![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 01]()
By now, you've probably read that the W205 Mercedes-Benz C200 is sold out in Malaysia, and that the Mercedes Benz W206 C-Class' launch is imminent. While we wait in anticipation of that, let's take a closer look at the estimated pricing of the incoming model.
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 02]()
To do that, we will give you an insight into how the current W205 was priced in fully-imported (CBU) and locally-assembled (CKD) formats, and how long did it take for the CKD models to arrive after the initial CBU market introduction.
Also read: Old vs New: 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206), like the new design better?
CBU, then CKD formats
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 01]()
Mercedes-Benz, like its counterpart BMW, have traditionally introduced the CBU models at market introduction for its volume models. This will then be followed less than a year later with the CKD variants. Expect the W206 C-Class to be no different.
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 02]()
Therefore, it's realistic to believe that prices of the incoming W206 C-Class to be more expensive than the outgoing W205, which will then drop slightly upon introduction of the locally-assembled (CKD) versions.
Let's dive into some pricing history of the W205 C-Class.
Mercedes W205 C-Class pricing |
Model |
Price (RM) |
Assembly Status |
C200
Avantgarde
(2014) |
285,888 |
CBU |
C200
Avantgarde
(2015) |
269,888 |
CKD |
C250
Exclusive
(2014) |
314,888 |
CBU |
C250
Exclusive
(2015) |
299,888 |
CKD |
C250
AMG Line
(2014) |
339,888 |
CBU |
C250
AMG Line
(2015) |
287,888 |
CKD |
All round, the W205 C-Class saw a price reduction between five to fifteen percent when the CKD version was introduced. It's also worth noting that it took all of seven months for the W205 C-Class to go from CBU to CKD, which is considerably quick.
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 03]()
What about its arch-nemesis, the BMW G20 3 Series? Do bear in mind that the G20 320i didn't appear in CBU form, as it was only launched as a CKD-only model. Nonetheless, let's take a look at the 330i variant.
BMW G20 330i pricing |
Model |
Price (RM) |
Assembly Status |
330i M Sport
(2019) |
328,800 |
CBU |
330i M Sport
(2019) |
288,800 |
CKD |
Interestingly, the G20 330i experienced a whopping twelve percent price reduction, moving from CBU to CKD. What was the gap between CBU market introduction and CKD launch? Less than six months.
Expect the W206 C-Class to touch RM 300k?
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 04]()
Based on the historical data above (CBU W205 C200 Avantgarde was RM 285,888), it's not unreasonable to assume that the price of the W206 C200 to hit / reach very close to the RM 300,000 mark. This is in no small part due to a weaker Ringgit today versus 2014, when the W205 C-Class was launched.
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 05]()
Equally, we would expect a rather fast turnaround time from the W206's CBU market launch to the introduction of CKD models. Six to eight months sounds like a realistic timeline. However, we have to take into account the current Covid-19 and MCO situations, which has already delayed the market launch of some models.
Also read: Initially slated for Malaysia launch in Q3 2021, all-new Honda Civic FE is delayed
But wait, you can still buy a brand-new C300 AMG Line
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 06]()
Well, yes, the W205 C200 is sold out, but you can still buy a brand new W205 C300 AMG Line for RM 291,800. Remember I mentioned that the incoming W206 C-Class will touch RM 300k, even at entry level?
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 07]()
Well, for around that money, or less, you bag the range-topping (full-blooded AMG models aside) W205 C300 AMG Line that has a
- 2.0-litre, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (261 PS, 370 Nm),
- 9-speed automatic transmission
- Panoramic roof
- Burmester sound system
- ADAS suite
- Android Auto & Apple CarPlay
- Sports Suspension
What about Airmatic suspension, you ask? Well that feature was dropped from the C300 last year, replaced by a more traditional Sports Suspension.
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 08]()
In any case, the W205 C300 AMG Line is everything you'd want in a premium compact sports sedan. Sure, it is at the end of its model cycle, but it's still a pretty good deal nonetheless.
Conclusion
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 09]()
We know it's only a matter of time before the W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is unveiled on our shores. It goes without saying that the W206 has massive shoes to fill, seeing how popular and well-received its predecessor was.
![W206 2022 Mercedes C200 (CBU) could touch RM 300k in Malaysia 10]()
From what we have gathered so far, the W206 C-Class does seem to have all the right ingredients to carry on the fight to the G20 BMW 3 Series. This will be the next chapter of the Teutonic sports sedan rivalry. Stay tuned.