Distance: 690 km
Date: 25 to 27 October, 2024
Location: Alberta, Saskatchewan
Up front: The large touch-screen centre display and wide digital gauge cluster is designed to resemble the S-Class super screen, but I still liked the old MBUX system with a selection wheel from the generation prior. The steering wheel buttons are also touch capacitive, making it difficult and dangerous to do simple tasks like changing the music volume.
On the plus side, the Artico synthetic seats are cool to sit in and supportive. Power thigh support extends out from under the seat, unlike BMW’s thigh support that leaves a gap for crumbs. The base model’s speaker system is sufficient for most music and podcasts, I just don’t think the Burmester speakers are worth $1,000 plus tax.
In the back: This current generation C-Class is only 19 cm shorter than the W210 E-Class of the late 1990s and legroom is only 2 cm shorter. In addition, it has the looks of the larger E-Class while being $15,000 cheaper. Some lower-ranked diplomats of yesteryear had chauffeured E-Classes, but I can see them being driven around in the C-Class today. Rear legroom and head room is sufficient for people up to 6’2” (I put a hunky soldier friend of mine in the back).
The big minus is the lack of third climate control zone at the base model (albeit with two air vents) and no USB slots in the back. Rear seat passengers will need to use one of the three USB-C ports in the front with a long cable. There is a second rear sunroof, but I’d rather have USB ports. The boot is standard for its class and can fit two large suitcases, one carry on, and a few soft bags. Rear seats fold down with a button press, but only come back up manually.
Driving: Most post-2020 Mercedes engines have imperceptible turbo lag. Although it’s a four cylinder, the mild hybrid system pulls 255 ponies and gets to 100 km/h in under 6 seconds. While acceleration is quick, the hybrid regeneration bifurcates the brake pedal into gentle and hard with no in-between. However, that hybrid system will help get over 800 km per tank.
Steering is light and nimble, I could easily make a cloverleaf turn at 70 km/h. The suspension is supple, too, it feels like drinking alphabet soup through a straw that filters out all the mushy peas. But if you’re the kind of driver that wants active feedback, this middle manager cruiser isn’t for you.
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