Agility gives you a slick, quick C 220 d at half the price
Pleasant to look at, Mercedes-Benz’ latest C-Class saloon is a fresh and exciting chip off the good old S-Class block. And there’s far more than just the car to give buyers in this neck of the woods huge financial agility and plenty to think about.
Graced with sharp latest E-Class looks and packing newest S-Class onboard tech along with outstanding comfort and quality well beyond its pay grade, the ‘Baby S’ gains improved mild-hybrid efficiency and performance too. This Stellenbosch White Avantgarde version is the base spec, so while there are no undue frills and gadgets, it is still more than enough. In fact, that simplicity is probably this car’s greatest asset.
Considerably larger than the previous car at 4,751 mm long and mm wide, the new C rides on a 25 mm longer 2,865 mm wheelbase. To benefit rear passenger room. Simplistic in design, it relies on an aggressive shoulder line to emphasise its sportier feel and agility. Sharp taillights contribute to the classy looks draw you inside, where C’s greatest attractions lurk.
Base model simplicity, agility its greatest allure
Despite this one’s more spartan nature, its plush materials and business class fit and finish deliver a premium cabin. Splendid finishes and ‘floating’ components take it to a new level. A junior S-Class limo inside, its cleaner wing profile dash layout and freestanding high-resolution jumbo 11.9-inch LCD infotainment screen however divide opinion.
Some really liked having a large screen TV on the dash. Others wonder why it’s necessary. Some were annoyed by it. Controlled by second generation ‘Hey Mercedes’ MBUX voice, touching the screen, or the left stalk of the chic looking multifunction steering wheel, it keeps Merc in the infotainment interface race. But at what cost?
Some don’t like talking to the car, while the lack of buttons and knobs force you to either tap the screen, or the steering pads. Neither is precise nor user friendly enough to be comfortable with. The steering ‘sliders’ are way oversensitive, and tuning via echelons of screen tabs is inconvenient, Never mind, bumps in the road cause wrong inputs. Volkswagen has ditched this horrible solution for buttons and knobs again. How about it, Mercedes?
A premium class business cabin
The driver has multi-mode 12.3-inch digital instrumentation at his or her access. All run by the right steering stalk. Steering pad touch sensitivity aside, it works. Discreet, Sporty and Classic display styles and three Navigation, Assistance and Service modes should deliver the screen you want.
Slipping under the bonnet, Mercedes-Benz’s 147 kW 440 Nm Family of Modular Engines C220d now benefits an almost invisible 15 kW 200 Nm hybrid electric boost. You only notice it when you fire up. There’s no more stater motor chug, it just burbles to life. Snick it to drive. Pull away. Smooth, torquey and effortless, it’s also quiet and composed enough under harder acceleration to elicit magic carpet comparison.
Driving the rear axle via Merc’s 9G-Tronic ‘box, our tester has now almost exactly matched Merc’s 7.3-second 0-100 km/h claims three times. We also readily managed Benz’s 4.6l/100km claim, but also got down to the low threes per hundred cruising easily on the open road. This car delivers astounding fuel economy and a quite incredible range. You should get from Jozi to Cape Town on one tank of diesel at a canter.
Jozi to the Cape on one tank of diesel
Five individual driving modes include Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual. We fiddled a bit but went right back to the softer Comfort setting for everyday driving. Sport and Sport+ bring sharper steering and throttle responses and firmer suspension. Enough to noticeably improve the C-Class’s dynamic performance. But not really trouble a BMW 3 for driving fun.
We found the brakes lacking a little feel and even a bit soft when first tramping on them. And the steering could be more communicative. Even in Sport Plus. C 220 d however delivers unheard of levels of ride and noise comfort, while still being agile and fun enough to drive. Mercedes knows its market well enough not to meddle with that.
C 220 d brings the latest Driving Assistance Package. It has several additional functions, some of which can become a little overbearing. Aspects like the meddling lane assist can be overridden individually. Or just switch the entire system off via MBUX if it becomes a bit too much. So long as the car is parked when you do that.
Agility brings you C 220 d at a third a month
So, the biggest challenge has to be that essentially million buck asking price. Nothing us Saffers can do about that, cars cost money and are based on first world pricing models. So if you put down a hundred grand finance on this car over 36 months, you are in for a thirty-three grand a month repayment. Or are you?
Not at all. This is where Mercedes-Benz’ surprising Agility finance plan comes into play. Did you know that you can have this Mercedes-Benz for less than thirteen grand a month? Based on a R100K deposit over 36 months, your Agility Instalment will be R12,990 per month. That’s based on 20,000 km a year and a Mercedes-Benz guaranteed R737,000 future value.
One of several Mercedes-Benz financing options, Agility is a flexible finance solution that delays your ownership decision until the end of the contract. At that point you either renew the plan and retain the car, replace your C 220 d with another one, or another Mercedes model, or simply return it. And it’s all right there at your fingertips on the Mercedes website.
Flexible and easy, Agility also protects you from the risk of depreciation, but Mercedes-Benz also offers two other keen finance models in its 50/50 concept. That’s Ideal for cash or seasonal earning customers paying 50% up front to improve cash flow or investing the balance. And there’s a regular straight up financing package too.
So it’s never been easier to own, and afford a new C 220 d, or any other Mercedes-Benz model, for that matter. That Agility only adds to the allure of the made in East London, South Africa C 220 d, which brings that overall touch of class that few rivals can match, all on its own. – Michele Lupini
Images & data: Giordano Lupini
ROAD TESTED: Mercedes-Benz C220d Avantgarde Engine: 150 kW 440Nm Nm 2-litre turbodiesel I4 Drive: 9-speed automatic RWD TESTED: 0-60 km/h 3.17 sec 0-100 km/h: 7.27 sec 0-120 km/h: 9.82 sec 0-160 km/h: 17.01 sec 400m: 15.2 sec @ 151 km/h 80-120 km/h: 4.80 sec 120-160 km/h: 7.10 sec CLAIMED: VMax: 245 km/h Fuel: 4.6 l/100 km CO2: 116 g/km Range: 1,400 km Warranty/Service: 5y 100K/2y unl. LIST PRICE: R989K Rated: 9 How does it shape up? Check Auto's Test Records now!