The New Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 looks slick!

A pleasant surprise by Mercedes-Benz this year with its new “little” fascinating S-Class look-alike.

Everybody expected the new iteration of the C-Class to be good, but nobody expected that it would look so stunning. The new version follows the latest design language of the brand, and closely resembles its greater luxurious brother: the S-Class. And that’s a good thing. In fact, it makes me wonder if we should even bother buying the more expensive S-Class when this little one packs so much punch. Let’s briefly take a closer look at what this mid-sized saloon is all about.

Powertrain and drivetrain

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 W206 open hood lid engine bay black plastic grey metallic color. — *Engine bay (image by mercedes-benz.com).*

Four variants of 4-cylinder-only petrol and diesel engines are offered for the new C-Class in combination with a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission across the range. The petrol engines are paired with a second-generation 48-volt electric starter/generator motor (ISG) offering the benefits of electrification technology, such as increased power, higher efficiency, and fewer carbon emissions. There’s a choice for a plug-in-hybrid (C 300e or de) and there is also the option of all-wheel drive (4MATIC) variants for both engine types. The engines are rated as follows:

Petrol:

C 180: 1.5L producing 156hp
C 200: 1.5L producing 184hp+13.6hp
C 200 4MATIC: 1.5L producing 184hp+13.6hp on all four wheels
C 300e: 2.0L plug-in-hybrid with 320hp and a range of 60mi or 100km

Diesel:

C 200d: 1.6L producing 160hp
C 220d: 2.0L producing 190hp
C 220d 4MATIC: 2.0L producing 190hp on all four wheels
C 300de: 2.0L plug-in-hybrid with 306hp and a range of 60mi or 100km

Even though you could spec the previous C-Class generation with air suspension, that’s no longer available in the last gen. No need to worry though, as the adaptive dampers do a great job and still offer that wafting feeling when you cruise along. In case you fancy some adventure in your journey, the car will respond decently to twisty roads despite its looks. If that’s still not enough, wait until you hear that this midsize sedan also has rear-wheel steering, making it exceptionally nimble on tight roundabouts and high-speed roads.

Design

Exterior

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 W206 Saloon sedan front view grey metallic color. — *Front view.*

The design follows the latest Mercedes-Benz design language, and just by taking a quick look, you can see its resemblance with the latest S-class. This is a positive outcome, because now you can get a mid-sized saloon that gives the impression of a luxurious vehicle thanks to the “scale-down” principle of Mercedes-Benz.

The wheels range from 17″ to 19″, and of course, the AMG Line trim is available as usual for a sportier look and some other perks (sportier suspension, chrome details, leather dashboard, etc.).

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 W206 Saloon sedan rear view grey metallic color red LED lights. — *Rear view.*

The rear follows the same path as the front, by having a modern, yet conservative, look similar to its big brother, with its elegant lines, and the high-tech LED lights. What’s disappointing, though, is the dual fake exhaust tips, the useless rear diffuser, and the fake vents. No matter how much car enthusiasts complain about it, manufacturers won’t drop this trend. I still find it extremely hard to get used to it, however, non-car people don’t mind and think it’s cool, ergo the result.

Interior

Moving on to the interior, we can see a plethora of changes compared to the previous model. The steering wheel is revised and is paired with touch-sensitive buttons. The same goes for the driver’s display and center console screen which is identical to the S-Class and offers the same perks, such as: voice assistant, 360^o bird view, 3D effect, fluid animations, top-notch navigation, and so many functions via its MBUX system that we would need to write a separate book to describe them. The advanced head-up display is available too, offering a sort of VR navigation with its live arrows while you drive.

USB-C ports and wireless charging for your mobile phone are available along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions. The cabin is surrounded by RGB LED lighting, and the round AC vents respond with colors to temperature changes (red for hot and blue for cold).

Overall, the quality of the cabin feels great, and it’s something the C-Class needed for quite some time now. However, not everything is top-notch. You’ll still find hard plastic on the doors and the lower parts of the cabin, but it doesn’t take away the posh feeling.

Estate variant

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 W206 Estate station wagon front view grey metallic color. — *Estate variant (image by Mercedes-Benz.com).*

Estate fans will be happy to see how nice and slick the C-Class revision looks with its big boot. They can get all the elegance of the saloon, plus the comfort and space this family wagon offers. Though I was never much of a fan myself, the latest gen kind of grew on me, especially the rear end, which resembles a ‘Shooting Brake’ instead of the traditional Mercedes-Benz brick-y design. But if you throw in some tinted windows in combination with the chrome details and the dual exhaust tips, it will make a decent sports wagon. You could even go as far as to say that this variant appeals to the younger generation.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2022 W206 Estate station wagon rear view blue metallic color red LED lights. — *Estate variant (2).*

Tech and spec-wise, you will find the same package as in the saloon version, so no surprises there. The estate tops the saloon in boot capacity, at 490L and 1,510L with the seats folded down, providing plenty of space to carry things in style.

Would you consider buying this vehicle? Please, let us know in the comments.

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