First Drive: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Story and photos by John LeBlanc MARSEILLE, France – Mercedes-Benz is quite happy if its latest generation of C-Class sedan garners a few knowing nods. As has been the case since the original arrived in 1993 as a replacement for the revolutionary compact 190 —known as the “Baby Benz” — from afar, the new 2015 C-Class has been designed to appear like a shrunken-down alternative to the German automaker’s flagship S-Class fullsize sedan. And the all-new, fourth-generation C-Class four-door sedan continues that tradition, only more so than ever. There’s been little reason for Mercedes-Benz to change the C-Class’ formula for success. The outgoing generation, launched in 2007, remains the German automaker’s best-selling vehicle worldwide. In Canada last year, the C-Class once again led the way with over 9,000 copies sold — well over half of the automaker’s passenger cars sales in total. But with a bevy of competitive rivals like the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and Cadillac ATS (not too mention new in-showroom competition from the slightly smaller Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class sedan) Mercedes-Benz claims this new generation of C-Class is more sophisticated, more powerful and more luxurious than ever before. While the new 2015 C-Class’ mission may be to fool your neighbours into thinking that you’ve popped for the more prestigious S-Class, it’s no longer the “Baby Benz” of the automaker’s lineup. The aforementioned CLA-Class — the front- or all-wheel-drive four-door sedan based on the existing B-Class four-door hatchback platform — that starts at about $6,000 less than the current, $39,700 rear-wheel-drive 2014 C 250, has seen to that. Logically, Mercedes-Benz has moved the 2015 C-Class upmarket, highlighted by a new lightweight design that uses 20 per cent more aluminum parts that shaves up to 100 kilograms from the sedan’s curb weight, improved aerodynamics and engines that are more fuel-efficient. While previous C-Class models may have felt like the entry-level models they were, based on the European-spec 2015 C-Class sedans I drove here, that’s no longer the case. On all fronts — from its exterior design to its interior cabin to the way it goes down the road and protects its occupants — the 2015 C-Class family has clearly benefitted from the work done on its S-Class big brother. Compared to the long-nose profile of the front-drive Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, the new C-Class has been styled to showoff its rear-drive proportions. The small ‘Benz sedan’s long hood and five-passenger cockpit sits far back in its longer wheelbase, with short overhangs emphasizing the sedan’s engine’s longitudinal layout. As swoopy as its sheetmetal is, perhaps the more impressive aspect of the new C-Class is its functional-but-stylish interior design. Wider and longer than the outgoing model overall, with a wheelbase nearly the same as the larger E-Class sedan, the 2015 C-Class offers more interior room (particularity for rear passengers) and more trunk space than its predecessor. And when you factor in the various aluminum and wood trims available, the overall feeling is not only much more stylish and upscale than the outgoing C-Class, it’s also a big jump up from the less refined cabin found in the cozier CLA-Class. In what is becoming a Mercedes-Benz interior theme, a pair of large vents splits the C-Class’ sweeping, one piece centre console, between an iPad-like colour display screen that sits at the top and well-organised HVAC and audio controls below. All the interior’s buttons and toggles have a quality feel and weight when being operated, and various trim bits have been assembled seamlessly — something that cannot be said about the current BMW 3 Series sedan’s cockpit. As well, Mercedes-Benz’s familiar Command control wheel now has an accompanying a touch pad with haptic feedback hovering above. To make sure its new C-Class family is more relevant in more markets globally, Mercedes-Benz says the car has been designed from the outset to be able to be powered in many different ways. There are all-new gasoline and diesel engines that Mercedes-Benz claims are about 20 per cent overall than the older models, but plans also call for the option of diesel-electric hybrid and plug-in electric hybrid power too. When the 2015 C-Class goes on-sale in Canada this September, two models will initially be offered, both available only with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive and automatic transmissions. Despite its badging, the entry-level 2015 C 300 4MATIC will be powered not by an engine displacing three litres but by a new, 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder gas engine, making 