Junior executive saloon receives its mandatory mid-life update, but it’s the return of diesel power to Thailand that probably matters more.
Despite the high levels of desirability for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class in Thailand, the C-Class is now receiving just as much attention as in its bigger brother.
It was only recently that the Thai Mercedes office has unleashed a handful of the brand’s smallest saloon yet to the new so-called VIP taxi fleet in Bangkok.
Many people might think that such a strategy might harm the image of the three-pointed star marque in the country. But let’s not forget that the both the E- and S-Class have long attracted limousine operators, not to mention some Rolls-Royces being used by some hi-end establishments.
And back to the C-Class, it’s not an utterly cost-effective model that’s moving around VIPs. In fact, it’s the tech-filled C350e plug-in hybrid which has attracted the taxi operators with its sub-3 million baht price. It’s alleged that Mercedes wanted to sell the bigger E350e, but its higher cost was a deterrent.
But not all private car buyers are into the plug-in hybrid trend yet, which is why a diesel version of the facelifted C-Class is being planned for sale later this year.
Another reason for reviving diesel power for the C-Class (the last one came in the previous generation model) is due to the wait for Mercedes’ new Thai battery factory which will be supplying upgraded lithium-ion packs for the C350e. That’s also why the updated S560e hasn’t reached Thai showrooms yet and sees a diesel-powered S350d for the time being.
As part of the C-Class’ mid-life update, there are the usual changes around the car including lightly massaged front and rear ends made to look sportier than ever. There’s still the traditional look featuring that chromed grille, although it must be said that the mocked-up AMG sibling is certainly becoming more attractive in appearance with sportier grille. The oval exhaust pipes flushed into the rear apron are also new across the range.
The interior actually has bigger news to holler than the exterior because there’s a new steering wheel design and digital instrument panel, although these are only being reserved for higher models of the C-Class.
While the brand’s latest electronic widescreen has already made it to the E- and S-Class (and the new A- and G-Class which have yet to come to Thailand), it hasn’t so in the C-Class. Mercedes is probably keeping that for the next-gen C-Class, likely due in 2020.
Apart from that, there are some detailed changes in the C-Class including higher quality leather and new sporty seats with adjustable side contours. Despite that floating infotainment screen looking a bit old fashioned now (for a Mercedes), the cabin is still reasonably opulent.
In fact, it was this current-generation C-Class that created some noise in terms of tactile quality when it was launched three years ago.
A number of engine variances and body styles have been provided to the media to sample at the C-Class’ driving trials in Luxembourg this month. But the crucial one is no other than the four-door in C220d form.
While the Mercedes’ latest 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel-turbo might prove to be a little uninspiring in the E220d for its focus on economy, it serves quite well in the lighter and smaller C220d.
The 194hp oil-burner gives the C-Class ample all-round performance with 20kpl-plus fuel economy and somehow is more rounded than the one seen in the 320d nemesis.
For the first time, Mercedes is set to introduce a plug-in version of this diesel motor likely to be badged C350de. However, it isn’t being considered for Thailand because it will be dearer than the C350e petrol hybrid.
Mercedes says diesel engines are more expensive to develop in the first place and Thai excise taxation for both kinds of plug-in hybrids emitting no more than 100g/km are the same at 4% (8% if not finished in Thailand).
Another new development is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-turbo for the C200 generating 184hp and an additional 14hp from a 48V mild hybrid system, although it will come to Thailand in only the Coupe derivative. The existence of a belt-driven generator helps improve response at low engine speeds when the turbo has yet to be fully operational.
The C200 works well at low speeds by virtually eliminating turbo lag and sees the mild hybrid setup regenerating energy whenever possible to help improve fuel economy. Mercedes claims a near-16kpl rating for the C200’s drive system.
After making its way into the C-Class Coupe (see sidebar below for which model is getting what engine), this new drivetrain would eventually follow suit into other Mercs like next year’s facelifted E-Class. The E200 Coupe currently uses 184hp 2.0-litre petrol unit with no mild hybrid.
Despite the C200’s ability to reduce CO2 emissions and fuel economy, local excise taxation does not reward mild hybrids. Like Mazda and Suzuki (both having mild hybrid systems in the pipeline), Mercedes hopes the Thai government will change its stance on this matter.
While a raft of visual and mechanical tweaks have been applied to the updated C-Class, the driving characteristics remain basically the same. Handling is equally neat as before, while ride comfort is on par with what the class generally has to offer.
So while this may merely be a mandatory update, the more important thing for potential customers is the return of that diesel engine and, of course, the creation of the mild hybrid for the C-Class family.
This particular Mercedes range is certainly becoming more attractive in Thailand, be it for the private or fleet buyer.
