So now that I have the car here, it was only fitting to pit it against its immediate rivals. Yes the segment has been the traditional battleground of the German foes for long - not just here, but globally - the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series and of course the C-Class.
LOOKS TO KILL:Now the first thing you notice is that the C-Class looks really new. The A4 still holds its own since Audi defined 'pretty' in this segment long ago, but it looks admittedly sober now. The 3 Series screams sporty and the C-Class does run away with the pageant crown for its sharp character lines, sloping roofline and boot-lid, and the bold face with the organic looking lights.
ON THE ROAD:We are not testing like-engines here, but rather comparing drive dynamics and overall proposition. Now in this particular segment when it comes to sporty appeal and precise direct driving, the BMW 3 Series has always been the one to lead. And while this is the C-Class that's come closest, BMW manages to hold on to the crown. The 3 Series' handling is superb, with extra precision and great steering. The C-Class follows and the Audi, while accurate is soft and offers more of a comfort-oriented feel, than a dynamic one. I suspect that will change when the next generation A4 arrives next year. But given that in India, a lot of buyers will prefer to sit in the rear, and that the car does fairly well on bad surfaces or through potholes, the balanced ride feel on the C may appeal the most. Though the weirdest thing - I wish the steering was smidgen larger, as it feels small by comparison to the other two.
The C-Class is also lighter than its predecessor by 100 kgs thanks to a 39% increase in the use of aluminium in the car's structure. And that does make the car a lot stiffer. Yes the 3 Series remains the out-and-out drivers' car, but the C is very satisfying to drive now too, especially if you flick the Agility setting to Sport or Sport+. The 7-speed gearbox is also smooth, but there are slight delays on downshifts in Sport+ mode.
CABIN, COMFORT AND CONVENIENCES:The Baby S tag means the interiors have to be super-swanky and you won't be disappointed. The C-Class being launched has a plethora of high-end equipment including a Burmester sound system, with 13 speakers, panoramic sunroof, high-grade leather and wood inserts. I am not sure all of that will make it to the locally assembled version though.
It's a bit of an opulent feel you get in this car, with great material quality. The new updated Command infotainment system is easier to use, and comes with a touch pad and has in-built navigation too. The car's cabin exudes a sense of space which the last C-Class lacked, The seats are comfortable and like the S-Class the C too now boasts ambient lighting options though in just 3 colours - amber, white and blue.
SHOOTOUT VERDICT:Prices for the new C are expected to hover over the Rs.40 lakh range. It does emerge as the winner in this contest, but with the caveat that I cannot give it an absolute win as yet. We are still waiting on the prices, and the whole strategy form Mercedes-Benz on how many variants we will eventually have - what their local content will be, and the trims/features to be offered eventually. But having said that, the car will probably get a nice clean run because others cars like the Jaguar XE and the next generation of the Audi A4, won't arrive till the end of next year, or in early 2016.
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