Review: Mercedes-Benz C200 Avantgarde CKD – Pekan-Made Prestige

Meet the new fifth generation iteration of perhaps one of Mercedes-Benz’s most critical offerings, by which we mean the C-Class. Designated as the W206 now, it has grown a little in size and, crucially, it’s also now endowed with enhanced driving dynamics plus a bevy of advanced new tech underneath its rather sleek and pretty metal.

Well, when it’s a car that effectively shares similar underpinnings as the seventh-gen W223 S-Class flagship, the new C-Class was certain to up the ante over its predecessor significantly. Though not the most affordable booted four-door to bear the famed three-point star emblem, being locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang, does see it opening up to more potential suitors, especially in the case of the base C200 Avantgarde variant featured.

Having spent significant time behind its wheel recently, there’s plenty to love and marvel, though there were a few bits to loathe also. Nevertheless, we’re certain this seemingly ‘basic’ iteration of Merc’s staple compact saloon has enough chops to impress many.

The new W206 C-Class sits slightly lower and wider, whilst both its length and wheelbase has been stretched slightly too.

Though not sporty in stance, the C200 Avantgarde's styling does boast sleek minimalist appeal.

OVERVIEW

The new W206-gen C-Class continues its nameplate’s tradition in having the flagship S-Class influence its design heavily. Aptly, it’s not wrong to call it a ‘baby’ S-Class upon first glance. In C200 Avantgarde form, it’s presented with a sleek, minimalist stance matched with a number of modern touches like the advanced and all-LED lighting forward and aft.

Massive front grille and integrated three-point star emblem are classic hallmarks of any Merc.

Full-LED lighting front and aft adds a modern touch, whereas chrome tasty chrome brightworks are classic Merc elements.

Some classic Mercedes-Benz traits remain, like the massive front grille and integrated three-point star emblem, tasty amount of chrome trims, and the five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels design. The Avantgarde trimline also sees the C200 loses out on sporty touches seen in its peppier and pricier C300 AMG Line twin, as well as the rivalling BMW 320i Sport.

Nevertheless, we reckon many will still appreciate this variant’s simple minimalist look, more so after basking in its plush innards that’s also more spacious than before.

The W206-gen C-Class's dash has been completely redesigned.

Space and comfort at the rear has tremendously improved, the latter thanks to plush leather upholstery and a rear air-cond vent.

ON THE INSIDE

Sitting 65 MM longer, 10 MM wider, and 9 MM lower than its predecessor, the new W206 C-Class also sports a wheelbase stretched by 25 MM. This translates into massive gains in terms of rear passenger comforts thanks to greater head- and legroom. Those who prefer being driven in high comforts will surely approve, more so after basking in the plush leather seats and a rear air-cond vent primed here.

Up front, the cabin is furnished with a fully redesigned dash plus a bevy of new tech. A significant change is the new 11.9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen that’s now mounted lower in the dash’s centre. Not only a departure from floating or combined screens seen in past generation Mercs, it also grants easier reach and access as well.

Steering-mounted controls for the infotainment and digital gauge are now haptic touchpads.

New 11.9-inch touchscreen is now mounted lower for easier reach and comes with a physical control panel interface at the bottom.

Whilst on the infotainment unit, it’s also worth highlighting the novel Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) voice command suite present, as well as the presence of both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, crisp-clear reverse camera view, navigation, and Mercedes Me Connect (MMC) connectivity-driven features.

Lots of plush leather and soft-touch materials plus tasty aluminium trims result in a very upscale cabin look and feel.

Striking new vents aside, there's also a thumpy audio system, cabin ambient lighting, and modern carbon-effect inlays instead of wood.

Other notable new design touches include the striking new air-cond vents, the absence of either real or artificial wood trims, and the tasteful use of shiny aluminium trims. That plus Mercedes’s typical pension for plush leather and high-end fabrics, and the execution of the cabin ambient lighting at night, all make for a cabin that neither looks nor feels cheap.

Also worth noting is the presence of a powered tailgate that grants easier access to the sizeable boot.

The only thing that isn’t ‘new’ is the free-standing 12.3-inch digital instrument display panel. However, both its high legibility and interactivity means it’s no deal-breaker to say the least. Overall, this C200 Avantgarde’s upmarket cabin ambience and respectably high kit count ought to bode well with many prospects, more so given the next front…

DRIVING

Good styling inside out means nothing when not matched with an equally good drive. Fortunately, as we thumb the ‘Start’ button and got going, the W206 C200 Avantgarde’s new M254 mild-hybrid (MHEV) powertrain proves to be a stellar match indeed.

