New Mercedes-Benz C-Class to get 3 variants in India; production begins

Mercedes-Benz has begun the production of the new C-Class at its Pune plant ahead of its launch on May 10. The new C-Class will come in three variants – C200, C220d and C300d. 

• New C-Class to get one petrol, two diesel engine options 
• 37,000 C-Classes sold since its India launch in 2001
• Bookings for C-Class are open at Rs 50,000

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: variant details for India 

The new C-Class will be sold in India as a C200 petrol, C220d and the range-topping C300d diesel. We expect the new C-Class C200 to come with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol good for 197hp; the C300d diesel with a 245hp 2.0-litre engine; and the C220d with a 2.0-litre 194hp engine. All the powertrains are expected to be paired to a 9-speed automatic gearbox as standard. Internationally, the C-Class gets the mild-hybrid technology as standard, and it is likely to be the case on the India-specific car. 

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: what else is new? 

The new C-Class resembles the S-Class in some ways, thanks to its shorter overhangs and a more angular front end and a similar shape for the lights. The fifth-gen sedan gets comprehensive design upgrades such as prominent 'power bulges' on the hood and a revised glasshouse that has been moved slightly to the back, giving it the impression of a cab-rearward design. The new C-Class is longer by 65mm, with an added wheelbase of 25mm. This translates into more space on the inside. 

Meanwhile, on the inside too, the influence of the latest S-Class is evident, mainly from the portrait-oriented, tablet-styled touchscreen infotainment system that uses Mercedes' second-generation MBUX infotainment system. 

As standard, the screen measures 10.25 inches, although internationally, buyers can spec it with a larger 12.3-inch size. The screen controls most of the car's functions, taking away the need for too many physical buttons, giving the cabin a clean and minimalistic look. Infotainment functions can now also be operated via touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel. We will have more details on the equipment list closer to launch. 

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: rivals 

When launched, the C-Class will continue to take on entry-level luxury sedans like the BMW 3-series, Audi A4, Jaguar XE and the Volvo S60. Expect the new C-class to command a marginal premium over the outgoing car.