Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Confusion in Tenerife

When big automakers introduce a new model, the process is relatively simple. Journalists are invited from all over the world to come and try the latest creation. In an effort to win them over, the companies often propose an exotic destination. These events are generally impeccably organized and we are given unlimited access to the models that will be sent to Canada. But even companies with an excellent reputation for organizing press junkets can trip up, like with my recent experience with Mercedes-Benz, who had a few hiccups during the launch of the new C-Class sedan.

But before we get into the test drive itself, here’s what the new Canada-bound C-Class has in store for us.

The generation of refinement

The current generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was launched in 2007 as the 2008 model. Until then, the C-Class models were interesting cars, but their style and ride were rather plain. This generation took a big step forward with a much sportier and more unique silhouette, which positioned this car between a pure sports car and sedan for a funeral director. Moreover, the multiple available engines allow you to make this car into whatever you want. Finally, the new platform was extraordinary.

It was time to revamp this model a bit. This time, there would be no spectacular changes, no completely revised shape, but a few aesthetic modifications to modernize the exterior and some improvements to the powertrains. Basically, this car is designed to be modern and the engineers have taken steps to adapt it to today’s needs. According to Mercedes-Benz, it’s the most significant interim revision of this model, with more than 2,000 of the vehicle’s components replaced.

It’s what’s in front that counts

When you look at this new generation C-Class from the side, the changes appear to be relatively modest. But when you move toward the front, they seem much more significant. In fact, the whole front end has been revamped with new headlights, a new aluminum hood, an updated front grille and integrated LED blinkers. You should note that daytime running lights are now mandatory in the entire European Community, prompting the company’s stylists to redesign them. The front grille differs from model to model. One is made up of several horizontal strips with the Mercedes-Benz logo sitting atop the hood. Another, more elegant grille features a silver star in the centre, like the brand’s sportiest models.

The modifications are more understated at the tail end. For starters, the new bumper is more integrated with the rear diffuser and the lights are now LED. At first glance in the passenger compartment, you’ll notice that there have been changes, but you will probably have trouble putting your finger on what’s different. Think evolution, not revolution. The new steering wheel stands out right away however. It has a flat lower section on the C300 and C350 models. A few minor changes have been made to the indicator dials, which are much easier to read. The air vents, circular on the extremities and rectangular in the centre, are also new. Moreover, the wood accents are larger and inspired by the E-Class sedan.

I should also mention that the display screen has been modified and is now much bigger than it used to be. Of course, the quality of the materials and finish is still top-notch. It’s hard for a company to completely revitalize this type of technology, but even though the updates are relatively moderate, they are well done and Mercedes-Benz did not miss the mark.

New engines

What’s most significant with this new generation of the C-Class sedan are the two new powertrains and the improved fuel consumption of the engines already in the catalogue. The first of the two new arrivals is a 2.5-litre four-cylinder that is offered on the rear-wheel drive version. With direct injection, this turbocharged four-cylinder produces 220 horsepower and 229 lbs-ft of torque, and offers improved fuel economy. Mercedes-Benz has published an acceleration time of 7.2 seconds. The automatic transmission, the only one available, is the 7 G-Tronic that, as its name indicates, is a seven-speed.

The other new engine is a 3.5-litre V6 that also has direct injection and produces 101 horses more than the four-cylinder. It’s paired with the same transmission, but this engine powers the car from 0-100 km/hr in six seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz.

Lastly, the C250 4Matic and the C300 4Matic are back. The first comes with a 250-hp V6 engine and the second with 3.0-litre V6. Once again, the engines are paired with the seven-speed automatic transmission. Don’t forget the C63 AMG version that comes with the same 6.2-litre V8 engine as before, but in this vehicle the 7G-Tronic transmission is replaced by the seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT gearbox. It’s the same transmission found on the E63 AMG and has “Race Start” mode. Buyers opting for the Performance Package will benefit from an engine that produces 30 extra horses and the maximum speed is increased to 280 km/hr.

So to sum up...

The C250 gets the new 2.5-litre four-cylinder while the C250 4Matic stays the course with the 2.5-litre V6. Gone is the C300, but the C300 4Matic is back with its 3.0-litre V6. The C350 and the C350 4Matic both have the new 3.5-litre V6, and the C63AMG continues to impress with its 6.2-litre 451-horsepower V8.

Of course, all of the models can be equipped with an almost endless list of options to improve safety, comfort and performance, but the “Attention Assist” system will come standard. This system informs you if you’re dozing off at the wheel and advises you to pull over, stretch out and wake up.
Blame it on the Russians!

That’s it for the introductions of the different versions. I was reasonably excited by the idea of driving this new generation of the C-Class. As soon as we stepped off the plane at the Tenerife airport, my co-pilot and colleague Jacques Deshaies and I made a bee-line for the car selection booth. As a general rule, people proceed calmly, but since our group of journalists included several colleagues from Russia, things quickly degenerated to the point that the person in charge of distributing the models was soon overwhelmed. The Russians bullied their way and took the keys of Canadian specs cars. And the pool of C-Class models with an engine and body configured for the Canadian market was very small.

So, after several minutes of discussion, we removed ourselves from this crush with the keys of a C200 equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. If you read the first part of this article, you have surely caught on that this model isn’t available in Canada. So, after more than 15 hours on planes, we found ourselves at the wheel of a vehicle that won’t even be sold on our continent. Great, just great! But at least we had a sedan with a gasoline engine. Some of our Canadian colleagues ended up with a wagon powered by a turbo diesel engine. Needless to say, we were not happy campers.

That said, a little perspective was in order. Sure, our drivetrain was a little far-fetched considering our market, but we were able to evaluate the handling, suspension and even the performance of this four-cylinder engine that gives away several horses to the 2.5-litre direct injection version. In spite of having considerably less horsepower than the 2.5-litre, this four-cylinder has excellent torque in low gear and its performances are supposed to take us from 0-100 km/hr in less than 10 seconds, which is promising indeed for the new 2.5-litre engine.

We were also able to determine that the gauges are much easier to read while the satellite navigation system is faster and more refined. In Europe, Mercedes-Benz is offering a new optional navigation system connected to Google. This system will be available in Canada later, but not in time for the 2012 model. Furthermore, the start/stop system that cuts the engine when the car is stopped is available on the European versions but won’t cross the Atlantic.

Despite the disorder with the test model, at least we can say that this new generation is more refined, more aesthetically pleasing and more complete. Moreover, if we’re to believe the comments of our colleagues who had the opportunity to drive a C250 and its new four-cylinder engine, this powertrain is very appealing and should be popular. On the other hand, it’s not available with all-wheel drive, which could lead many to opt for the version with a V6 engine.

Basically, our Iberian adventure was somewhat bizarre, but despite having to deal with the wrong engine under the hood, we can still conclude that this new generation of the C-Class is an excellent evolution. And be sure that the versions powered by the new 3, 5 V6 will be outstanding.