Look: The New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Arrives in the Philippines

Auto Nation Group (ANG) finally brings to the country the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class 180 Avantgarde, which features an expressive exterior and sporty proportions, as well as a futuristic and extensively digitised interior

Car aficionados and motoring experts gather at the Bonifacio Global City showroom of Auto Nation Group, the official importer and distributor of Mercedes-Benz in the Philippines, to witness the unveiling of the renowned German luxury car brand's all-new C-Class. Exhibiting modern luxury, the new variant (C 180 Avantgarde) of the C-Class carries the latest innovation and modernisations that give the styling elements, substance, and technologies from the flagship S-Class, making it befitting of its nickname "Baby S".

Thoroughly redesigned, the fifth generation C-Class meets driving dynamics, human-centred innovations, and all that in an expressive exterior and sporty proportions. This mild-hybrid car attests to Mercedes-Benz's commitment to a sustainable strategy. Deriving inspiration from S-Class, this new car sets itself apart from its predecessors through its longer wheelbase by 25mm, overall length by 65mm, width by 45mm, and 7mm more ground clearance. The Avantgarde exterior features a newly redesigned front bumper with a single louvre radiator grille that accentuates the prominent Mercedes-Benz star. Its LED high-performance headlamps with daytime running lights have been made sleeker and modern. Meanwhile, the pronounced power domes on the bonnet give it a sporty and masculine character. It is noticeable from the side of its sleeker coupe-like design topped with new 18-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels and run-flat tires. Lastly, the rear features two-section tail lights also found on the E-Class and S-Class, making it appear wider and more stout.

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Inside, experience a fully digitised interior like you are stepping into an S-Class vehicle. It has an 11.9" floating central display touchscreen loaded with features and made easier to read and operate as it is slightly inclined towards the driver. The 10.25" free-standing full digital instrument display has also been made part of the standard equipment, where you can customise your display style from Classic to Sport and Understated, as well as other driver assistance menus.

The new C-Class is equipped with the latest generation NTG7 MBUX multimedia system that now has connectivity features that you can initiate by simply saying "Hey Mercedes". The steering wheel has touch control buttons to operate the MBUX easily. If one chooses to access important applications on one's smartphone like Messages, Spotify, Waze, and many others, the phone can be connected wirelessly to the C-Class via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

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Relax inside the C-Class with the generous space and larger legroom and more headroom that it offers. The seats are also electrically adjustable for the driver and passenger with capacitive switches that react to touch input. The front seats have memory function settings for up to three people and these profiles can be selected easily and changed at any time. The seats have four-way lumbar support and can be adjusted anytime to improve seating comfort and ergonomics.

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To achieve a desired ambience inside the car, one may choose from 64 colours of lighting. Another added feature controllable through the central display is the Thermatic dual-zone automatic climate control, in order to set the convenient temperature and ventilation for passengers. It has an activated charcoal filter to cleanse the air from dust and reduce harmful chemicals and substances.

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As the safety of the driver and passengers is very important for Mercedes-Benz, the new C-Class comes with a standard seven airbags, inclusive of a two-stage deployment airbag for driver and passenger, side bags, window bags, and knee bags. The car is also equipped with a blind spot assist feature to keep the driver well-informed of the surroundings. This alerts when a vehicle enters a blind spot zone and sends a signal to avoid a possible collision. Aside from this, the C-Class has other driving assistance systems such as the active brake assist, active parking assist, 12 ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear, reversing cameras, and attention assist.

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The new C-Class has a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine that produces 170 hp and 250 Nm of torque. Now, the C-Class comes with an electrified drivetrain with EQ boost mild-hybrid technology. Mercedes-Benz’s advanced technology is also electrifying the compact sedan segment with its 2nd generation mild-hybrid system, which was introduced in the flagship S-Class last year.

The Integrated Starter Generator and 48-volt power supply support the combustion engine by providing up to 15 kW of additional power and up to 200 Nm more torque. This is particularly noticeable in the acceleration behaviour of the combustion engine—while maintaining low fuel consumption.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels by the 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, with barely noticeable gear changes for a smooth yet engaging drive. The transmission maintains low engine speeds, which reduces the fuel consumption even more—and maintains a quiet running engine.

The new C-Class is more energetic and more energy-conscious. It's more responsive yet more refined, advancing its sport-sedan legacy into a new era of driving fun.

Some great features from other Mercedes-Benz cars are kept like the 'dynamic select'—it lets you choose whether you want a sporty or comfortable drive—this tweaks the engine, suspension, and steering of the car to your liking. Without a doubt, the C-Class will give an impressive and relaxed drive wherever it may be.

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The new C-Class is a symbol of modern luxury—a special treat in your busy world. Immense yourself and indulge in the modern luxury that the C-Class offers. Experience progressive comfort, intuitive connectivity, and driving dynamics that make you feel in control.

The new C-Class Avantgarde variant has an introductory price of PHP 3,890,000 and is now available for viewing in all Mercedes-Benz showrooms at Bonifacio Global City, Edsa Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu City. You may also visit our online showroom www.mercedes-benz.ph to know more about the new C-Class.

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Topics

Mercedes-Benz Cars Modern Luxury

Franz Sorilla IV

Art and Culture Editor, Tatler Philippines

About

Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.

Work

Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.

As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.

For any leads, you may reach him through @franzsorillaiv on Instagram or franz@tatlerphilippines.com via email.