Mercedes-Benz New C-Class 1997-2022 C 220 CDI Avantgarde

New C-Class 1997-2022 C 220 CDI Avantgarde Review

Barely few months ago, Mercedes Benz India has rolled out the facelifted version of C-Class saloon in the country. Now again, the manufacturer has launched a couple of new variants in its series, which are powered by a 2.2-litre diesel engine under hood. Among these trims, Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 220 CDI Avantgarde is the top end variant. This latest trim has the same body structure like the already existing petrol trim. This latest variant is introduced in the country as a completely built-in unit and its CKD version is expected to be launched in the coming few months. As far as features are concerned, this latest trim gets all the advanced features like Audio 20 CD system, electrically adjustable front seats and THERMATIC climate control unit. This trim also gets an advanced 'Touchpad' featuring multi-touch sensor system. This enables the driver to control several functions of this saloon with simple gestures. On the other hand, the auto maker has blessed this vehicle with sophisticated protective aspects including all the passive and active safety features, which safeguards all the occupants in case of any collision. The most important aspect of this vehicle is its breathtaking external appearance owing to its skilfully designed LED lights and a set of stylish alloy wheels. This luxury saloon is available with an unmatched three year warranty period without any limitation to its mileage.

Exteriors:

The external appearance of this newly launched saloon looks much alike to its existing version. It has all the signature exterior features, which emphasizes its elegance from all the facets. To start with the rear, it has radiant taillight cluster that is powered by skilfully sculptured LED brake lights and turn indicators. Its back door has a curvy and smiley design, which is further decorated with a lot of chrome accents including the iconic company's badge. The rear bumper has a sporty design, wherein its lower cladding is decorated with expressive strips. Coming to the side facet, it has a few expressive lines that gives it a sleek stance. Its neatly carved fenders are fitted with lightweight alloy wheels painted in vanadium silver. However, its door handles and ORVM caps are garnished in body color, whereas chrome treatment is given to its window sills. Its front facade is certainly the attractive aspect, thanks to the signature radiator grille featuring two horizontally positioned louvres. They are flanked by the sleek headlight cluster, which is equipped with bi-xenon headlamps along with elegant LED DRLs. The front bumper has an expressive design with three air intake sections featuring glossy metallic accents. The overall look of this saloon is complimented by the prominent Mercedes Benz 'Star' embedded on its grille.

Interiors:

Coming to the insides, this Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 220 CDI Avantgarde trim gets a top-notch interior design with a glimpse of sophistication down to the lowest detail. There are extensive use of chrome and wooden accents given on it dashboard and door panels, which gives it a majestic stance. Its cockpit has a commanding driver's position with all the control functions placed well within the reach. The seats are ergonomically designed and are covered with Nappa leather upholstery. Furthermore, they have side bolsters and head restraints, which provides excellent support to the body. This trim also gets a panoramic sunroof, which further provides a pleasant ambiance inside.

Engine and Performance:

Under the bonnet, this vehicle is fitted with a powerful 2.2-litre diesel engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 2143cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves. This power plant is incorporated with a common rail based direct injection fuel supply system, which enhances the fuel economy of this saloon. It allows the vehicle to generate a maximum mileage of 23.7 Kmpl on the bigger roads. At the same time, it can produce about 16 Kmpl in the city traffic conditions. This mill is coupled with a 7G TRONIC Plus automatic transmission gear box, which offers excellent ride comfort, driving enjoyment and efficiency. It enables the saloon to zoom towards a breathtaking top speed of 230 Kmph approximately and can break the speed mark of 100 Kmph in close to 7.3 seconds from a standstill.

Braking and Handling:

This saloon is bestowed with a proficient braking mechanism with internally vented disc brakes. These are further integrated with anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution, which improves the braking mechanism. In addition to this, it is also equipped with an electronic stability program, which collaborates with ABS and ASR (anti slip regulation) to keep the vehicle stable. On the other hand, it is integrated with an AGILITY control suspension featuring adaptive damping system, which adjusts the suspension precisely according to the road condition. It is incorporated with an advanced electric power assisted steering system, which offers excellent response and reduces the efforts required by the driver.

Comfort Features:

This Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 220 CDI Avantgrade variant has an advanced 'THERMATIC' automatic climate control system. Its temperature and air flow can be adjusted separately for each side. This variant is incorporated with 230V socket in rear, 4-way lumbar support for front seats, a central locking with interior switch, cruise control, which also has speedotronic variable speed limiter, heated rear window with timer and Keyless entry. Its panoramic sliding sunroof creates an exceptionally light and friendly ambiance. It has an advanced infotainment system with touchpad, which is a mixture of entertainment, information and communication. It supports Garmin MAP PILOT navigation with 3D visualization, Internet capability, radio with twin tuner and it also allows networking with mobile devices via Bluetooth. Apart from these, it is also equipped with rain sensing wipers, status display for rear seat belt in instrument panel, outside temperature display and reversing camera with dynamic guiding lines.

Safety Features:

The car manufacturer has bestowed this luxurious saloon with a lot of innovative aspects, which offers maximum safety to its occupants as well as vehicle. It has seven airbags for minimizing the impact of collision along with extended adaptivity and automatic deactivation function for front passenger. The PRE-SAFE system is able to recognize critical driving situation in advance and as a precaution it can activate safety systems. It also has a NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front co-passenger, which helps in reducing the strain on the spine. In addition to these, this vehicle is equipped with an 'ASSYST ' service interval indicator, brake pad wear indicator, crash responsive pedal unit, electronic stability program, curve dynamic assist, fluid level indicator, ISOFIX child seat attachments and tyre pressure monitoring system. In addition to these, it also has attention assist system that can detect symptoms of drowsiness on the basis of driver behavior and alert the driver to increasing fatigue and inattention.

Pros:

1. Advanced infotainment system including touchpad.

2. Agility control suspension system is an added advantage.

Cons:

1. Ground clearance is quite low.

2. Initial cost of ownership is very high.