Take a stroll around the wealthier subdivisions in Metro Manila, and you’re bound to see a handful of Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans roaming around. It’s also the best-selling vehicle in the automaker’s lineup, which is a testament to why the nameplate has endured for this long.
The latest W206 C-Class was launched globally early last year, introducing a whole slew of tech, interior and exterior updates to make it resemble its bigger S-Class sibling. It was only a matter of time before it would arrive on our shores, but it’s here and ready to offer the kind of luxury only a Mercedes can deliver.
At first glance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you’re looking at a smaller S-Class from afar because that’s exactly what it’s styled to be like.
You have the LED lighting that’s similar in design to those in the E- and the S-Class, with two pronounced power domes on the vehicle’s hood. It rides on 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels shod by Pirelli Cinturato P7 run-flat tires.
The similarities extend to the interior, where you’re greeted by a new, flowing aesthetic—and where two screens are present (a “floating” 11.9-inch portrait infotainment screen and a “free-standing” 10.25-inch full-digital instrument cluster).
These both run the latest NTG7 MBUX operating system, with functions like a voice assistant that can be summoned with the phrase “Hey Mercedes,” and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Chedeng if it didn’t have an extremely plush and luxurious cabin. The cabin is upholstered in Artico leather, which can be had in three different finishes: beige, black and brown. The interior features 64-color ambient lighting, power-adjustable seats with four-way lumbar support, and more rear legroom and headroom.
Underneath the electric rear tailgate, it has a trunk capacity of 455L, which can be expanded further by folding the rear seats down.
While the C-Class has a lot of powertrain options to choose from, our local C180 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged in-line-four mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. It also is a mild hybrid, thanks to the automaker’s EQ boost technology.
The engine has 170hp and 250Nm alone, but the EQ boost tech can provide up to 20hp and 200Nm (yes!) when needed.
Finally, it comes with modern safety and driver-assist systems, including functions like Active Parking Assist to aid with parking in difficult situations.
At the moment, the C-Class is offered solely in the C180 Avantgarde trim for an introductory price of P3,890,000. If you’re hoping for a sportier AMG Line option, expect that to come toward the end of the year. But for now, you can head to your local Mercedes-Benz showroom to see one for yourself in the metal.
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