The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is considerably more expensive than its predecessor but it packs more equipment.

    UPDATE, 21/02/22 – A Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson has confirmed new builds of the C-Class temporarily can’t be optioned with rear-axle steering due to the ongoing global semiconductor shortage.

    They also said there are already a number of new-generation C-Class vehicles fitted with rear-wheel steering in Australia for the press launch and a few able to be purchased through the Mercedes-Benz Australia website.

    There’s no clear timeline of when rear-axle steering will return as an optional feature and it can’t be retro-fitted to existing vehicles. Mercedes-Benz says it’ll begin offering the optional rear-axle steering system on the C-Class “as soon as possible”.

    The base car climbs a significant $12,000 over the old one, but Mercedes counters by claiming it has about $10,000 worth of extra equipment, and is larger.

    Two C-Class variants will be initially available and both will be powered by turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines with a 48V mild-hybrid system.

    Prices start at $78,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level C200 and extends to $90,400 before on-road costs for the C300. The latter is $15,100 more expensive than the outgoing C300.

    The new prices are non-negotiable, per Mercedes-Benz’s switch to an agency distribution model on January 1.

    All Australian-market models will be fitted with the AMG Line exterior and interior appearance package.

    Mercedes-Benz says there are further variants expected including high-performance models.

    We expect to see the all-new C43 emerge overseas soon, while the new C63 halo – set to be a turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid – is expected to make its premiere about six months later.

    There’s also the C350e plug-in hybrid (PHEV), available in other markets, which won’t be available at launch. Local timing has yet to be announced.

    In August 2021, Mercedes-Benz revealed the wagon and the higher-riding All-Terrain variants of the new-generation C-Class won’t be coming to Australia.

    This new-generation C-Class was first revealed in February 2021, but Mercedes-Benz announced in December 2021 it was delaying the local launch.

    The delay was to ensure adequate supply of the new car, though buyers could still find themselves on a wait list for the new sedan.

    It’s heavily inspired by the current-generation S-Class flagship sedan inside and out, following a long tradition of C-Class models looking like baby S-Class sedans.

    MORE: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class supply update, no PHEV at launch

    Pricing

    • 2022 Mercedes-Benz C200: $78,900
    • 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300: $90,400

    This price includes GST and luxury car tax if applicable, but excludes on-road costs

    Engines

    Powering the entry-level 2022 Mercedes-Benz C200 is a 1.5-litre ‘M254’ turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque. This engine is bolstered by a 48V mild-hybrid system.

    The C300 on the other hand is powered by a larger 2.0-litre ‘M254’ turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 190kW and 400Nm. This engine also has a 48V mild-hybrid system.

    Both of these powertrains send power to the rear wheels only through a nine-speed automatic transmission.

    Acceleration from 0-100km/h for each of the two variants takes 7.3 seconds and 6.0 seconds, respectively.

    The 48V mild-hybrid systems in both versions of the M254 powertrain power an integrated starter-generator that makes the stop-start less perceptible.

    The mild-hybrid system also allows short boosts of extra power. The 2.0-litre engine in the C300 is capable of producing an extra 20kW with this “overboost” feature.

    Fuel Economy

    Claimed combined cycle fuel economy figures for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class range are as follows:

    • C200: 6.9L/100km
    • C300: 7.3L/100km

    Both of these models require 98 RON premium unleaded petrol and have a 66L fuel tank.

    Dimensions

    The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class measures in at 4793mm long, 1820mm wide and 1437mm tall, with a 2865mm wheelbase.

    Boot space is 455L with the rear seats upright.

    Servicing and Warranty

    All 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class models are covered by a five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.

    Mercedes-Benz offers a three-, four- and five-year servicing plan for the C-Class and service intervals are 12 months or 25,000km, whichever comes first.

    Pricing for the service plans are as follows:

    • Three services: $2650
    • Four services: $3600
    • Five services: $5200

    Safety

    The new-generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP.

    Standard safety equipment includes:

    • 10 airbags including a centre-front airbag
    • AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection
    • Surround-view camera
    • Front and rear parking sensors
    • Semi-autonomous parking assist
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Driver attention monitoring
    • Lane-keep assist (steering assist)
    • Blind-spot monitoring with exit warning function
    • Active bonnet
    • Speed limit assist

    The Driving Assistance Package Plus, standard on the C300, adds the following standard safety features:

    • AEB junction assist
    • Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
    • Blind-spot assist
    • Lane-change assist
    • Lane-following assist
    • Evasive steering assist
    • Side-impact anticipation and protection system
    • Traffic sign assist

    Standard Equipment

    The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C200 comes with the following standard features:

    • 18-inch Tantalite Grey five-spoke alloy wheels
    • 11.9-inch MBUX portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment display
    • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
    • Fingerprint scanner for driver profiles
    • Satellite navigation
    • Mercedes me Connect app functionality
    • 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
    • Semi-autonomous parking assist
    • Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • Powered boot closing
    • Electrically-adjustable sports seats with four-way lumbar support
    • AMG-line interior trim
    • AMG floor mats
    • 64-colour ambient lighting
    • Illuminated front door sill with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering
    • Keyless entry and start
    • Dual-zone climate control
    • AMG Line grille insert
    • AMG body styling
    • Electrically-adjustable side mirrors with electric folding and heating
    • LED headlights
    • Automatic high-beam
    • Dynamic Select system with four selectable driving modes

    Stepping up to the C300 adds:

    • 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels
    • Leather upholstery
    • Privacy glass

    Notable optional extras include:

    • Digital Light Package
    • Rear-axle steering*
    • Augmented reality navigation

    Features with an ‘*’ next to it indicate that it’s currently unavailable due to semiconductor-related shortages.

    Colours

    The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is available in the following exterior paint colours:

    • Spectral Blue metallic
    • High-Tech Silver metallic
    • Opalite White metallic
    • Hyacinth Red metallic
    • Obsidian Black metallic
    • Graphite grey metallic
    • Mojave Silver metallic
    • Cavansite Blue metallic
    • Selenite Grey metallic
    • Polar White

    MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz C-Class

    Jack Quick

    Jack Quick is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne. Jack studied journalism and photography at Deakin University in Burwood, and previously represented the university in dance nationally. In his spare time, he loves to pump Charli XCX and play a bit of Grand Theft Auto. He’s also the proud owner of a blue, manual 2020 Suzuki Jimny.

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