Only six years after Mercedes started making the W205, the successor is already here. Perhaps this short life cycle is due to the fact that the C-Class is one of Mercedes’ highest volume models (we’re talking about 2.5 million units of the W205 here), indicating drastic consequences when lagging behind competitors. That was not the case, as the W205 received its facelift not more than two years ago. Just to absolutely take a head start on the closest rivals, Mercedes went all out on the W206 C-Class.

Second generation MBUX

The main thing that strikes is the interior. The design style derives directly from nothing less than the S-Class (review here). Gone is the split-screen setup as found in previous cars, and in comes the new layout with the large screen in the center of the dashboard. This design choice obviously limits the number of physical buttons to an absolute minimum, but that’s a liveable choice. The second generation of the MBUX system, as how Mercedes call this for the C- and S-Class, works spot on in the new setup. Since it is so multidimensional that within a swipe and a press, you’ll access the desired screen. Even while driving the system is easily being controlled via the steering wheel. Of course, the MBUX system allows the driver’s display to be configured to personal likings. And it supports conveniences like wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 3D live overview of the car and smart home devices.

The physical buttons that are lacking are the ones that control the climate controls. However, these buttons can always be accessed from any screen in the MBUX system, since they are stationary. No struggle going through menus to adjust your air temperature here. The infotainment system is responsive and prompt, which instantly defines the usability.

Exterior

Not only the interior is subject to the new design language, but also the exterior of the car is leveled out with models that Das Haus recently developed. This can be clearly seen in the shapes of both the front and rear lights. This AMG-line comes with some additional, fake vents and pronounced styling elements. The car looks purposeful thanks to the bumpers and side skirts. Perhaps a lot more purposeful than this specific car has to offer.

Basic engine choice

Engine-wise, things are interesting too. As a first for Mercedes, the entire line-up of one model range exists of -for the time being- (mild-) hybrids. The only engine configuration that is now available is a four-cylinder that works in conjunction with a 48-volt integrated starter-generator (ISG) system, which works better than ever. The system allows for electric boost, energy recovery and gliding to up the efficiency. This car however is the basic motorization, the C 180, the one that – let’s be honest -will most likely take charge for the bulk of the sales. The power of the base model C 180 is sufficient for 90% of the time. As this is the basic engine for the C 180, I’d reckon the C-Class will be good enough with any engine choice. Not in a way that every C-Class is capable of accelerations that hurt your kidneys, but in a way that the car has sufficient power to come along comfortably in traffic. Especially with the 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox that is now standard in every C-Class.

The four-cylinder engine on its own picks up a trick Mercedes learned in the development of the 2-liter AMG engines, which is their patented nanoslide coating. This is a coating on the cylinder walls that is extremely hard and slick, so it reduces friction and wear. The 1496 cc engine of the C 180 produces 170 bhp and is assisted by the 20 bhp electric motor.

More space, more convenience

An increase in exterior dimensions mainly benefits the cabin: the rear passengers get 35 mm more knee-room and headroom improves overall. Leg space in the back is remarkably good and with clever tricks concerning various shapes in the interior, it feels very roomy and there’s a lot of storage space. Regardless of the growth, the C-Class feels compact on the road. At over 4.7 meters, it disguises its length well. This comes, amongst other things, down to a tweak in the rear axle.

The optional steering rear axle makes the car more agile at low speeds and more stable at higher speeds. At slow speeds, the rear wheels steer in counter-direction, relative to the front wheels. This effectively shortens the wheelbase to decrease the turning circle and increase the responsiveness of the chassis to your inputs. The steering direction changes from counter-direction to the same direction -as the front wheels- at higher speeds. The greatest steering angle of the rear axle is 2.5 degrees, which lessens the turning circle by 43 cm to a mere 10.64 meters.

Trade-off in comfort?

In general, the suspension feels quite firm and direct. A little too firm for my likings at first. But, after all it makes sense. When you approach corners somewhat more quickly, you feel the balance in the chassis mid-corner. In fact, the whole experience felt a lot sportier than expected at first glance. This dynamic nature creates this weird combination of sportiness and comfort where the car feels nimble but levels out bumps well enough. The lack of variation in the chassis is down to the fact that all C-Classes come with coil springs instead of the air suspension that the previous C-Class pioneered within its segment. The brakes are good and give confidence. The steering is sharp and with the steering rear axle, the car really feels dynamic. This is all complemented by the driving position. The seats can be set nice and low and the steering wheel can be (electrically) positioned within a crazy range of adjustability.

Worthy competitor?

One could argue that with all these influences from the S-Class, this is just a tinier iteration of the S-Class. Well, that’s absolutely not the case. To approach this car as a mini S-Class is not the right way to see it. The S-Class is in a whole different league. As Beau mentioned in the review of the C 300 d Estate (review here), the main competition has a heavy task of offering something better than this W206.

What have we learned so far? The car makes a good impression, so good in fact that it leaves very little to be desired. It feels very high-tech and contemporary, while still being a driver’s car. At €63.143 euros (BE) this particular C 180 is quite expensive. But, keep in mind that this includes the surrealistic 12 thousand euros in options. Then again, if the C 180 is good enough for day-to-day use, you don’t necessarily need to go for the more expensive engine options which perhaps leaves potential buyers room for exploring the options list.

Mercedes-Benz C 180 Berline, ready for the big sales?