The all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class promises to redefine everything consumers have come to expect from the brand’s popular luxury compact sedan.
The C-Class, which is currently offered as a sedan, coupe and cabriolet, is one of Mercedes’ entry-level vehicles and was the smallest sedan in the lineup until the arrival of the A-Class in 2018. It’s also Mercedes-Benz’s top-selling sedan. The current, fifth-generation C-Class hit sales of 2,453 in January 2021, according to MotorIntelligence. The E-Class midsized sedan came close with sales of 2,163 during the same period. The compact sedan is bested only by the GLC and GLE SUVs, which both topped sales of 4,700 during the first month of the year.
Starting with styling, the sixth-generation 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will inherit a more aggressive appearance that signals a sportier focus. The so-called “cab backward” design positions the greenhouse toward the rear of the body behind the steeply raked windshield, which helps make the nose appear longer. Adding to its more masculine tone are power domes on the hood and a new A-shaped grille, whose upside-down smile delivers a more somber look. For the first time in a C-Class, the taillamps are a two-part design, and their tapered shape, along with the headlamps, give its look closer resemblance to the recently redesigned A-Class and S-Class sedans.
While the new C-Class boasts a more potent visual style, enough technology sits beneath its skin to ensure there’s substance behind this mean-looking, five-seat sedan. This is the first Mercedes-Benz to combine its more powerful four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt system. The advanced powertrain uses an integrated starter generator for nearly imperceptible engine stop/start operation, while the brawnier engine promises more power, efficiency and smoothness.
The current 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four cylinder mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers 255 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It can also be equipped with the AMG treatment, which offers a 385-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 or a V8 that can be tuned to deliver either 469 horsepower or 503 horsepower. An all-wheel drivetrain currently is available across the lineup.
Though details are still forthcoming on engine options, Mercedes-Benz says that electrification will be key part of the C-Class strategy. The current-generation C-Class was offered briefly as a plug-in for 2017 and 2018, but gas-only models have dominated the lineup ever since.
The modern powertrains will be complemented by Mercedes-Benz’s latest driver assistance packages, which should boost safety and reduce driver fatigue. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class only offers blind-spot monitoring as standard equipment. An optional Driver Assistance package that costs $1,700 adds a handful of features that many other luxury sedans include as standard. Highlights include Mercedes’ versions of adaptive cruise control with stop and go (Active Distance Assist), lane centering (Active Steering Assist) and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection (Active Brake Assist).
Inside are features that have trickled down from the flagship S-Class, lending the C-Class a more contemporary feel. Deep seat bolsters and perforated leather hint at a youthful, performance-oriented demeanor. The driver-focused theme continues with a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which, is tilted six degrees towards the driver—another first for the C-Class.
Up front and center is a large 11.9-inch touchscreen with a portrait orientation that is optimized for full-screen navigation. The screen is also canted towards the driver, emphasizing the car’s sporty feel. Unlike Tesla’s tablet-style screens that float in front of the dashboard, the C-Class’s display extends from the center console, looking more integrated into the cabin architecture.
As with the S-Class, climate control vents are rimmed in color-coded accent lighting which reflect the selected temperature. The C-Class receives the latest, second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) interface that uses voice recognition and artificial intelligence to help the driver control and personalize the vehicle’s settings.
Expect to find the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class in showrooms by early 2022.
