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.
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).
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).
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.
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.
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