Luxury car
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a luxury car that has been around since 1993. For the 2023 model, Mercedes-Benz has done some significant improvements to make the car more efficient, luxurious and safe.
In this article, we will take a look at the features of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class and discuss why you should consider this model for your next purchase.
Beginning
We will start with an introduction to the model and discuss some of its advantages before answering some frequently asked questions about it. Finally, we will conclude with our recommendation for those who are looking to buy a new luxury car. So let’s get started!
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2023)
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2023) is the latest model from the German automaker and it comes with a host of features that promise to revolutionize driving experience.
Interior
The interior of the new C-Class is simple and straightforward, but it has a few attractive details. The first thing that catches your eye is the AMG steering wheel, which is included in the basic equipment of the Russian C-Class. It is a very nice steering wheel with interesting double spokes and a large “star” on the wheel’s hemisphere.
The deflectors with built-in lights, reminiscent of water surfaces, are also cool. Overall, the Mercedes-Benz lighting is of the highest quality. The multitude of diodes may seem pleasant at first, but you soon get hooked on this illumination.
The large gray veneer with a “woven” texture also looks at first glance like an ordinary imitation carbon fiber, but a closer look reveals how skillfully the thin “threads” under the shiny surface have been made. At night, in the light of a street lamp, the beauty is extraordinary. Of course, the screen is also impressive, and not only for its size (and screen), but also for the high resolution image.
In terms of ergonomics and visibility everything is good, but there are a few nuances. Tall drivers lack the range to adjust the side mirrors, and the knob on the inside of one of the doors (which serves as the power window control unit) is not very comfortable. And they are very difficult to use blindly.
Practicality
It is strange to demand spacious second row in a small sedan on rear-drive platform, but C-Class has nothing to reproach. Yes, it is not easy for large people to sit on the back seat, three adults will not sit there, and the heads of tall people will rest against the ceiling. However, there is enough space: there is enough space in front of a 190 cm tall man’s knee (behind the driver of medium height).
By the standards of this class, the volume of the trunk of the C-class is not a record, and the shape of the opening is not the most successful. However, there are hooks for luggage and parcels and a switch to fold the second row (which still cannot be folded).
Even more unpleasant, the 5-million-ruble Mercedes has no keyless access to the cabin, no all-round video system, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel and rear seats, electric tailgate and automatic high beam activation.
Technology and reliability
Like the design, the second generation of the latest MRA modular platform is similar to the current S-Class. Among other things, this means that steerable rear wheels are now on the options list!”!
The suspension system is double wishbone in the front and multi-lever in the rear. Air cylinders are installed only on the rear axle and only on the hybrid version, which is not available in many countries.
However, in addition to the standard comfort suspension, our market offers a variant with dual-mode shock absorbers, which change the stiffness itself by 15 mm, the same on the downhill, as well as electronically adjustable shock absorber connected to the steering rear axle has the option of downward control of suspension maneuverability – when the wheels deviate 2.5 degrees to one side, and the front ones to the opposite during low-speed maneuvers, such as driving at high speed or parking.
The new C-Class sedan is already available with a range of powertrains, including a plug-in hybrid. In some countries, however, the sedan is only available with the 1.5-liter “Turbocharged 4” gasoline engine (a unit introduced in the Seska), supported by a 48-volt starter generator. The mild hybrid system produces up to 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque (C 180) or 197 hp and 300 Nm of torque (C 200) and knows how to stop the engine instantly to save fuel, providing a quick and smooth engine start.
The M264 series engines have been available since 2018 and are not yet pediatrics-prone. Estimated service life is 260,000 miles; rare repairs have been directly related to injection system malfunctions, and a small number of owners have experienced problems with the soft-hybrid’s electrical system. The use of low-octane fuel is not recommended to avoid explosions.
The transmission is optional and is a 9-speed 9G Tronic automatic transmission used by Mercedes-Benz in a wide range of models. The base C-Class is rear-wheel drive, but the C 200 version is only available with permanent all-wheel drive.
Riding
The cool AMG steering wheel and narrow seats automatically awaken the racer in us, but logic tells us that with 1.5 liters and 197 horsepower under the hood, the C 200 doesn’t leave us expecting too vivid emotions. The car’s limits aren’t impressive, and there’s nothing to wow the passengers, but in base mode, this sedan is truly superb.
