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

Diego G. Moreira 23 January 2010 6 min.

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

We arrive at the third part of the road test of the Mercedes C-Class, as is customary in this third part we talk about the price range of the C-Class, as well as the price of our test unit and the extras it features. In this final part of the test we review the equipment of the C-Class, both the standard and optional equipment, and our overall assessment of the model.

For those who want to know how the 220 CDI engine with 170 CV BlueEfficiency performs, they can see the first part of the test, and everything related to design and interior space, boot or roominess we discussed in the second part of the test of the Mercedes C-Class. Regarding equipment and prices, we must remember that we are dealing with a premium brand model, which means there is an extensive list of options. In the case of our C-Class, apart from the safety equipment which is standard, it came very well stocked with extras and its price amounted to 52,356 euros, but nevertheless a C 220 CDI is available from 36,350 euros.

Equipment

The first thing we review within the standard equipment is the safety equipment. The C-Class can have many extras available in its equipment, but in terms of standard safety it comes among the most complete: front and side front airbags, knee airbag, stability control (with ABS, ASR and BAS), active front headrests, among other elements. As expected, it has obtained the famous five stars at EuroNCAP for adult protection and three for child protection, a correct result for a saloon of this type; in addition, it is worth noting that it achieved the maximum score in the side impact test.

But leaving aside the safety equipment, as standard the C-Class features elements such as automatic air conditioning, electric windows, power steering with variable assistance, 16-inch alloy wheels, trip computer, MB radio with MP3 and a 5-inch screen, or even basic Bluetooth, among other elements. It is not basic equipment, but if we take into account the starting price of the C-Class (31,600 euros) it may fall short, though it is a common characteristic of premium models to rely on options that will considerably raise the final price, but in exchange we will have a C-Class with almost every detail.

Our test unit already came with the Avantgarde trim, which is characterised externally by the front grille with the integrated star and a somewhat sportier look than the Elegance trim. For 1,909 euros of the Avantgarde line, we also get a multifunction steering wheel and the display in the instrument panel (very useful, from which you control all the vehicle’s functions) (see detail), artic leather/fabric seats, aluminium interior trim, various chrome finishes, or the lighting package (with which we light up the C-Class in every corner, from the door handles to the rear seats). The Elegance trim, with a more classic look, also adds similar equipment.

Continuing with the extras, something almost indispensable for a model of this type is the anti-theft package (440 euros) with interior and tilt alarm in case someone wants to tow the car, or the bi-xenon headlights which offer very good brightness on the road with cornering light function (1,393 euros). A practical detail is the reversing camera (see detail), which allows parking manoeuvres with more control (440 euros) (especially if we add the parking sensors). And I cannot overlook the operation of the parking sensors, which indicate the distance with a series of LED lights located above the centre console (see detail) and on the roof at the height of the rear seats (and which we see through the rear-view mirror). I found it a curious system, especially seeing the LED lights in the mirror when parking, but I think it would be simpler and more useful to integrate them into the vehicle’s screens, at least in those that have navigation, for example.

Another element our C-Class had was the Comand APS, that is, navigation system, hard drive, retractable 7-inch screen that plays DVDs (2,180 euros) (see detail), which has really good sound. Although it may seem expensive, this sound and navigation system is very complete and the large screen is very practical, especially being retractable. But even so, if we do not want such a large screen we can opt for cheaper navigation systems such as the Audio 50 APS (arrow-based navigation) from 1,260 euros.

These are some of the extras and equipment our C-Class had, but there is an extensive list of extras and other equipment. There are items such as the three-zone climate control which are dispensable, and other curious ones such as asking for an increase in the suspension’s ground clearance (52 euros), as well as taxi-professional preparations, for example.

Overall assessment

The Mercedes C-Class equipped with this diesel engine and automatic gearbox is a perfect combination for travelling, it is a car that looks after interior comfort and pampers its occupants a great deal, and in that interior comfort within the segment it is hard to find another model that overshadows it. Moreover, the work done to reduce consumption has been very good, and compared with the rest of the premium saloons it wins on consumption/power. For those who think it may be a dull car without sporty character, indeed it is not what it aims for and we will not get great sensations at the wheel, but it will respond forcefully if we ask for more character.

In the interior and space section, one of the things the C-Class stands out for is its level of finish, surpassing some premium models in the segment and offering good interior finishes. The drawback of the interior is perhaps the interior space (especially for the rear seats), which is not as large as it should be. And finally, we cannot forget the price: the car, if we want it well equipped, will raise the final price, although if we are clear about which extras are truly necessary and we are not very sybaritic we can somewhat contain the final price, but it must be kept in mind that it is a premium saloon (with the good and bad that this entails).

Prices and versions