Hi to the hi-tech, high-class C-Class

Despite the current dominance of SUVs, the C-Class is MercedesBenz’s best-selling vehicle overall and as such stands as a very important model for the brand. This 6th-Generation model packs the groundbreaking S-Class electronics and has electrified engines across the entire range.

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

The new sixth-generation C-Class not only brings with it more than 25 years of history and sales, but it is also fully dialled in with other members of the family. Taking inspiration from the likes of the A-Class, CLA, CLS and E-Class, it has shorter overhangs front and rear, a more angular front end and new light-cluster designs. What’s more, the bonnet features the twin power-bulges as seen on the new E-Class too.

Proportionally the 2021 C-Class remains very familiar, however, the roofline appears lower, more energised, more ‘‘in-motion’’ and its character lines have been minimised in order to accentuate its shoulder line.

The new C-Class has a longer wheelbase (+25mm) and is longer overall by an extra 65mm, this in turn offers more passenger comfort although still not as roomy as the E or S-Classes.

As with all Mercedes models, the new A-shaped grille design differs depending on the trim level, with higher-specification cars gaining added chrome and bling, my glorious blue test model was the 220d (although we’re not getting the diesel engine in New Zealand) AMG Line Premium, so came with an open 3-pointed star mesh behind a ‘‘single wing’’ Mercedes logo.

Added to this, 19-inch AMG multi-spoke alloy wheels gave me huge amounts of ‘‘kerb rash’’ fear, AMG body-styling, privacy glass, LED lights with Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and twin chrome exhaust pipes.

The exterior improvements look excellent but get ready; the interior is even better.

I recently drove the new S-Class and was blown away by the technology that it possessed. Everything from augmented reality navigation to wing mirrors that know when you’re looking at them was packed into it, and the new C-Class comes with virtually all of this amazing tech too.

The instrument cluster is a 12.3-inch digital screen that seems endless in its personalisation and configuration.

Then there’s the huge, free

MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

Price range: TBC.

Powertrains: 2.0-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder mild hybrid with 152kW/300Nm to 192kW/400Nm, 2.0-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder mild hybrid with 149kW /440Nm, nine-speed automatic transmission, RWD.

Body style: Four-door sedan

On sale: Early 2022

floating, high-resolution 11.9-inch portrait-style central media display complete with the secondgeneration MBUX media system and ‘‘Hey Mercedes’’ virtual assistant.

All models have the parking package, with a reversing camera, along with heated front seats and wireless smartphone charging and my model also had the Driving Assistance Package Plus with active steering assist, and advanced Active Distance Assist function which does mess with the brakes a bit, traffic sign assist, lane assist, and other Mercedes advanced driving aids.

I won’t dwell too much on what was under the bonnet as my C-Class came with a 2.0-litre fourcylinder diesel engine, but New Zealand will be getting the fourcylinder petrol-only versions beginning with C200 (152kW/ 300Nm) and C300 (192kW/400Nm) both will have an extra 15kW/ 200Nm available from the 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

WHERE DID YOU DRIVE IT?

I spent a whole weekend behind the wheel of the new C-Class and felt very special indeed, driving around the rough and unkempt streets of Swindon and out in the countryside towards Hungerford and Newbury with its tree-lined avenues and old stone houses.

It’s as quiet as a churchmouse on the road and (in comfort) that mouse must be wearing slippers as its revised suspension offers a silky smooth ride.

Its low front valance does mean you have to approach the aforementioned speed bumps with care but when free of the urban jungle (and in Sport) the firm, low ride is both agile and fun.

The 48-volt belt-integrated starter generator allows the motor to ‘‘glide’’ when not pushing down hard on the accelerator and offers extra boost when you are, the start-stop process at the lights or junctions is seamless, however, the new braking system that anticipates vehicle’s movements ahead takes a bit of getting used to.

The nine-speed automatic gearbox is now standard across all models and I, for one, wouldn’t grumble at that, it’s faultless in choosing the right gear at the right time and incredibly hard to surprise.