Comprising a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cyl petrol mill, a 48-volt electric system plus an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) primed in the 9-speed automatic transmission,  it serves up 201 HP and a meaty 300 NM to drive the rear wheels. The switch from belt starter generator (BSG) to an integrated (ISG) is very telling, especially through smoother restarts for the idling stop-start system.

New 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cyl MHEV mill offers respectable pep, but its high refinement and efficiency make it a stellar package.

Crucially, there’s enough pep to grant respectable pace, and it’s matched with enhanced driving dynamics over its predecessor too. The latter is evident in how much more engaging this C-Class felt at the wheel despite its luxury- and comfort-focused nature. Though arguably not as sharp as its eternal Bavarian rival, it definitely felt sprightlier and much more nimble than its predecessor at the least.

Moreover, this newfound dynamism does not come at the price of comfort delivered by the supple suspension and damper settings dialled in. Adding to which is the high levels of semi-autonomous driver assistance primed. To sum things up on this front, we’ll be brief and note that this Merc is neither a slouch nor is it an ungainly barge.

Noisy run-flat tyres are the only let-down to the C200 Avantgarde's otherwise sprightly and well-balanced drive.

Our only gripe lay in the high tyre roar intrusion from the run-flat tyres shod on the stylish wheels mentioned, especially at highway speeds. This really is the only downside to this saloon’s otherwise excellent driveability. Perhaps this C200 Avantgarde’s saving grace lies in the next two fronts…

RUNNING COSTS & RELIABILITY

Besides lower annual road tax costs, the switch to a smaller 1.5-litre turbo MHEV powertrains also entails lowered running costs, especially on fuel bills. The 6.6 litres/100 KM claimed fuel economy average proves much of which, thus proving that partial electrification’s viability towards attaining higher efficiency.

Whilst a five-day testing stint isn’t enough for us to gauge on long-term reliability, we’re certain the stellar after-sales services and coverage delivered by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and its core dealers – i.e. Cycle & Carriage Bintang and Hap Seng Star for instance – should keep any unwanted mechanical gremlins in check over the long term.

Apart from that, most modern Mercedes-Benz models, be they fully-electrified or partially-electrified, generally don’t go wrong quickly. So as long as you stick to the mandated servicing regime, we reckon long-term ownership of the C200 Avantgarde will be a fuss-free affair indeed.

SAFETY

Despite being the baseline offering, Mercedes-Benz has primed the C200 Avantgarde with a bevy of semi-autonomous driver assists (ADAS) as standard, thus keeping this ‘baby’ offering stand equally as safe as the flagship S-Class.

Surely, the inclusion of forward collision warning (FCW) and mitigation (AEB), blind-spot monitoring (BSM), lane-departure warning (LDW) and lane-keeping assists (LKAS), rear cross-traffic alert (RCTA), as well as automatic high-beam assists (AHB), amongst many, ought to keep anyone out of harm easily.

The fact that all of which comes as standard on top of key basics such as 7 airbags, ABS with EBD and BA, traction (TCS) and stability (ESP) control suites, as well as ISOFIX childseat anchors, adds further to the C200 Avantgarde’s cause, perhaps also helping to justify its premium pricing.

Nothing else screams prestige better than the coveted three-point star emblem indeed.

SHOULD YOU BUY ONE?

As noted, this isn’t the most accessible booted four-door with the desirable three-point star crest - the smaller A200 Progressive Line takes that title with its RM235,888 price tag. Nevertheless, those needing the space and matching performance will find the C200 Avantgarde’s new CKD pricing of RM292,888 somewhat justified.

While this may not be a sporty driver’s choice as the rivalling BMW 320i Sport, said Bavarian rival lacks the desired prestige that the three-point star crest effortlessly commands. One could argue that this Merc arguably stands as a comfier and more mature choice against which too.

On that note, those who wish to be seen arriving anywhere in high style whilst also signalling a certain intent, this Merc will deliver both with ease. After all, nothing else says “I’ve made it!” better than said emblem, and we’re certain this is what many prospects look forward to. Ready to live the high life with this Merc? We certainly are… 

SPECIFICATIONS