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