Mercedes-Benz launches new C220 CDI at Rs 39.9 lakh, ex-Delhi
The 2014 C-Class was first introduced to India as the C200 with a petrol mill, and now Mercedes-Benz has added the all important diesel engine to its smaller luxury car. The German manufacturer has launched the base C220 CDI Style variant at Rs 39.9 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), the higher sped C220 CDI Avantgarde for Rs.42.9 lakh, and a new petrol variant C200 Avantgarde for Rs 40.9 lakh. The C220 CDI has been brought into the country via the CBU route.
The C220 CDI comes with a four-cylinder, 2143cc diesel motor that churns out 168bhp and 400Nm of peak torque, and comes mated to a seven-speed torque converter driving the rear wheels. As usual, there are five driving modes available; Economy, Comfort, Sport, Sport+, and Individual, selectable through the Agility Select System. In the Sport+ mode, the C220 CDI manages the 0–100kmph run in 7.4 seconds and goes on to hit a claimed top speed of 233kmph, all the while delivering a claimed fuel economy of 19.27kmpl.
While this has been mentioned before, the new C-Class’ exteriors mimic those of the W205 S-Class, looking regal yet sporty especially with the LED headlamps with adaptive main beam assist plus. The C220 CDI will come in 5 colours — Blue, Brown, White, Silver and Black. Like the outside, the interiors are rather S-Class like and offer a few firsts for the segment like the gesture control touchpad for the infotainment system, a start/stop button, keyless go, three-mode ambient lighting (blue, amber and white), reversing camera, and a rain-sensing panoramic sunroof.
On the safety front, there’s the usual list of equipment including brake assist, ESP, ASR and seven airbags, The braking is regenerative and converts kinetic energy into electric energy, for more efficiency.
Along with the launch, Mercedes-Benz India has confirmed that local assembly of the C200 petrol model has begun, bringing prices a little lower. While the price difference between the entry-level C220 CDI Style and its rivals, the BMW 320d (priced at Rs 35.9 lakh) and Audi’s A4 35TDI (Rs 23 lakh, ex-Delhi) is large, the planned local assembly of the diesel variant should bring the price tag lower.
The second launch in 2015 after the CLA, Mercedes-Benz will be looking to beat Audi this year in the sales game which has led to the launch of more accessible luxury cars from lower down in the manufacturer’s range. This BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 rival, especially in the diesel trim, should definitely add to Mercedes’ sales for 2015.
Stay tuned for our first drive report or check out the C200’s quick drive.
