Home Car Brands Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift Launched In Malaysia; Three Variants Available Starting From RM260k

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift Launched In Malaysia; Three Variants Available Starting From RM260k

by Zachary Ho - Nov 5, 2018

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift was launched last week by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia at its City Store in TREC, Kuala Lumpur. Three variants of the locally assembled C-Class facelift are available i.e. C200 Avantgarde Line (RM259,888), C300 AMG Line (RM304,888), and AMG C43 4MATIC (RM421,888). All prices are on the road without insurance for Pen. Malaysia. Fans will notice that there is no longer a plug-in hybrid version (previously the C350e) available.

The C-Class has been the most successful model series and now in its fifth year of production, it comes with a variety of improvements, including new and improved engines. The new C-Class also features the latest Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems providing higher levels of active safety.

“The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class now comes with a refined design, a next generation digital infotainment system, state-of-the-art safety assistance systems and more dynamic engines making a great car even better. We are excited and confident to continue the success story of our bestselling locally produced model in Malaysia,” said Mark Raine, Vice President Sales & Marketing Passenger Cars, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.

Let’s start with the Mercedes-Benz C200 in Avantgarde Line, which is the premium sedan starter pack. This entry-level C-Class sedan is now powered by the new 1.5L four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a powerful starter/alternator combination of 48 volt (EQ Boost) that contributes an additional 13 hp for sportier driving. This combo provides a maximum power output of 184 hp to help bridge the brief moment of turbo lag to make spirited acceleration more seamless. This boosting is also used to reach the engine’s ideal rpm as quickly as possible during gearshifts. The shift time of the 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission is shortened as a result. The car can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds.

Next in line is the C300 AMG Line which sports an improved 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that produces a maximum output of 258 hp and torque of 370 Nm, complementing the 9G-TRONIC gearbox. 0 – 100 km/h acceleration is a speedier 5.9 seconds.

Meanwhile, the Mercedes-AMG C43 is equipped with a 3.0L V6 biturbo engine with 390 hp and 520 Nm of torque on tap. This power goes via the 9-speed AMG Speedshift gearbox to the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system. 0 – 100 km/h is done in 4.7 seconds.

The C200 rides on Agility Control suspension, while the C300 gets Airmatic suspension, and the C43, AMG Ride Control suspension. All three variants get the Dynamic Select feature, with the sporty AMG variant having more options.

In terms of looks, the cars are same same but different. The C200 has new Avantgarde front and rear bumpers and new 18″ alloy wheels. The LED headlamps and tail lamps remain the same shape but have reworked internal layouts. On the other hand, the C300 and C43 both have AMG trim and use the Multibeam LED headlamp system that features 84 individual LEDs with more control over lighting intensity and range. The C300 comes with a diamond grille, new AMG bumper and 19″ AMG alloys while the C43 has an AMG grille, front bumper with dynamic features and 19″ AMG aero alloys.

Inside, the C-Class facelift updates the 12.3″ digital cockpit display, with three different display styles (Classic, Sport and Progressive for C200 & C300; Classic, Sport and Supersport for C43). There is also a new high-resolution 10.25″ centrally-mounted media display (not a touchscreen) that can be operated with two touch control buttons on the steering wheel. The touch-sensitive control on the steering wheel responds to swiping motions like the screen of a smartphone. This allows the driver to control the functions of the instrument cluster and the infotainment system with both hands on the steering wheel. Alternatively, the Comand knob can access these features too. The infotainment system also have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

The interior of the C200 is trimmed with open-pore grey oak wood and features LED ambient lighting, electric roller blind for the rear windscreen and sunblinds on the rear doors, as well as an analog clock to balance out digital assault. The analog clock is also found in the C300 and C43, which also have sportier flat-bottomed steering wheels, and open-pore black ash wood and AMG matt silver glass-fibre trims respectively. The latter pair also get a panoramic sliding glass sunroof.

Additionally, the C43 AMG is kitted with a performance steering wheel in DINAMICA and aluminium, as well as ARTICO leather upholstery. All three variants feature paddle shifters.

Safety-wise, the C200 Avantgarde has Blind Spot Assist that works within approximately 10 – 200 km/h, and provides the driver with a visual alert along with an audible warning when a turn indicator is actuated, to warn of a danger of side collisions. It operates not only while driving, but also for up to three minutes after the ignition is switched off. Other features include Pre-Safe positioning for front seats, kneebag, Active Parking Assist, adaptive brake lights, cruise control with speed limiter, run-flat tyres, tyre pressure monitoring system, reverse camera, and keyless entry and start.

The C300 and C43 tops this with remote bootlid closing, surround view camera, Burmester sound system, and Active Lane Keeping Assist, which works within 60 – 200 km/h and warns the driver with a pulsed vibrations at the steering wheel when the car is drifting out of its lane. If the car crosses a continuous line, the system will pull the car back into its lane by applying the brakes on one side. In the case of a broken line, such intervention also takes place when there is a danger of collision with a vehicle in the next lane.

Gallery:

Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde