Mercedes-Benz C200 – Just as a Mercedes-Benz should be

– Article/photos by Rod Fuller –

C200 has a proud tradition of excellent cars over many years and the new C200 not only lives up to that tradition, but brings with it styling enhancements, new and upgraded technology that lifts the C200 driving experience to a new level.

“When you drive a Mercedes, you’ve arrived” is what a state manager at a large multinational company I worked at would say of his C200. Exuding class and elegance, proudly parked in the #1 parking spot next to the sea of mediocrity that were the other company vehicles, he’d gaze at it fondly and say “Mmm Mercedes”.

C200 has over 6,500 new/revised parts over the previous model proving this up date is more than just skin deep. New technologies, new displays and styling updates (new headlight/taillight designs, new front bumper) give a fresher/attractive look to the car making this C200 a very sophisticated safe and dependable car.

At the heart of C200 is a 1.5lt four cylinder engine (135kW/280Nm) with EQ Boost and Eco Stop/Start systems. EQ Boost is a 48V mild hybrid system that works beside the 12V system to allow an ‘on demand’ increase in engine performance (10kW/160Nm), but also allows the engine to completely switch off whilst cruising whilst maintaining all the cars systems for driving. Helping fuel economy (6.4lt/100km combined listed) but also allowing the engine stop/start system to operate at speeds below 20 km/h as well.

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A nine speed dual clutch transmission (complete with paddle shifters) is smooth and seamless, providing a comfortable drive experience. C200 is also equipped with Dynamic Select which allows you to choose the drive mode that best suits you. The modes are Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ as well as an Individual setting that allows you to personally customise all parameters. Eco and comfort modes embrace the spirit of “Driving Miss Daisy”, but switch to Sport+ and the C200 provides a firmer more responsive and agile feel for an exciting drive.

Further enhancing you’re driving enjoyment, road noise inside the car is kept to a minimum even at highway speeds on coarse chip bitumen surfaces. 245/40R18 Continental MOE (run flat) tyres are fitted to C200.

Leather (ARTICO) seats all round and power adjustable in the front, along with clever cabin illumination and high quality finishes make inside the C200 a very pleasant place to be. A new 10.25” infotainment screen displays/controls all the cars functions such as Sat Nav, Bluetooth and DAB radio. Apple Car Play/Android Auto are standard.

All are controlled via the touchpad/controller on the console (which was a little difficult while driving) or the new touchpads on either side of the steering wheel, which I liked as I didn’t have to take my hands off the wheel. The new 12.3” digital instrument display also has three selectable themes.

Rear seat head and leg room is good, but the roofline meant I had to “duck under” when getting in and out. The 40/20/40 rear seat split makes for easy loading if carrying something more than the 435lt boot would normally allow.

Safety features and driver aids provided:-

• Blind spot assist
• Active Brake assist
• Adaptive brakes (with hold function)
• Active Parking Assist (Auto parking)
• Tyre pressure monitoring system

Mercedes-Benz offers a three year unlimited kilometre warranty, which today seems short for a car priced from $63,700 (plus on roads) and the fact that most manufacturers now offer five or more years warranty. Servicing though is set at 12 month or 25,000km intervals and servicing packages are available.

Considering a novated lease? Looking for something to fill the No1 parking spot at your office? C200 is a stylish attractive car offering quiet, comfortable motoring,  just as a Mercedes-Benz should.

What does it look like as a Novated Lease?

This data is from the 2019 Novated Leasing Guide produced by Fleet Auto News.