2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Preview
As its highest-volume model, the C-Class is an important vehicle line for Mercedes-Benz. With over 2.5 million cars of the current generation C-Class sold around the world, the upcoming redesigned C-Class has large shoes to fill. To that end, the new C-Class has a larger interior along with the dashboard design heavily influenced by the upcoming S-Class flagship. And there are even more changes to like.
In the interior, the C-Class now gets a digital driver cockpit with a 12.3-inch high-resolution display as standard along with an 11.9-inch center infotainment display (also standard), both surrounded by jet black trim. The themes on those screens can be changed between three styles (Sporty, Classic and Understated) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, and Service). 64-color ambient lighting also comes on all C-Class cars. Furthermore, a fingerprint scanner is located below the central display that allows users to log into the MBUX infotainment system quickly as well as securely with the car immediately adapting to their preferences.
Other features shoppers may like include the voice assistant "Hey Mercedes" which the driver and passenger can utilize to control certain features by using only their voice. A notable option is Augmented Video for Navigation, in which a camera streams whatever is in front of the car, the moving images shown on the display with virtual objects, information and markers (such as traffic signs, directional arrows, lane-change recommendations and house numbers) superimposed on the video. In addition, an improved Active Steering Assist system can help drivers stay in their lane at speeds up to 130 mph, with a 360° camera really helping things on winding roads.
At launch, the C-Class will come with a 255-horsepower 4-cylinder engine that has an ability to provide an extra 20 horsepower when absolutely needed from an onboard electric generator, technology that was developed with cooperation from the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 team. All cars will receive 9-speed automatic transmission while 4MATIC all-wheel-drive is optional.
Arriving at dealerships in early 2022, the C-Class will be highly anticipated by shoppers in the premium compact sedan market. As the C-Class is many people’s first experience with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, it has to meet some very tough engineering and quality standards. We, along with many others, will be eager to find out what the C-Class will have to offer in a very competitive segment.
