Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class launched in Malaysia, priced from RM286k [+Video]



Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) have just launched their most popular model to date, the fifth generation W205 C-Class earlier today, many months after it was revealed to the public. Two trims were introduced this morning, and they are the C200 Avantgarde and the C250 Exclusive, with each priced at RM285,888 and RM314,888 respectively.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

QUICK FACTS

Name Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde Mercedes-Benz C250 Exclusive
Segment
C-Segment
C-Segment
Engine 1,991cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged 1,991cc 4-cylinder, turbocharged
Transmission 7G-Tronic Plus Automatic 7G-Tronic Plus Automatic
Max Power 184 hp @ 5,500 rpm 211 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Max Torque 300 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm 350 Nm @ 1,200 – 4,000 rpm
Price (OTR without insurance) RM285,888.00  RM314,888.00 

 

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

Fortunately, this C-Class will be locally assembled early next year, and bookings for those have already been opened, with the actual price remain undisclosed for now, of course.

EXTERIOR
The new C-Class has been widely regarded as the ‘Baby S-Class’, and a quick glance on the exterior of the car would have you just as convinced that the C-Class appears to be a shrunken S-Class. Its design is inspired by modern aesthetics, and the lines on the C-Class are made subtler, but they do make the car look good nonetheless.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

 

It’s not all talk and no walk, the design. Its curvier body has helped reduce coefficient drag, which is valued at 0.24. For comparison’s sake, the Prius’ coefficient drag is 0.25.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

 

From the front, the C200 and C250 can be differentiated by its grille: the C200 Avantgarde has a sportier looking grille with twin louvers and a central star, whereas the C250 Exclusive gets the classic saloon radiator grille with the carmaker’s ‘Star’ on the bonnet. Just like the S-Class, the W205 C-Class will not be using light bulbs. Instead, it uses LED technology for the headlights and the tail lights.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

The C250 features an Airpanel function for the first time, that actively opens or closes the radiator grille depending on the cooling demand to optimize coefficient drag and reduce air resistance.

INTERIOR
If the C-Class’ exterior somehow bore you, then you’d be sold to what it has in store for you on the inside. Gone are the interior familiarities seen in the superseded W204 model. For starters, the air conditioning vents are rounded here, including the rear vents. The centre console panel sweeps elegantly from the centre air vents to the armrest, in which you’ll find another interesting feature resides.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

 

The centre tunnel houses the new central controller with integrated touchpad, and it operates just like your smartphone. Finger gestures are easily picked up, and the touchpad also recognises letters, numbers, special characters and any language that the software – Audio 20 – supports. Touch is responded with tactile feedback.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

The air conditioning system in the C-Class is the only kind of its segment to offer tunnel detection via GPS navigation system. It uses map data from the navigation system via GPS location to close the air-recirculation flap when the car enters a tunnel, and subsequently reopens it when the car exits the tunnel. Exclusive to the C250 is the Air-Balance package which gives active fragrancing, air ionisation and better filtration over the C200.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

Another feature seen in the S-Class is the interior ambient lighting, which is also LED powered. The ambient lighting stretches from door to door, including the dashboard. Three ambient colours are to be chosen from – solar, polar and neutral – and have five brightness levels to suit your mood.

PERFORMANCE
Underneath the hood is the familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged mill (also used in the Infiniti Q50), but output figures in the C250 Exclusive is slightly higher than the C200 Avantgarde. The numbers for the C200 are 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque. It gets the century sprint done in 7.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 235 km/h.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

The C250 gets 211 hp and 350 Nm of torque, does the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 6.6 seconds, and reaches a top speed of 250 km/h. Both engines however, return the same fuel consumption rating at 5.3 litres per 100km travelled. All that power gets delivered to the rear wheels via their 7G-Tronic Plus automatic gearbox.

There are five driving modes to choose from, and each driving profile alters the behaviour of the throttle response, steering weight and transmission. Drivers can choose from Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual – the latter allowing for behavioural personalisation.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

Thanks to the more extensive use of aluminium, the overall weight of the W205 C-Class has reduced by 100 kilograms, and this directly translates to a lower centre of gravity and higher power-to-weight ratio. As a result, the C-Class is 20 percent more fuel efficient, handles nimbler and is more agile. Compared to the W204 model, the share of aluminium has increased from less than 10 percent to a whopping 50 percent; an uncommon amount for any large-scale series production.

SAFETY
The W205 has seven airbags as standard: front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbag. It is also fitted with Attention Assist which informs the driver of their drowsiness level and the duration of their drive since their last break.

There is also the Collision Prevention Assist Plus feature which carries out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, and prevents rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h. Another standard feature is the Active Parking Assist which enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention for parallel parking and end-on parking.

WHAT ELSE
Mercedes-Benz Malaysia have announced that the new C-Class will be locally assembled (CKD) beginning next January, with the assembly line almost completed and ready for production. MBM’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mr Kai Schlickum said the waiting list for the CBU variants is now six-months long, with fleets of imported W205s coming in from East London and South Africa.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

The CKD models of the W205 C-Class will be produced at MBM’s Pekan production plant. They are also taking orders for the CKD C-Class, although no official price tags have been announced as of yet. When asked if MBM will ever introduce the C63 AMG here, Kai said that remains dependent on the market and the C200 and C250 will spearhead sales of its segment as of now.

Mercedes-Benz C-Cass W205 launch in Malaysia - AutoBuzz.my

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