The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has arrived with a significant price increase, but is it worth the extra investment? The new C300, part of the W206 C-Class sedan range, is priced at $90,400 before on-road costs, making it $10,500 more expensive than its direct competitor, the BMW 330i. Even the Tesla Model 3, an electric car that outsells the C-Class, is more affordable. So, what justifies the price hike for the C300?
For starters, the new C-Class is dressed in an AMG kit, with bigger exterior dimensions and more interior space. It features a new 2-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine, exclusive to Australia, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The engine gets a torque boost from a 48-volt mild hybrid system, although the official fuel consumption number has slightly increased due to a new testing protocol.
The C-Class sports a new suspension system, but it’s worth noting that adaptive damping and rear-wheel steering have been temporarily removed due to a global microchip shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The interior has been fundamentally overhauled, drawing inspiration from the flagship S-Class saloon. Mercedes-Benz claims that the extra cost is justified by the interior upgrades, which include a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and an 11.9-inch digital touchscreen.
The C300 comes with the second-generation MBUX infotainment system, featuring voice recognition for a more intuitive user experience. The car also boasts a 360-degree camera, active parking assist, and front and rear parking sensors. The C300 has more headroom and knee room than its predecessor, but it’s not overly generous in terms of space. The boot remains the same size at 455 litres, but it can be expanded by split-folding the rear seats.
Driving the new C-Class reveals a shift in philosophy from a sports sedan to a more comfort-oriented vehicle. However, the C300’s performance is strong but not exceptional. The standard passive suspension can be brittle, especially at low speeds, and the adaptive dampers are currently unavailable. On smooth roads, the C300 offers a refined and quiet ride, but tyre noise becomes apparent on coarse surfaces.
The new C-Class comes with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and has service intervals of 25,000 kilometres or one year. Mercedes-Benz offers official capped-price service plans over three, four, and five years.
While the new C300 is impressive, it may not be worth the significant price increase compared to its competition. If you’re a Mercedes-Benz and C-Class fan with money to spare, the C300 might be for you. However, if value is a factor, it’s worth considering more affordable alternatives.
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