It’s certainly one of the most enjoyable test-drives of 2022 as the locally produced Mercedes-Benz C-Class provides all the sass and dash imaginable, in a futuristic ride experience.

• The the C200 and C220d make up the current Mercedes-Benz C-Class line-up.
• The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is manufactured at the German car makers Eastern Cape facility.
• South Africa is one of only 3 countries in the world producing the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
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Having cruised through the test of time, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has had a historical run, many car manufacturers dream of, having made its debut in the 1980’s and continues to turn heads almost 40-years later. And the latest release in the C-Class story is no different, looking polished as ever from the outside, but fully loaded with features on the inside.

As car releases in the 2020’s go, the cabin has become more digitised, offering more customisation, integration and navigation. With the latest MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) activated with the simple phrase ‘Hey Mercedes’ or the tap of the extra-large centre consul screen, reminiscent of a large tablet device.

Having not attended the official test-drive launch, it was great to experience the Mercedes-Benz C-Class over a period of a week, swapping scenic Cape Winelands for everyday Sandton traffic. The Sandton Times covered the Mercedes-Benz C-Class launch, hosted by the Mercedes-Benz Sandton dealership, which hailed the arrival of the new C-Class with much fanfare, showcasing how the latest release pushes the C-Class further into a plush segment.

The new saloon, entering with the Avantgarde trim line, offers a beautiful ride with the engine providing more power with less sound and better mileage. Yet the confident on road experience is certainly one of the most exciting experiences, and whilst the low proximity to the road tends to be challenging over some of Johannesburg North’s speed humps, the open road provides a sporty drive of note.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class also offers different driving modes from Eco and Comfort to Sport and Individual preference. With a turbocharged engine and nine-speed automatic transmission this energetic ride is matched by equally impressive fuel efficiency under 5-litres/100km.

The interior finishes ooze luxury and provide a quality driving experience, only to be matched by the Apple Carplay and Android Auto integration – wirelessly. It’s pricy at around R911 812, but it’s a Mercedes-Benz, and comes with a list of impressive standard features wrapped in a digital outlook that probably outweighs the premium pricing.

There is no doubt the locally produced C-Class will be a triumph for Mercedes-Benz bringing an affluent experience to the market, only to be outdone by the S-Class. We certainly cannot wait to test-drive this beauty in the AMG edition.

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