2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Australian engine range revealed early

Official listings confirm the new C-Class will offer a choice of two petrol engines at launch next year, developing up to 190kW and 400Nm.

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The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan might not arrive in Australia until sometime next year, however when it does it’ll be available with a choice of two petrol engines, fitted with fuel-saving mild-hybrid systems.

Government approval documents seen by Drive indicate the C-Class range at launch will comprise petrol-powered C200 and C300 variants, with mild-hybrid systems and turbo four-cylinder engines – but there’s no sign of a plug-in hybrid C300e option as offered by Mercedes-Benz in Europe, nor a return of diesel power in C220d or C300d forms.

As reported by Drive earlier this year, only the sedan body style is bound for Australian shores, with the new-generation C-Class Estate killed off after accounting for just 5.4 per cent of sales in 2020. It’s expected the previous-generation coupe and convertible will live on for now, until the arrival of a rumoured ‘CLE’ model in 2023.

The Australian range at launch will be opened by the C200, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder developing 150kW (and likely 300Nm). The C300 steps up to a larger 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, producing 190kW (and likely 400Nm). 

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There’s no word on whether the models are rear- or all-wheel drive, however the lack of 4Matic designations in the government listing – combined with 2265kg (C200) and 2280kg (C300) gross vehicle masses that match European-market rear-drive variants – suggest only the rear wheels will be powered.

Both engines are paired to nine-speed automatic transmissions, and feature 48-volt mild-hybrid systems (with integrated starter-generators) that can switch the engine off at high speeds to allow the vehicle to “coast”, or provide a 15kW electrified boost under acceleration. However, mild-hybrid systems aren’t able to drive the wheels independently for any meaningful distance.

A set of 18-inch wheels will be included as standard with the C200. 19-inch units are available as an option on the C200, or as standard on the C300 (though, interestingly, 18-inch wheels can seemingly be optioned back onto the flagship car).

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Full details of standard equipment will be announced closer to launch, however entry-level Mercedes-Benz cars in Australia are usually well-specified compared to base variants in Europe – suggesting the larger 11.9-inch infotainment and 12.3-inch instrument cluster displays offered overseas will be standard locally.

Using the outgoing C-Class and other new Mercedes-Benz models as a guide, expect the new C200 to come as standard with artificial leather (Artico) seats, a leather steering wheel, LED headlights, automatic climate control and ambient interior lighting.

Meanwhile, the C300 could add more advanced Digital Light headlights, genuine leather upholstery, the aforementioned 19-inch wheels, and other luxury items.

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It remains to be seen whether the full suite of advanced safety technologies offered overseas is standard in Australia, including adaptive cruise control with stop and go, lane-centring assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more.

Revealed in February, the new ‘W206’ C-Class is larger but lower than the car it replaces, measuring in 65mm longer, 10mm wider and 9mm lower than the outgoing ‘W205’ C-Class. Boot space remains pegged at 455 litres.

Rear-wheel steering that cuts the turning circle by 43cm to 10.64 metres is available in Europe, as is air suspension.

Australian launch timing for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is yet to be locked in, though a launch isn’t slated until early next year at the earliest. Stay tuned to Drive for all the latest.

The post 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Australian engine range revealed early appeared first on Drive.

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