 on the other hand, wears the sportier looking AMG Line outfit. It gets a unique pin-shaped pattern grille with the star design in chrome. 

Also read: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia confirms hood-mounted star to go away, limited only for S-Class

It wears a larger set of 19-inch AMG multi spoke wheels, also in staggered configuration with 225/40 R19 rubbers at the front and 255/35 R19 at the rear but unlike the C200, these are not run-flat tyres. Another key exterior highlight is the panoramic sunroof.

Both variants get LED High Performance headlamps with Adaptive High Beam Assist and Agility Control passive-adaptive suspension as standard.

Also read: All-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206) debuts; no more hood ornament, rear-wheel steering

Interior – Mercedes at its best

Inside, both variants are equipped with an 11.9-inch portrait infotainment display and a 12.3-inch widescreen digital instrument cluster that runs on the second generation of Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), like the W223 S-Class.

The look of the screens can be individualized with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, and Classic) and also features three modes (Navigation, Assistance, and Service).

The voice assistant "Hey Mercedes" is now more interactive and has learning capabilities by activating online services in the Mercedes me App.

Major music streaming services, such as Spotify and Apple Music, has been integrated into the MBUX infotainment system.

Augmented reality is featured on the C300. The system works via a camera that registers the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The moving images are shown on the central display. 

Virtual objects, information, and markers are superimposed on the video image. These include directional arrows, lane-change recommendations, and more to make navigation easier. Over time, the MBUX system will receive over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Equipment wise, both variants get dual-zone automatic climate control, Artico man-made leather upholstery on the seats and dashboard, powered front seats with memory function, wireless charger, 64-colour ambient lighting, keyless entry and start, and electric rear sunblind.

The C200 Avantgarde gets its own steering wheel design, silver grey diamond-pattern trim, and Comfort seats. Meanwhile the C300 AMG Line gets a sportier steering wheel design, metal weave trim, and sports seats.

Powertrain – All electrified

As mentioned in a previous article, all powertrain options for the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are mild-hybrid units.

The Mercedes-Benz C200 is equipped with a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine paired a 48V integrated starter generator (ISG), making it a mild-hybrid unit (Mercedes calls it EQ Boost). The engine alone makes 204 PS/300 Nm, while the ISG adds 20 PS / 200 Nm.

Note that this is the newer M254 engine with ISG, compared to the W205’s M264 engine with a belt-driven starter-generator (RSG).

Meanwhile, the C300 also features a mild-hybrid powertrain, but with a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 258 PS/400 Nm. Like the C200, the ISG motor adds 20 PS / 200 Nm of assistance, briefly.

Both engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission that’s been adapted to the ISG. 0-100 km/h sprint time is claimed at 7.3 seconds for the C200 and 6.0 seconds for the C300.

Advanced safety features

In terms of advanced driver-assistance features, both variants of the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class are equipped with:

• Active Blind Spot Assist (BSM)
• Active Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
• Active Brake Assist (AEB)
• Active Parking Assist with Parktronic

Exclusive to the C300 is the 360-degree camera, while the C200 gets a reverse camera.

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