Rediscovering the Mercedes-Benz C-Class

MANILA, Philippines - CATS Motors treated a small group of Mojos (motoring journalists) last August 3 to a re-introduction of the new face-lifted C-Class. Entitled “The New Generation C-Class Agility Experience,” those at hand were allowed to flog Stuttgart’s new offering inside the roads of Nuvali in Sta. Rosa Laguna. With an engaging set of driving exercises designed by legends Georges and Louis Ramirez of the famed Ramirez racing clan, participants got to enjoy the C-Class’ excellent performance and safety.

To the untrained eye, one may not easily notice the differences infused by Benz engineers into the new C. Sprucing up the car’s aesthetics is a revised front fascia, dominated by the new headlights that now feature LED inserts, while LED foglamps reside down low in the bumper. The hood has been reconstructed with aluminum, a definite bonus in keeping weight down. Slight revisions in the grille were also carried out. Over at the rear, the C-Class gets new tail-lights also with the LED treatment. All in all, Mercedes wanted to give the C-Class a closer semblance to its bigger siblings the E and S.

Inside, M-B did a little tinkering with the dash lay-out and also introduced a new instrument counter that lends the car with a fresher look. Apart from these, it’s pretty much the same, as the C-Class didn’t really need a lot of fixing anyway.

Powertrains have been beefed up by the 7GTronic seven-speed transmission. Mercedes Benz claims this gear set helps significantly reduce fuel consumption. Forward motivation remains the same though as C-Class engine choices are retained without alteration.

Gauging from the event’s title, the day was set to display the C-Class’ innate handling talents within the cordoned off Nuvali area. To make things just that bit more interesting, we were greeted by stormy weather from the get go. Before we could sample the car’s solid dynamics, a quick stint on the Skyway was needed to get to Laguna. The highway route was the perfect venue to appreciate the C-Class’ extensive array of safety systems, whose importance was made more apparent by the rains. With poor visibility, it was nice to know that the C-Class had adaptive brake lights, a feature that allowed the rear lights to flash 5.5 times within a second to alert vehicles in the back about an abrupt deceleration. This helps warn oncoming cars if they need to stop sooner because of an emergency situation. Brake Assist comes standard with the car also; a feature that automatically primes the brakes for maximum power when the system senses that the driver’s right foot abruptly lets go of the accelerator. This shortens the brake’s reaction time when stopping the car, which can ultimately prevent an accident. Of course, ESP (Electronic Stability Program) is present, a feature that overrides power and braking inputs when it senses that the vehicle is out of control.

Despite the soaked streets, the C-Class made cruising above 120 km/h a serene affair. The model I got was a C 200 CGI, which had a turbocharged 1.8L 4 cylinder motor. 184 PS was on tap, and made highway overtaking quite effortless. This car was made for the Autobahn and proved that it could eat up miles and miles of asphalt with the utmost ease.

The first driving exercise was the slalom course, which was designed to showcase the car’s maneuverability. Slicing through the pylons allowed those present to feel how responsive the car is considering it is a fully decked luxury sedan. Remember, carrying all those safety systems doesn’t do the C any favors handling wise. Adequate acceleration coupled with the readiness of the chassis to change direction proved that this is one of the more entertaining European cars out in the market. Best of all, the non-stop rain did not deter us from gunning it because the C just inspired confidence even in bad weather.

Off to the next exercise, which was the emergency braking maneuver. Georges and Louis Ramirez wanted to simulate an emergency stopping situation, say when you’re driving on a country road then suddenly a child runs right in front of your path. With the C-Class, this situation need not be a fatal one. So off we sped to about 80 km/h on the straight section, then once we entered a gate marked off with pylons, we were instructed to stomp on the brakes as if to avoid an impending collision. We then jerk the steering wheel leftward to direct the car from the path of the collision. What happens is actually undramatic, but what this particular exercise shows is that the C-Class’ safety systems can really save lives. If there were an actual child that ran across your path, the C-Class without drama, would allow you to brake, then steer, and successfully avoid the youngling.

Unfortunately, the unrelenting weather cut our driving short. We were literally driving over thick puddles which made the exercises a bit too unsafe even on the closed circuit. As good as the C-Class is, it is still subject to hydroplaning and nobody wanted to test the airbags that day.

Not to be dampened, the rest of the day was spent touring the green themed residential community that is Nuvali. Ayala Land must be commended for this environmentally conscious development that encourages green living on all aspects. From lifestyle activities, to the construction of houses, up to how the solid waste is handled, Nuvali’s eco-friendly vision pervades throughout. The community museum, found inside the corporate offices, is quite an informative facility that people can visit. I highly recommend it.

I also highly recommend the refreshed C-Class. I instantly liked this car when it first came out in 2007 and continue to do so now. Personally, Mercedes-Benz didn’t need to tinker with this one, really. It continues to strike that balance of luxury and sportiness, a trait that not even its predecessors could do this well.