2015 Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI review, test drive
How good is Mercedes’ impressive new C-class now that it has the all-important diesel motor under its hood?
Published on Feb 05, 2015 12:44:00 PM
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New Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI.
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What is it?
The inevitable diesel version of the brand new Mercedes-Benz C-class, and Merc’s second new launch (out of a planned 15) for this year. Last December, the company elected to launch the new C only in fully loaded, fully imported petrol guise, and it was only a matter of time before the diesel version came along. The thing is, while local assembly of the petrol version has begun, this C 220 CDI is still an import, but apart from the fully kitted-out 'Avantgarde' trim we're testing here, you can have it in a lower-spec 'Style' trim as well. Local assembly will follow eventually and with it the equipment spec of the car could change, but for now, this is it.
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The car will debut in ‘C 220 CDI’ guise, with no immediate plans for the more powerful, twin-turbo ‘250 CDI’ motor that you find in the E-class and M-class. This means the new C-class diesel produces 168bhp and 40.78kgm of torque, which goes through a seven-speed torque converter auto to the rear wheels.
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That aside, it’s pretty much identical to the C 200 petrol model, and that means S-class-inspired styling (a good thing), a fresh-looking, high-quality interior with many parts lifted from the S-class (a very good thing) and loads of equipment. And it’s not just obvious features like the ambient cabin lighting, high-res infotainment screen, navigation or the touchpad, but also subtler things you’ll notice further down the line, like the electrically adjustable steering wheel, and the proper two-pin plug at the rear to charge your laptop. Thoughtful stuff.
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The cabin is still the highlight of this car, and offers a superb sense of luxury and occasion. Likewise, however, the rear bench – where many owners will spend most of their time – while good enough on legroom, is a little short on headroom, very short on thigh support, and not quite up there with the class best on overall comfort.
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