2021 Mercedes C-Class 220d test: full of technologies

After 7 years of career, a new generation of Mercedes C-Class has been on our roads for a few months. Here is our test, in its 220d sedan version. 

I presented it to you in detail here at the start of 2021, there's no need to waste time chatting and let's focus on the feeling at the controls. From now on, the C-Class is sold only with 4 cylinders under the hood; it is with one of the most sold that we meet today, the 220d. This diesel block now develops 200 hp and is coupled to a 48v micro-hybridization offering 20 hp from time to time. Reminders thus promise more responsiveness. And it's true, she has it in her stomach. Without offering real sensations, the figures speak for themselves by displaying a 0 to 100 km/h of only 7.3 seconds. The torque of 440 Nm actually allows you to have it under your feet and to be in full confidence when it comes to undertaking an overtaking or an insertion. But you will see, this is not its real asset...

Behind the wheel, it definitely feels good. On my test model, it is unfortunately less attractive and more classic than on an AMG Line version, but it is nevertheless terribly pleasant in the hand. And, associated with a particularly ideal driving position, you feel ready to swallow miles. If we bitterly regret seeing and touching hard plastic, especially on the center console, we must frankly recognize the know-how of the brand in terms of finish and adjustment. Although there are quite a few creaks in the furniture. (The question I ask myself, how will it hold up over time?) Otherwise, I was rather pleasantly surprised by the space in the back. Despite the somewhat hard seat, we feel at ease. My 85 meter didn't have any trouble fitting my legs or my head, and I wouldn't mind being taken around. On the other hand, unfortunately, we completely forget the central square because of the huge transmission tunnel. On the other hand, thanks to its 455 liters of loading, you will not have too much difficulty in embarking some luggage.

As you will have understood, all passengers will therefore be well pampered, and comfort remains the manufacturer's watchword. Despite the absence of a controlled suspension on this model here, the roughness of the road is quickly forgotten. The damping therefore absorbs faults well, without being heard or shaking the occupants. The non-ostentatious, not to say ugly, 17-inch rims of this Avantgarde Line finishaccentuate our feeling of magic carpet as a bonus. At least we get a good benefit from it. Otherwise, I particularly appreciated the excellent engine braking, intelligent moreover, by detecting for example the arrival on a roundabout. Conversely, I appreciated the not always invisible gearshifts a little less. Quite surprisingly. Well, it's really to quibble, because it's especially noticeable in hard acceleration and when you pay attention to it. In everyday life, nothing could be more normal, the 9G-Tronic box will be soft and imperceptible. In addition, the excellent soundproofing almost manages to make you forget a motorization that lacks nobility, and rolling noises are discreet. We can see ourselves traveling a few thousand km without seeing the slightest back or headache appear.

Whether in town, on the secondary network or on the highway, you can see that this fifth generation is at ease everywhere. It gets bigger (+6.5 cm), but does not become less manageable; I dare not imagine the ease of handling once the 4 steering wheels are available! We enjoy using it for each of our journeys, so it adapts easily to the situation. By being sometimes docile, with ideal approval, sometimes more playful and rigorous. Often precisely, during my many Mercedes tests, I am just as amazed by the comfort as by the efficiency. Here this last point jumped out at me a little less. Admittedly, the precision in the direction is always on the small onions, but the temperament as for him seemed to me more flabby. Inevitably, with its nearly 200 kg more on the scale, the dynamism takes a hit. If the plate remains rather stable, and the car manages to limit too obvious body movements, understeer can quickly point the tip of its nose in sustained driving. Obviously, we feel completely safe and the handling is impeccable. But it's not incisive like some competitors, or other models in the range. In addition, a brake pedal that is too spongy and difficult to adjust, somewhat spoils the pleasure of driving. This is obviously the most notable complaint I encountered during this test. Whether riding in a hurry or cool for that matter. Pity !

This generation W206 received, even more than before, the nickname of baby S-Class and we quickly understand why. The cabin is certainly almost the same, but, like the big sister, it is above all stuffed with technology. Naturally, semi-autonomous driving is constantly evolving, for example with more precision in curves or changing lanes by simply switching on the turn signal. But there is also a display of red lights on the screen, augmented reality GPS, a huge head-up display or the famous voice assistant “Hey Mercedes”. If it's fun to use, it always becomes more intrusive and heavy. Especially since the presentation of the new MBUX system is certainly sublime, but we take our eyes off the road too much with all these touch controls. In contrast,

Up to 1200 km without the need to refuel. An argument that will continue to convince the big rollers. Consumption has indeed amazed me throughout this test. While in the combined cycle the Mercedes C-Class 220d is homologated at 5.1 liters per 100 km, I achieved an overall score of 5.5 l/100 over around 1000 km. With even a drop to 4.7 l / 100 in eco and up to only 7.5 l / 100 by increasing the pace.

Still, at 67,500 € the model before your eyes, it stings the wallet. Indeed, if the Mercedes C-Class starts at €49,650 in the 200d Avantgarde Line, our 220d is already trading for at least €53,850. After that, you have to go through the impressive catalog of options, as the Germans know how to do, opting for example for a painting at 1800 €, a sunroof at 2150 €, the head-up display at 1200 € or again the excellent sound system at 1250 €. Finally, don't forget the small 2022 penalty of €190 (134 g/km).

After this test, we clearly realize that the new Mercedes C-Class remains one of the references, if not THE reference, in the segment. After having seduced more than 10 million buyers in almost 40 years, the brand with the star continues to offer a successful car, but above all very comfortable. Such a car that is pleasant to look at, modern, smooth and precise will always have something to convince. If the bill is unfortunately constantly higher, we bet that success will again be there.

Mercedes Classe C 220d Avantgarde Line W206 2022 technical sheet :
Power: 200 hp at the rear wheels (propulsion)
Torque: 440 Nm at 1800 rpm
0 to 100 km/h: 7.3 seconds
Maximum speed: 245 km/h
Weight at empty: 1730 kg
Length: 4751 mm
Width: 1820 mm
Height: 1438 mm
Wheelbase: 2865 mm
Boot: 455 Liters
Prices: from € 53,850 ( €49,650 in 200d )