Thanks to a 200 Nm bonus, this system helps the engine accelerate instantly. Thus, the C-Class is as dynamic as it needs to be for everyday driving in traffic.
The 1.5-liter engine cannot be called quiet, but the sound does not annoy me. The sound of the engine is also amplified by the audio system, but this effect can be adjusted. What we did not like was the vibration when loading. Standing in place of the running engine, you can clearly feel the unit, even if the cooling system is on.
Another feature of the “light” hybrid is fuel consumption. At normal driving speed, the C-Class consumes about 10.5 liters of fuel in the combined cycle. If you press the right pedal more sensitively and occasionally switch the control electronics to eco-mode at every opportunity (including triple-digit speeds!)), the consumption will be reduced by 2 liters, if you let the engine “work”!” By the way, the standard ” start-stop”, used to turn off the engine at regular intervals while driving or at a traffic light, is not at all annoying here: the engine immediately and smoothly stops and starts again with the start generator.
There is a big misconception about the brakes. I have no complaints about the efficiency of deceleration, but the pedal itself is weak and goes very light. You have to make an effort to stop the car smoothly.
But how much fun it is to drive the C-Class! No particularly sharp reactions! Reactions are not particularly sharp, but this does not detract from either the liveliness of the chassis, or the driver’s ability to accurately follow instructions. It is good that the steering is not “overloaded” (it is not broken even in the mode Sport), but the only thing that can be attributed to disadvantages is imperfect feedback on slippery surfaces. However, this does not affect the handling at reasonable speeds at all.
Overall, the C-Class in these versions does not provoke vicious behavior. Instead of reckless speed, it seems organic in its restrained pretensions. This is underscored by the setup of the safety electronics, which accurately maintains its freedom to handle traction in the corners (the 4Matic’s all-wheel drive allows for the release of hidden traction), but turns the car sharply on the verge of maneuvering at dangerous speeds.
The impression of the suspension in non-standard situations depends on what a particular driver is used to (or prefers): the C-Class has a pedigree of almost Mercedes-like slip on the pavement on good quality asphalt. However, even small bumps do not go unnoticed, and the suspension may seem unnecessarily shaky on potholes and uneven ice.
At the same time, the overall power capacity is good, and there is no slack in any situation. Whether it’s a bumpy or bumpy road, this sedan keeps its face and flexibly dampens any impact. So while those who prefer a bumpy ride without excessive vibration will undoubtedly prefer the C-Class, those who prefer a softer, gentler tuning experience may have a different one.
Equipping
The new C-Class with a provisional starting price is a rear-drive C 180 sedan with a 150-horsepower engine and sporty equipment. This includes the AMG package (body kit, seats and steering wheel), a circular parking system, synthetic leather upholstery, a digital instrument cluster (not as big as the test model) and the MBUX multimedia system with fingerprint scanner.
The all-wheel-drive version of the C 200 4Matic Sport is equipped with a 197-horsepower engine. This version has a larger dashboard display (12.3 inches), atmospheric interior lighting and wireless charging, and has illuminated lower side sills.
The top-of-the-line C-Class (197 HP, all-wheel drive) comes with the Sport Plus package, which includes all-round video vision, keyless entry, augmented reality (AR) navigation and a full electric driver’s seat with position memory.
At the same time, all versions offer an impressive array of options, including actively assisting, electric tailgate, heated steering wheel and rear seats, projection monitor and panoramic roof. Simply put, the price of the well-equipped next-generation C-Class is much higher than the starting price.
That’s why the numbers in the “Available Cars for Sale” section of Mercedes-Benz’s official website may shock the unprepared viewer: “The C 180 Sport costs $89,000 and the C 200 Sport Plus costs $113,000!
Competitors
BMW 3 Series
Investing in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2023)
Investing in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2023) is a great choice for luxury car buyers. This high-end vehicle offers a range of features and amenities that are sure to please even the most discerning customer. From its advanced safety and driver assistance systems to its powerful yet efficient engines, there’s something for everyone in this vehicle. In addition, it can be customized with exterior and interior options to suit your lifestyle.