RE: 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class unveiled

[raspy]

01WE01 said:

Firstly, not sure if troll.

Secondly, that's not old man.

Thirdly, surprising. I assumed they aimed for the 25-35 market with a c-class.

The current C class (W205) was designed for 35-45 year olds, according to the design chief, Gorden Wagener.

Interestingly, the C class before this one (W204) was aimed at 45+ year olds!

The CLA model tends to attract younger buyers for MB.

It sounds like MB will continue to target 35-45 year olds for the W206, given the new model has much more of a focus on luxury and a quieter and more refined drive.

[matrignano]

I know it's a cliche, but I really couldn't tell it apart from an A class saloon/CLA estate.
And I am not one to confuse models normally (although A4 and A6 recently have planted a seed of doubt in me)

[Raikesi]

Is it just me or does 38k sound preposterous for a base spec C-Class?

[robsco]

Significantly better to look at than either the current 3-Series or A4. I quite like it.

[foxhounduk]

The estate looks great IMO.
The saloon looks a bit bland at the back but no doubt the C63 will sort that out.
But I heard somewhere the C63 will have a 4 pot?...

[Chestrockwell]

Raikesi said:

Is it just me or does 38k sound preposterous for a base spec C-Class?

It’s easy to think of it that way but search up a basic Toyota Yaris....








I’ll save you the hassle, £20,000!

[bobthemonkey]

foxhounduk said:

The estate looks great IMO.
The saloon looks a bit bland at the back but no doubt the C63 will sort that out.
But I heard somewhere the C63 will have a 4 pot?...

Yes - seemingly the 400bhp 4 from the A45S with a 100 up emachine for top up.

[RMDB9]

Maccmike8 said:

Such a dull looking car and the rear looks horrendous.

The rear vents play an impotent role for downforce and heat duction, and steam from them breaks.

[forrestgrump]

Perhaps I’m out the loop, but if that’s accurate a 62 mile range and recharge in 30 mins sounds like a giant leap forward.

[jason61c]

cerb4.5lee said:

That is very high praise for sure. I thought that the straight 6 40d/ZF8 auto gearbox combo was really good in my 640d(certainly better than the V6 350d/9 speed auto combo in the GLC for me).

It just seems to make more toruqe everywhere, while revving a little better also. The 'cold' manners are much better also. the v6 was a very old engine, this is now setting the standard for me.

340bhp, 700nm of torque, it felt as good if not a better than the e53 I tested. lacked some of the top end, however real world pace was better.

[cerb4.5lee]

jason61c said:

cerb4.5lee said:

That is very high praise for sure. I thought that the straight 6 40d/ZF8 auto gearbox combo was really good in my 640d(certainly better than the V6 350d/9 speed auto combo in the GLC for me).

It just seems to make more toruqe everywhere, while revving a little better also. The 'cold' manners are much better also. the v6 was a very old engine, this is now setting the standard for me.

340bhp, 700nm of torque, it felt as good if not a better than the e53 I tested. lacked some of the top end, however real world pace was better.

I do love how much performance it offers up now for sure(especially when compared to the old V6). I've heard one at idle and it didn't sound too bad at all. I've always had a slight hatred of diesels at idle/low revs for some daft reason! It sounds like a fantastic all round engine(for a diesel) for definite.

[loudlashadjuster]

Yet another droopy disaster, begging for forgiveness from everyone viewing it. Also looks like an A-Class.

[munk]

Chestrockwell said:

...my 2020 C300d hates fun and is the most uninspiring and boring drive ever, it’s an old mans car. The ESP and Gearbox being the weakest points and they work hand in hand to create the dullest and most frustrating driving experience.

+1. This.

I can confirm from driving other people's contemporary C & E classes that there are far too few smokey burnouts to be had. Unless you find an especially greasy bit of tarmac - the ESP and gearbox work together to spoil the party.

Spoils all the fun of having a RWD hire car.

[Pistonheader101]

Chestrockwell said:

Looks lovely but beware! Make sure you test drive before you buy, my 2020 C300d hates fun and is the most uninspiring and boring drive ever, it’s an old mans car. The ESP and Gearbox being the weakest points and they work hand in hand to create the dullest and most frustrating driving experience.

Powerful engine, can’t be faulted but the ESP in Sport+ allows the tiniest slip but the gearbox short changes as it thinks it will hit the limiter. If you turn ESP off yourself (which is a chore), the same problem happens, gearbox will short change as it thinks it will hit the limiter and by the time you’ve changed; you’re nowhere near the peak torque output or the peak horsepower.

I know it’s not a performance car but my 4 Series never had that problem.

The gearbox calibration is also ridiculous as it hangs onto gears when you want to pull away slowly so you’re doing 15mph still in first and the diesel causing a racket.

Mercedes seem to be more fussed on interior’s and screens than the actual driving experience which is a shame as the C300d could have been a great car

A c300d isn't designed to be fun - you would be after a C63/43 instead. I found the gearbox to be great, nice and comfortable like driving a sofa.

[kambites]

robsco said:

Significantly better to look at than either the current 3-Series or A4.

Now there's damning with faint praise.

[anonymous-user]

matrignano said:

I know it's a cliche, but I really couldn't tell it apart from an A class saloon/CLA estate.
And I am not one to confuse models normally (although A4 and A6 recently have planted a seed of doubt in me)

Cars have become like TVs, tablets and phones - one model in a variety of sizes. It's

• efficient in terms of design and engineering,
• each size costs roughly the same amount of money to build,
• leaving the marketeers to determine price structure and profitability.

Once you've decided roughly what size you want the best value for money is often at the bottom of the ranges. The cars are competitively priced to attract attention and you still get fundamentally the same vehicle. Just remember to steer clear of those expensive shiny options in the salesman's silver-tongued guide to impressing your colleagues, neighbours and mates...

[Tim bo]

Mmmm. Looks ok.

Mainly looking forward to the new C-class coupé. No mention of release dates for the coupé in the article.

[7n8n]

Does anyone agree that the latest Mercedes (CLA, E-Class and C-Class) look worse than the models they've replaced?

[Jasandjules]

How annoying, I prefer the new interior to my C300 but dislike the new exterior compared to my C300....

[jason61c]

7n8n said:

Does anyone agree that the latest Mercedes (CLA, E-Class and C-Class) look worse than the models they've replaced?

the headlights make them look a bit 'blobby' at the front, good looking apart from that(especially when comparing to 3/5/a4/a6)