Popular junior executive saloon gets a mid-life update and sees a return of diesel power; updated plug-in C350e due next year.
Mercedes-Benz Thailand has brought back diesel power to the facelifted C-Class, once again taking the fight straight to its BMW 3 Series archrival.
The version chosen for Thai showrooms is C220d highlighting the same 194hp 2.0-litre diesel-turbo and nine-speed automatic combination of the E220d.
With an average fuel economy of 21.3kpl, the C220d is one the most fuel-efficient cars in its class. It’s priced at 2.349 million baht for Avantgarde, 2.69 million baht for Exclusive and 2.89 million baht in sporty AMG Dynamic trim.
The decision to reintroduce a diesel option to the C-Class (and S-Class) is also due to Mercedes’ Thai roadmap with plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Like in the revised S560e, the updated C350e features an improved battery pack. Both models will get this tech from a new facility in Thailand assembling lithium-ion batteries next year.
The only direct rivals for the C220d in the country include the BMW 320d and Jaguar XE 2.0D, both coming with similarly sized 2.0-litre diesel and eight-speed automatic transmission.
While the Jaguar is sold in just one trim costing 2.999 million baht, the BMW is being offered in two specs: 2.229 million baht for Iconic and an extra 200k for M Sport.