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Powered by a 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque turbocharged 3.0 L six-cylinder gas mill, the next-rung-up C 400 4MATIC is similarly deceptive in its name. But that’s just the start in what will be a generation of C-Class sedans that will need to be competitive until the next generation is expected around 2021. A high-performance C 63 AMG version arrives in late-2015, and a diesel C 250 BlueTec has been confirmed for Canada. As for pricing, Mercedes-Benz Canada won’t make that available until the cars are closer to their on-sale date this fall. I’s expect a starting price of around $42,000 for the 2015 C 300 4MATIC and about $10,000 more for the C 400 4MATIC. Amongst the various European-spec models available for test drives here at the media launch in the south of France, I was not only able to drive the new 2015 C 250 BlueTec diesel and C 400 4MATIC that are coming to Canada, but also the C 250, essentially a detuned version of the Canadian-market C 300, making 208 hp and 258 lb-ft. Previous generations of C-Class were bought primarily for their solidity and the prestige that comes with the brand’s famous tri-star badge. Driving enthusiasts were more than likely to head to a BMW or Audi store. But Mercedes-Benz has been clear that the goal of the new C-Class is to be the best driver’s car in its segment. Lightening the body has certainly helped in that regard. The new C-Class can be tailored to driving conditions via a console-mounted Agility button. Five modes are available — from fuel-efficiency-first Eco to Individual — each altering the parameters of the engine, transmission, Airmatic suspension, steering, climate control or Eco start/stop function. There were no 2015 models here with the standard steel spring suspension. But all three new C-Class versions I drove were resolutely composed over any kind of bad pavement, with a bank vault-like body structure that allowed for crisp handling as well. If not as agile as the class-leading Cadillac ATS, the new C-Class stitches corners together seamlessly and with less effort than its predecessor. The 2015 version feels like it’s always one step ahead of the driver, whereas the older model felt one step behind. Overall, it bodes well for the forthcoming AMG versions, which should be even more engaging to drive. Potential new C-Class buyers get access to the best of the automaker’s luxury, convenience and safety features, normally relegated to its top dog S-Class range. The light blue 2015 C 400 4MATIC I drove was a good example of how Mercedes-Benz has democratised luxury. Options included a panoramic sunroof, AMG Sport Package, Burmeister sound system and a perfume dispenser among other niceties.` As well, the 2015 C-Class comes with almost all the new safety and driver assistance features and technologies that debuted in the S-Class only last year. Under the umbrella of Mercedes-Benz’s so-called Intelligent Drive, all 2015 C-Class models come standard with Blind Spot Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus (a system that limits the danger of rear-end collisions) and Pre-Safe (an anticipatory occupant protection system). Optional is the automaker’s Parktronic with Active Parking Assist, that at speeds below 36 kilometres per hour, automatically searches for appropriate parking spots, then takes over and parallel parks the car on its own. In a very competitive segment, the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class deserves attention. Despite the toughest competition ever — both from inside and outside a Mercedes-Benz showroom — the new 2015 C-Class is a huge step-up from its predecessor. Its roomier cabin is more sophisticated than its German rivals. It’s state-of-the-art safety and luxury goodies make it arguably the most luxurious car in its class. And its newfound road manners broaden the car’s appeal beyond traditional Mercedes-Benz customers. First Drive: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 300 4MATIC / C 400 4MATIC WHAT I LIKED Stylish, roomy and well-designed cabin; plenty of “big car” luxury, convenience and safety features; nice balance of ride comfort and athletic handling WHAT I DIDN'T Still not the sportiest car in the segment; you’ll have to wait for the diesel and AMG versions; can the C-Class shake the automaker’s conservative image? Est. base prices: $42,000 / $52,000 Type of vehicle: AWD compact sedan Engines: 2.0L, 16-valve, DOHC turbocharged I4 / 3.0L, 24-valve, DOHC turbocharged V6 Power; 241/329 hp Torque: 273/354 lb.-ft. Transmission: Seven-speed automatic Competition: Acura TLX, Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Cadillac ATS, Chrysler 300, Infiniti Q50, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ, Volvo S60    

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