SedanMercedes-Benz78% by Neofiliac Team73% by External Reviewers

Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206

Compact Sedan

Product Gallery

Photo 0of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 1of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 2of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 3of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 4of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 5of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 6of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 7of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 8of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206Photo 9of Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206

Product Overview

The 5th-gen Mercedes C-Class W206 sedan brings Mercedes's latest design elements and tech features found in the new W223 S-Class and W213/S213 E-Class to the compact executive segment. Powered by only 4 cylinders, the new C-Class prioritizes efficiency and technology over pure performance.
As the C-Class has always been, the W206/S206 continues to feature the rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available with most engine options. For improved efficiency, Mercedes has endowed the OM654 diesel engine with an integrated starter-generator (ISG), resulting in the new OM654M engine designation. This brings it on par with the M254 petrol engine: Both feature Mercedes's 2nd-gen ISG that produces 15kW of power and 200Nm of torque. All engine options are paired with the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission; manual is no longer offered.
Mercedes also expects a plug-in hybrid drivetrain to be made available after the initial launch, and we can expect AMG versions to follow suit, too.
In terms of the chassis design, the 5th-gen C-Class now uses multi-link suspensions at all four corners. The new optional rear-axle steering reduces the turning circle by 0.43m to just 10.64m.
In terms of technology, the new C-Class features the same 2nd-gen MBUX system. As has been the case previously, the unit is virtually identical to that found in the flagship W223 S-Class.
Inside and outside, the W206/S206 is certainly more of an evolution than revolution. It continues its role as a "mini E-Class", which has been the "mini S-Class".

Ratings

What we found

Neofiliac score 78%
Pros
  • Excellent ride quality
  • Excellent 0.24 drag coefficient
  • S-Class-inspired infotainment system
  • Lots of standard equipment
Cons
  • Only available with small engines

What external reviewers found

External score 73%
Pros
  • Excellent infotainment system
  • Excellent handling
  • Excellent ride quality
Cons
  • Lacklustre ride quality
  • Lack of air suspension
  • Lack of thrills
  • Not as agile as the C300e
  • Middling infotainment
  • Not as practical as rivals

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Price Comparison

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Specifications

Variants shown:
C 180
C 200
C 200 4MATIC
C 200d
C 220d
C 220d 4MATIC
C 300
C 300 4MATIC
C 300d
C 300e

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External Reviews

autocar[1]

Reviewer score 42% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from autocar have found:
We drove the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class last week overseas but we’ve now driven it in the UK, albeit still early left-hand-drive examples. The estate is the same 4751mm length as the saloon, unlike the previous model, which was a touch longer than the four-door. The 1.5-litre petrol engine with integrated 48V mild-hybrid starter-generator that boosts low-end torque and response. The numbers say the C200 hits 62mph from rest in 7.5sec, which makes it the same sort of speed as a Toyota GT86.
Pros
  • Gorgeous looks
  • Decent handling
Cons
  • No air spring option
  • Middling infotainment

autoexpress[2]

Reviewer score 84% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from autoexpress have found:
The new Mercedes C-Class impresses with its S-Class-inspired operating system, ride comfort, excellent driving experience and solid body control. The lack of air suspension isn't a problem either – few will miss it. However, the price will be a key factor when the car goes on sale in the UK.
Pros
  • Excellent ride quality
  • Excellent infotainment system
Cons
  • Lack of air suspension
  • No air suspension

carmagazine[3]

Reviewer score 61% (normalized by Neofiliac)
Reviewers from carmagazine have found:
Screen is bright, clear and responsive, layout makes sense. Switchgear all feels top-shelf in terms of quality. Four six-footers will be snug, and headroom in the back is limited. Wide centre console makes the front passenger footwell very narrow. The boot’s reasonably well-shaped, but 25 litres smaller than that on the 3 Series or A4.
Pros
  • Fantastic range
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Poor low-speed ride
  • No adaptive dampers in the UK

References

  1. ^ Mercedes-Benz C-Class C200 Estate 2021 UK review. [autocar].
  2. ^ New Mercedes C-Class 2021 review. [autoexpress].
  3. ^ Mercedes C-Class (2021) prototype ride review. [carmagazine].

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