Mercedes Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 CDI 170 CV BlueEfficiency, road test (Part I)

We continue with the road tests at Highmotor and this time we’re heading to a premium diesel saloon: the Mercedes C-Class equipped with the 220 CDI diesel engine producing 170 CV and under the new name BlueEfficiency that reduces the consumption and emissions of this well-known engine from the German brand without sacrificing performance. Initially we were interested in the C200 CDI BlueEfficiency with 136 CV (to compare it with the road test we did of the BMW 318d), but this entry-level model in the C-Class diesel range doesn’t sell as well as its 170 CV variant, which is undoubtedly one of the best-selling engines in the C-Class.

Many of you reading the engine and model name will think it’s not a new model, that it has been on the market for years, but the BlueEfficiency version of the 220 CDI 170 CV engine is quite recent and has been on the market since mid-2009. This BlueEfficiency range of Mercedes is very interesting in terms of performance versus consumption, and the improvements are based on aerodynamic enhancements, weight reduction in certain components, and modifications to the engine itself to achieve the best consumption figures without giving up the good performance of this engine.

Engine and performance

This Mercedes C-Class comes equipped with the four-cylinder engine with a displacement of 2,143 cc, direct injection Common Rail high-pressure system and twin turbo (unlike the 200 CDI BE, which has only one turbo). This 220 CDI BE 170 CV engine is also available in a 204 CV variant, the 250 CDI BE. As I mentioned earlier, the engine is one of the best in terms of performance and consumption, since it delivers its maximum torque from 1,400 rpm (400 Nm), which translates into a good response from low revs up to almost 4,000 rpm, pushing strongly throughout this range.

This torque becomes evident when we ask the C-Class for a bit more agility or a more immediate response, responding strongly in any situation. Our test unit came with the five-speed automatic gearbox (the standard fitment is a six-speed manual), and with this gearbox paired with this diesel engine we get the most out of the C-Class.

The automatic gearbox operates very smoothly , always prioritising comfort when changing gears, and offers three modes: Comfort, Sport and Manual. The Comfort mode is the normal operating mode, but if we want a faster gearbox response we simply press a button and switch to Sport mode, where the gearbox responds more quickly and also keeps the revs higher, so the C-Class has more power available when changing gear at higher revs. Moreover, despite having only five ratios, they are very well spaced, and the higher gears have longer ratios, which improves consumption.

To get the most out of this combination of engine and gearbox, we need to get used to the feel of the accelerator, since depending on how firmly we press it the engine and gearbox will respond accordingly. Once we get used to it, we can drive as smoothly as possible or even adopt a more agile and even sporty style (though to be clear, that is not the purpose of the C-Class), since it responds very well in both cases.

Another notable aspect of the Mercedes C-Class is the interior comfort. The suspension is tuned to offer maximum comfort inside, and even on rough surfaces with poor asphalt, the C-Class doesn’t transmit the irregularities to its occupants. It is a car that invites you to drive calmly, one that pampers you , and it also has good interior soundproofing, so engine noise is not noticeable inside (although it is somewhat noisy).

Despite having comfort-oriented suspension, the C-Class is a composed car with outstanding stability. It is not a sporty vehicle and isn’t designed for that role, but it is nonetheless an agile car that responds forcefully when we need it. In urban traffic it moves about with considerable ease, and the automatic gearbox helps when driving in heavy traffic.

The steering is very precise, with a good turning circle and manoeuvrability for its size, and for braking with complete confidence it is fitted with disc brakes on all four wheels, the front ones being larger, which brake the C-Class effectively.

Finally, we have the fuel consumption section, where the C-Class BlueEfficiency stands out positively. On the motorway (at the legal speed of 110-120 km/h) it achieved 5.5 litres per 100 km (over a 600 km journey). As for city consumption, it is very hard to exceed 9 litres, even in the worst case, and on a mixed city and road route we recorded an average of 7.6 litres per 100 km (30% urban and 70% road). The official consumption figure for this model is 4.8 litres per 100 km, which we did not achieve, but on the open road we came close to 5 litres per 100 km (at about 60 km/h).

In short, compared with premium competitors with equivalent engines and performance, this is a vehicle that wins on consumption (bear in mind we tested it with the automatic gearbox). It is ideal for covering long distances because it offers controlled consumption and great interior comfort. Its character is not sporty, nor does it aim to be, but should you need a bit more agility or an extra boost of power, the C-Class will respond forcefully.

In the second part of this test we will discuss the exterior design (which has recently undergone minor changes) and the interior of the C-Class, an interior that matches the overall package and offers good space.

Road test | Part II and Part III

Photos | David Taboada