The new 2.0-litre mill replaces a 1.5-litre turbo petrol 48V mild-hybrid power plant
In a major update for 2020 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (C200), the old mild-hybrid powertrain has been discontinued. The 1.5-litre turbo petrol unit came paired with a 48V mild-hybrid system. Replacing it is a new 2.0-litre turbo petrol unit that makes 201bhp at 5800-6100rpm. In comparison, the older engine made 181bhp. Out of this, its mild-hybrid delivered an additional 14bhp and 160Nm.
A 9-speed automatic unit (9G-TRONIC) continues to be the transmission system. However, it has been tweaked a bit to reduce NVH and optimize fuel efficiency. It responds better to the available drive modes: Comfort, Sport and Eco. New Mercedes-Benz C200 can do 100km/h from zero in 7.7 seconds (same as the outgoing model). The sedan’s top speed is 239km/h.
Just like its predecessor, new C200 petrol is available in two trims: base-spec Prime and mid-spec Progressive. Some key features of 2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 include LED ‘high-performance’ headlamps, panoramic sliding sunroof, front wireless charging, Avantgarde line interiors, 64-colour ambient lighting, Midline sound system, all-digital instrument display, folding rear seat backrests, roller sunblind in left and right rear doors, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, smartphone integration package and more.
Users can stay connected to their C200 from anywhere in the world using the ‘Mercedes me connect’ system. With this dedicated connectivity app, users can track the exact location of their car through inbuilt GPS. They can access turn-by-turn navigation and get to know the location of their parked car within a 1.5-kilometre radius. Speed limits can be set, which allows users to know if a particular speed limit is exceeded. Users can remotely access several features of the car such as door lock/unlock, vehicle status, etc. There’s an SOS feature as well, which automatically triggers an emergency call in case an accident is detected.
In terms of safety, new Mercedes-Benz C200 is equipped with cruise control, Pre Safe system (warns of an impending accident), parking assist, and parking package with reversing camera. The car also has pedestrian protection with ‘active bonnet’ that reduces the risk and severity of injuries during a collision with a pedestrian.
Mercedes-Benz India had registered the lowest Q1 sales performance in seven years. 2020 Mercedes-Benz C200 petrol is available in the range of Rs 40.90 lakh to Rs 46.54 lakh (ex-showroom). As of now, BMW 3 Series is the only competitor to the new C200. Audi and Volvo are set to re-enter this space with updated A4 and new S60, respectively. Meanwhile, the 2021 Audi A3 Sedan has made its global debut.
