'C' How Much It Has Improved

Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model for over a decade has been updated and looks set to keep the tills ringing.

Six thousand and five hundred. That’s the number of components which Mercedes-Benz claims that is new in the latest C-Class.

Another fact revealed by the German carmaker at the international media test drive in the scenic Moselle Valley in Germany: It’s the most extensive update in the history of the model, with over half the components being new.

There were no less than 11 variants available at the event including the coupe, cabriolet and estate. However, it was the C200 Exclusive saloon that was the most interesting as it’s a mild hybrid. When it reaches Singapore at year’s end, it will probably be the most popular variant.

Propelled by an entirely new engine, Mercedes-Benz has taken the downsizing route which is favoured by many brands, but the good news is that the car’s performance has not been “downsized” much.

Codenamed M 264, the turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder powerplant is complemented by an intelligent system comprising a belt-driven starter-alternator that is connected to the engine and a potent 48-volt battery located in the boot.

This makes the C200 a mild hybrid as the system, named EQ Boost, cannot propel the car on electric power alone. However, it’s able to provide an additional 14hp (maximum) during acceleration.

In doing so, the gap before the turbocharger reaches full boost pressure is eliminated. Like all hybrids, the system is also able to recuperate the energy produced during braking – over 80 percent in fact, which is then stored in the battery.

Throughout the 189km-long drive, which featured a good mix of autobahns and hilly B-roads, it didn’t matter which one of the modes from the Dynamic Select feature (Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual) was selected. EQ Boost worked smoothly and quietly.