FRANKFURT: Honey, they shrunk the S-Class — that's what you might think when seeing the new Mercedes C-Class for the first time.
It's the smallest saloon in the German car maker's stable, but one that now looks a lot like the biggest — the flagship S-Class.
The C-Class has grown a little in all of the important dimensions and as well as that it's inherited a lot from the S-Class, including the interior.
When you get to the price tag, however, you'll see the difference. The smallest C-Class sedan costs around US$42,000, while the latest S-Class will set you back by US$110,000.
Almost as if the C-Class has found itself in a midlife crisis in its fifth generation, Mercedes has prescribed a course of cures. With so-called power domes on the hood and sharp contours, the C-Class now looks more athletic and self-confident.
Mercedes has even sacrificed the traditional star on the bonnet and adorns all variants with the large radiator star, which to date has been seen mainly on its sport models.
Inside, the relationship to the S-Class becomes even clearer. There's the latest generation of the MB UX infotainment system with its colourful graphics and efficient voice control.
There are also similar pampering programs for air conditioning, lights, and seats to the ones you find in the bigger Merc.
The space available in the C-Class is of course not quite as luxurious, but it has benefited from some all-round renovation. There is now more shoulder room for everyone and more foot room for those in the back.
The trunk provides 455 litres of storage space. If you want more then there's the T model, which is an estate with 490 litres in the trunk — or 1,510 with the seats down.
All engines in the new C-Class are mildly electrified. Both petrol and diesel options come as mild hybrids with 48-volt technology.
The C-Class seems to miss out on two hot current trends — the car isn't an SUV and it doesn't run on electricity.
However, that's not entirely true either. There's an all-terrain version of the stationwagen available that has increased ground clearance and all-wheel drive.
And plug-in hybrids for both petrol and diesel are on the way that will have an electric range of 100km.
There are also some parallels to the S-Class under the skin such as rear-axle steering. The rear wheels turn by up to 2.5 degrees, which cuts the car's turning circle by almost half a metre.
The car has numerous new and improved assistance systems — also coming from big brother — that bring autonomous driving a little closer.
In terms of engines, the C-Class offers three petrol and two diesel four-cylinder units. Both diesels are 2.0 litres while the petrol engines are either 2.0 litres or 1.5.
All are mild-hybrids with 48-volt technology. Horsepower ranges from 170 for the 1.5-litre petrol C180 to 295 hp for the 2-litre diesel C300d.
The C300d accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph. Fuel consumption for this model is put at 5.0 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions at 131 g/km.
Anyone looking for a trusted companion for the transition to a fossil-free future should enjoy this car.
The C-Class looks younger and more agile than ever, and drives better. It also exudes traditional Mercedes values from every pore while offering almost as much comfort as the much more expensive S-Class.
