Mercedes-Benz C-class is a rear- or all-wheel drive mid-size sedan of a premium class, combining an elegant appearance, an upscale and roomy interior, productive technology and progressive electronic "stuffing" ... The car is addressed primarily to wealthy family men (often - with one or more children), who have already achieved a lot in life, but at the same time have not yet "grown up" to more status models ...
The fourth generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-class with the in-plant marking "W205" debuted in January 2014 - at the International North American Auto Show in Detroit, and already in February its serial production began ...
The four-door, which is positioned by the German company as a "miniature version of the flagship S-class", after "reincarnation" has seriously changed in appearance, received an even more luxurious interior, "moved" to a new platform and acquired a wide range of equipment previously unavailable from competitors.
In March 2018 (as part of a motor show in Geneva), the premiere of a restyled car took place, which was slightly "refreshed" on the outside (redrawn bumpers, grille, optics and wheel rims), enriched inside, "armed" with new modern "bells and whistles" and equipped new engines.
Externally, the fourth generation Mercedes-Benz C-class is designed in the style of the flagship "esque", enclosed in a much smaller size - as a result, the car demonstrates an elegant, balanced, noble and dynamic image, devoid of any contradictory elements.
The front view of the sedan is attractive, restrained and moderately aggressive - stylish LED headlights, a solid grille (its design depends on the modification) and a sculpted bumper with large air intakes.
In profile, the three-volume box looks balanced, taut and energetic - a long hood, a rearward-shifted interior, embossed “folds” on the sidewalls, a short “tail” of the trunk and impressive flourishes of the wheel arches.
And finally, the look of the car is successfully completed by a beautiful and lean stern with sophisticated diamond-shaped lanterns and a "puffy" bumper with two "weighty" exhaust pipes implanted on the sides of the diffuser.
The "fourth" Mercedes-Benz C-class belongs to the segment of mid-size cars: it is 4686 mm long, 1442 mm high, and 1810 mm wide. The center distance is extended at the four-door by 2840 mm, and its ground clearance does not exceed 130 mm.
The curb weight of the three-volume tank varies from 1350 to 1660 kg (depending on the modification).
Inside the "shop" with the in-house code "W205" boasts a sophisticated, modern and presentable interior, made with increased attention to detail, which, in terms of design and quality of performance, is just right to compare with the "players" of the executive class.
At the driver's "workplace" there is a "plump" multi-steering wheel with a three-spoke rim and strict instruments with two equal-sized dials and a display between them (for a surcharge, they give way to a widescreen electronic display with a 12.3-inch screen).
Above the monumental center console rises a 10.25-inch tablet (in the "base" - 7-inch) infotainment system, under which three round ventilation deflectors, stylish "remotes" of the audio system and climate complex, as well as an analog clock are based.
In the front part of the Mercedes-Benz C-class of the fourth generation, there are seats with ergonomic anatomy, developed lateral support rollers, moderately hard filling and a large number of electric adjustments. Only two passengers can comfortably sit on the back sofa, but the third one will obviously be superfluous - the central tunnel is huge here.
The cargo compartment of a midsize premium sedan normally holds 480 liters of luggage and has a comfortable shape. The second row of seats folds in three sections in a ratio of 40:20:40 into a completely flat floor, freeing up a decent opening for transporting oversized items. In an underground niche near the car, tools and a dock are stored.
The restyled Mercedes-Benz C-class of the fourth generation is offered in five modifications, which are equipped with a 9-speed "automatic" 9G-Tronic:
- Gasoline options C200/C200 4Matic driven by a 1.5-liter "four" of the M264 family with an in-line layout, turbocharging, a direct feed system, 16-valve timing and variable valve timing, developing 184 horsepower at 5800-6100 rpm and 280 Nm of torque at 3000 -4000 rpm.
- As standard, they are complemented by the hybrid EQ Boost system, which is a starter-generator (its output is 14 hp and 160 Nm) with a belt drive, which operates from a separate 48-volt battery. This technology helps at the beginning of acceleration, and is also capable of jamming and quickly starting the main engine while driving.
- Behind it in the hierarchy is the version C300, under the hood of which is a four-cylinder unit of the M264 series with a displacement of 2.0 liters with a turbocharger, direct fuel supply, 16 valves and phase rotators at the inlet and outlet, producing 258 hp. at 5500 rpm and 370 Nm of peak thrust at 1300-4000 rpm.
- Diesel versions C220d/C220d 4Matic They are equipped with a 2.0-liter OM 654 engine with battery injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, iron-coated aluminum cylinders and a 16-valve timing structure that generates 194 hp. at 3800 rpm and 400 Nm of available potential at 1600-1800 rpm.
All-wheel drive modifications of the midsize sedan boast a proprietary 4Matic system with an asymmetric center differential, which by default distributes traction in a ratio of 45:55 in favor of the rear axle.
As for the "pre-reform" car, it was offered on the Russian market with other power plants:
- The petrol range includes a 1.6-liter engine (C180), producing 150 hp. and 250 Nm of torque, and a 2.0-liter unit with 184 hp. and 300 Nm (C200 4Matic), or 211 hp. and 350 Nm (C250).
- The diesel part consists of a 2.1-liter engine (C250d 4Matic), the potential of which is 204 hp. and 500 Nm of torque.
- Provided for the "German" and a hybrid drive (C350e), combining a 2.0-liter gasoline turbo engine producing 211 hp. and 350 Nm of torque, an 82-horsepower electric motor (340 Nm) and a 6.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.
At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz C-class W205 is a universal modular "bogie" MRA with a longitudinally oriented power unit and independent suspensions of both axles: a double-wishbone architecture is installed at the front, and a multi-link at the rear. As an option, the sedan can be equipped with adaptive shock absorbers and pneumatic elements.
In the power structure of the car body, high-strength and ultra-high-strength grades of steel and aluminum are widely used (the mass fraction of the latter accounts for 24%).
The four-door has an electric control amplifier mounted in a rack housing with a variable tooth pitch. All wheels of the car are equipped with disc brakes (ventilated in the front) with ABS, EBD and "darkness" of other modern "gadgets".
In the Russian market, the restyled Mercedes-Benz C-class of the fourth incarnation has been offered since the beginning of May 2018 in three modifications to choose from - C 180, C 200 4Matic and C 300 (and in two versions - "Premium" and "Sport").
A car in a "premium" configuration with a 150-horsepower engine can be purchased at a price of 2,320,000 rubles, while an all-wheel drive version will cost at least 2,520,000 rubles.
The standard three-volume boasts: seven airbags, 16-inch steel wheels, heated front seats, ABS, ESP, single-zone "climate", LED headlights, a simple media center, a rear view camera, rain and light sensors, rear parking sensors, power windows and some others equipment.
The "Sport" version with the lowest-power engine costs from 2,560,000 rubles, and with the "top-end" 258-horsepower - from 2,880,000 rubles. Its distinctive features are: combined seat upholstery in fabric and leatherette, 18-inch light-alloy "rollers", sports suspension and AMG body kit.
In addition, a wide range of optional equipment is provided for the midsize premium sedan.
