Mercedes-Benz New C-Class 1997-2022 C 220 CDI BE Avantgare

New C-Class 1997-2022 C 220 CDI BE Avantgare Review

Mercedes Benz is a very popular luxury car brand in India, which has several splendid models in its fleet including the C Class saloon. This luxurious vehicle is available in quite a few trim levels with diesel and petrol engine options. The Mercedes Benz C Class C 220 CDI BE Avantgarde is a mid level variant in the series that is equipped with a 2.2-litre diesel engine. This motor churns out a peak power of 170bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 400Nm. This saloon has been equipped with several innovative aspects including agility control suspension system, attention assist, intelligent lighting and panoramic sunroof. This vehicle has been bestowed with sophisticated Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system that detects critical driving situations and initiates protective measures to safeguard the occupants. It is also blessed with PARKTRONIC guidance system, which provides acoustic signals to the driver, while maneuvering in tight spots. On the other hand, this vehicle is blessed with Avantgrade styling aspects including 5-twin spoke style alloy wheels, LED DRLs and ARTICO leather upholstery. This luxury saloon competes with the likes of Audi A4, BMW 5 Series and Jaguar XF in the Indian automobile market.

Exteriors:

This saloon has a sleek body structure with expressive lines all over. To begin with its front profile, there is a signature radiator grille with three horizontally positioned louvres. Surrounding this is the radiant headlight cluster that is equipped with xenon headlamps and LED daytime running lights. The body colored bumper has a perforated air intake section along with a pair of air ducts, which are further equipped with fog lamps . The elegance of front facet is further accentuated by iconic company's logo that is affixed on to the grille. Its side profile is very stylish owing to its masculine wheel arches, which are fitted with 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels. These rims are further covered with tubeless radial tyres of size 225/45 R17. The door handles and the ORVM caps are in body color while the waistline molding gets a chrome treatment. Its rear profile has a smiley shaped tailgate that is neatly decorated with a chrome plated strip and model's lettering. The taillight cluster comes equipped with LED light pattern that gives an asserting look to the rear profile. The rear bumper is in a two-tone look, thanks to its black protective cladding that is further fitted with two exhaust pipes.

Interiors:

This Mercedes Benz C Class C 220 CDI BE Avantgarde trim has a luxurious internal cabin that is done up with an aristocratic black color scheme. There are aluminum inserts given on the instrument cluster rings, internal door handles, dashboard and central console , which accentuates the interiors. Its dashboard has plain design that is skilfully equipped with a glove box, AC unit, infotainment system and an instrument panel. The ergonomically designed front seats have lumbar support and are integrated with adjustable head restraints. These seats further covered with ARTICO man-made leather upholstery. At the same time, this leather seat upholstery is available with a choice of two colors like black and almond beige. The front central console has an armrest along with a storage box and accessory power sockets. Its instrument panel has three round shaped clusters, which provides information relating to vehicle's speed, fuel levels, traveling time, distance traveled and several other warning lights. This vehicle has 480-litre boot capacity, which can be increased further by folding the rear seats. Apart from these, there are number of utility based features given inside like cup holders, storage nets in footwell, cabin lamp, inside rear view mirror and front sun visors.

Engine and Performance:

This variant has been equipped with an advanced 2.2-litre diesel engine that is incorporated with fourth generation common rail injection technology. It is based on a DOHC valve configuration with 4-cylinders and 16-valves that displaces 2143cc. It has the ability to belt out a peak power of 170bhp between 3000 to 4200rpm that results in a peak torque output of 400Nm in the range of 1400 to 2800rpm. It is skilfully mated with a 7-Speed Tronic Plus automatic transmission gearbox that transmits the torque output to its rear wheels. It takes only 8.5 seconds to breach a 100 Kmph speed mark from a standstill and it can go up to a top speed of 228 Kmph.

Braking and Handling:

All the four wheels have been fitted with a set of internally vented brake discs, which are further loaded with superior brake calipers. It is further incorporated with an anti lock braking system in combination with electronic brake force distribution and emergency brake assist system . Furthermore, the company has also installed electronic stability control and traction control program that augments its agility. On the other hand, it blessed with an agility control suspension system, which helps it to be stable on any road condition. In addition to these, this variant has been integrated with an electro-mechanic power assisted steering system with speed related function, which offers excellent response and supports 10.84-meters turning radius.

Comfort Features:

This Mercedes Benz C Class C 220 CDI BE Avantgarde trim is equipped with advanced comfort features that provides a stress-free driving experience. It comes integrated with a THERMATIC automatic climate control system including separate air vents for rear passengers. The list of other features include electrically adjustable steering column and outside mirrors, leather steering wheel with multi-functional switches, electrically adjustable front seats with memory package, sun blinds for rear doors, electric roller blinds for rear windows and side folding front armrest. It is also incorporated with power windows with one touch operation, key operated remote boot lid release, stowage box under co-driver's seat and rear center armrest with two cup holders.

Safety Features:

This vehicle is equipped with sophisticated safety features like central locking with interior switch and crash sensor, automatic-locking of doors with emergency opening and a programmable remote key for opening/closing of windows and sun roof. Also, it has features like adaptive dual stage airbags for front passengers, height adjustable seat belts and an advanced engine immobilizer including “ELCODE” locking system.

Pros:

1. Engine power and performance is quite good.

2. Comfort and safety features are top class.

Cons:

1. Lack of COMAND Online system is a drawback.

2. Fuel economy can be made better.