Mercedes-Benz Korea is introducing the new C 200 Avant-garde and C 200 AMG variants of its luxury mid-size sedan, the C-Class.
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz's best-selling model, with more than 10.5 million units sold worldwide in the generations since its predecessor, the 190 model, was introduced in 1982. The current sixth generation model was launched in Korea in 2022.
The new models are the Mercedes-Benz C 200 Avant-Garde and C 200 AMG Line, which have been enhanced with a range of advanced safety and comfort features at an affordable price to increase customer satisfaction. The C 200 Avantgarde is priced from £62,000 and the C 200 AMG Line from £65,000 (both inclusive of VAT).
Both models come standard with features favoured by domestic customers such as ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and panoramic sunroof. In addition, the Toll Payment System, which displays the amount of the High Pass payment and balance on the centre display, and Digital Keyless Entry, which enables remote car sharing, are standard.
The powertrain is a straight-four 2.0-litre petrol turbocharged engine with 204 hp and 32.6 kg-m of peak torque, mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission for a refined and smooth driving texture. The 48V mild-hybrid integrated starter-generator (ISG) provides up to 20 additional horsepower for acceleration, while gliding, boosting and regenerative braking help to deliver outstanding efficiency. The entire line-up is also certified as a Tier 2 low-emission vehicle, which means you can benefit from reduced congestion charge and public car park parking fees.
The exterior of the C-Class emphasises a luxurious and elegant image, in keeping with the design philosophy of 'Sensual purity', which focuses on a youthful and dynamic feel. The C 200 Avant-garde model features LED high-performance headlamps, a vertical black radiator grille with a central triangular star logo and louvres, and a front apron finished in chrome to complete the exclusive Mercedes-Benz look. The C 200 AMG Line adds a sporty touch with its diamond radiator grille and 18-inch AMG five-spoke light-alloy wheels.
Inside, the cabin is equipped with a variety of digital elements to create a more advanced atmosphere. The first thing that catches the eye is the dashboard and centre display, which are tilted towards the driver's seat by approximately six degrees to give it a sporty look. The air vents above the dashboard are reminiscent of a nacelle, the covering of an aircraft engine, to emphasise dynamism.
The centrally located 11.9-inch vertical high-resolution LCD display lets you control in-car functions with a simple touch. It also features the second-generation MBUX infotainment system, which allows for intuitive voice and touch screen operation of various functions, as well as a variety of mini-games such as Sudoku and Shufflepic. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support for smartphones is also available, and user login via the fingerprint scanner located under the central display allows for quick and easy recall of personalised settings.
The C 200 is equipped with the latest driving assistance systems and a range of high-tech safety and comfort features to create a safe and comfortable driving experience. Standard equipment includes the state-of-the-art Driving Assist Package Plus, which includes a range of driving assistance systems such as keeping a distance from the vehicle in front, automatic speed control, braking and departure, lane departure prevention and lane change assist. It also includes Pre-Safe®, which detects dangerous situations before an accident occurs to minimise damage to occupants, and Pre-Safe® Impulse Side, which protects front seat occupants in the event of a side impact.
Other features include a parking package with a rear-view camera, heated front seats, a heated windscreen washer system, and an air quality package that monitors the concentration of ultrafine particles inside and outside the cabin at all times to keep the air quality comfortable.
More information about the new C 200 is available at all 64 authorised Mercedes-Benz Korea showrooms nationwide and on the official website.
Article roadtesting editorial (dhseo1208@gmail.com)
Photo Mercedes-Benz Korea