W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Experience Premium Luxury in Every Drive

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a reminder of why the marque is held in such high esteem, with its high ride quality and premium cabin fittings.

It’s finally back. After numerous updates that saw the addition of mild-hybrid technology, a junior-AMG 43 model, and a properly junior 160-badged variant, on top of the typical engine options in sedan, coupe, and convertible body styles, Singapore’s favourite compact executive has finally returned as an all-new generation car.

This is the new W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

Aggressive looks, compact body

Now based on the updated MRA 2 platform, this new C-Class Sedan has grown ten millimetres wider, nine millimetres shorter and, more significantly, 65mm longer than its predecessor, while its wheelbase has been stretched by 25mm.

And wrapping this new chassis is quite the handsome exterior, with this Mercedes-Benz C-Class retaining the classic proportions of its predecessors, thanks to that long bonnet and petite boot.<img alt="" data-caption="Opt for an AMG-line car and you'll get your front grille decorated with little three-pointed triangles.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”7b130fe3-333c-4a83-80b9-d53d429c936c” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/1904_7_l_0.jpg”/>

A Front-Facing Marvel That’ll Make Heads Turn

Key Visual Highlights

Playful Bulges on the Hood: These “tasty” pop‑ups on the bonnet give the car a lively, mischievous flair—think of it like a cheeky grin that’s hard to ignore.
The Shark‑Nose Profile: The front is styled after the razor‑sharp nose of a shark, reminiscent of the sleek looks seen on the Mercedes‑Benz CLA and CLS. This design choice adds an extra dose of edge, making the car look fierce on the road.

Why the AMG Line Is a Game‑Changer

Three‑Pointed Triangles in the Grille: In the AMG‑tipe, the front grill is peppered with a subtle pattern of tiny, triangular motifs. These triangles bring a touch of sophistication while keeping the aesthetic clean and appealing.

Classy, yet showy interior

Step Inside the New C‑Class: A Surprise Tech Reveal

Picture this: you slide into the cabin, and the first thing that catches the eye is the hurly‑burly centre console. Back‑in‑the‑day, this sprawling hub had shoved the driver’s footrest back into the shadows.

But hold onto your seat because, in a bold move, Ford‑M’s design team turned that awkward space into a gold‑mine of tech.

What’s New?

Massive 11.9‑inch Display – it’s the size of your living‑room TV, now smack in the middle of the console.
Mercedes MBUX Weighs In – the same slick infotainment system that shines in the flagship S‑Class.
Foot‑Rest? Gone – the space is now for your next big game or streaming binge.

Why It Matters

With a screen that big, you don’t just get navigation and music; you’re stepping into a high‑tech cockpit that feels more like a spaceship than a car. It’s the kind of upgrade that brings a smile to both tech lovers and drivers with a knack for comfortable footrests.

Takeaway

Mercedes has swapped out old space for new tech, turns an awkward convulsion into a lavish head‑sophomore, and leaves the driver feeling good.

<img alt="" data-caption="MBUX system is impressive and pleasing to look at, but not so intuitive to use.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”fb738a5f-f959-403f-b2e9-4422331716b8″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/1904_25_l_1.jpg”/>It’s an impressive infotainment system indeed, with a myriad of options that allow you to set your car up as you wish. Having said that, I did find it all requiring just a bit more time to master than rival systems, thanks to the use of different layouts for every sub-menu.

Also present in this C-Class are the touch-sensitive seat controls and window switches from the S-Class. And you also get the Mercedes’ latest leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls on its split-spokes on the 201bhp models.

These touches all combine with seats that offer a good degree of adjustability, making the cabin of the Mercedes C-Class a pleasant place to be in.<img alt="" data-caption="201bhp models of the Mercedes C-Class will come with the split-spoke steering wheel.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”69652143-e5ac-40a3-94ca-bc0d42c32c98″ src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/1904_14_l_1.jpg”/>And if all this is not enough to wow your passengers, the multi-colour ambient lighting certainly will, offering high brightness levels and a wide array of hues that seem to have been lifted right out of a nightclub.

Strong and comfortable drive

Start the engine of the Mercedes C-Class and there’s still plenty else that will impress. There are currently two engine options offered for the C-Class here in Singapore, both utilising a 1.5-litre engine, with the more powerful of the two tested here.

It’s an engine that is more suited to relaxed driving than quick bursts between the lights. While the spec sheet states that this engine offers up a total of 201bhp, in practice you’ll find that outright pace is barely enough to frighten or thrill.<img alt="" data-caption="201bhp 1.5-litre engine offers up just decent acceleration, but desperately needs better vocals.
PHOTO: sgCarMart” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”4ef40c77-742a-4118-982f-3a9bb621932b” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/1904_55_l_1.jpg”/>

What the Mercedes C‑Class Sounds Like

Pull up to a full throttle and you’ll notice the engine isn’t trying to shout its opinion. It stays below the grating realm, but it also fails to paint the track with any kind of dramatic soundtrack. In other words, if you expect a fire‑breathing performance sedan, this one may leave you a little under‑excited.

Performance & Power

Torque: 300 Nm – steady growth through the mid‑range means you rarely need to jam the crank into the high revs.
Gearbox: Nine‑speed, silky‑smooth – the shift points feel like a dream and the start‑up/stop‑de‑acceleration phases are almost inaudible.
Fuel fuel economy: Roughly 10 km per litre – pretty decent for a compact luxury sedan.

Ride & Handling

At highway speeds the C‑Class delivers a well‑balanced ride. It’s a touch firmer than average, yet still cushions you around edges and jumps with surprising grace. That planted feel, in conjunction with a solid cabin sound‑proofing, means the interior remains a calm retreat even on bumpy roads.

Steering comes with a precise nose, and adding rear‑axle steering gives that low‑speed manoeuvre make‑feel a lot more friendly. All things considered, the C‑Class offers a release for your inner driver while keeping your sanity intact.

What Makes This Ride a Real Treat

When you put all the pieces together, the car turns into a true joyride – the kind of machine that makes you grin every time you twist the steering wheel.

Why You’ll Love It

Feel‑good handling: The chassis and steering give you that instant “this is the right car” vibe.
Power meets control: You’re allowed to play with the throttle, and the engine’s response is exactly what your muscle memory expects.
Pure excitement: Every corner feels like a new challenge, and the car keeps the thrill alive.

One Tiny Hiccup

That said, the test car falls a little short when it comes to brake feel. The pedal lacks the resistance you’re used to, which can make the whole driving experience feel a notch lighter than intended. In short, the brakes don’t give you that reassuring “you’re in control” moment, so you might feel a bit detached.

Despite that minor quirk, the overall experience stays highly rewarding. For anyone looking to mix a bit of adventure with everyday driving, this car still has the teeth to keep you hooked.

Rightfully popular

If you like this Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it could be yours starting from $310,888, which pits it dollar-for-dollar square against the BMW 320i M Sport (prices as of April 12, 2022). The BMW, however, is equipped with a 2.0-litre engine that makes 181bhp paired to an eight-speed gearbox. So, you get more power while paying a smaller road tax bill in this Mercedes C-Class, plus one more gear to use should you choose to drive up the North-South Highway.

If that, combined with the stunning MBUX system and high ride quality already appeal to you, then go out and reserve yours now. There will be many here that will want to get their hands on one.

ALSO READ: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C 200 AMG Line review: Back in the running

This article was first published in sgCarMart.
CarsCar reviewmercedesLifestylevehicles