CALL US ON
6533 5878

Classy Matter

With more than 6,000 reworked components, the C Class has gone through a much-needed mid-life refresh and is even better.
OneShift Editorial Team
OneShift Editorial Team
19 Feb 2019
The entry model C Class delivers a lovely driving experience, while being just as lovely a place to be in
What we like:
pros
Driver satisfaction and comfort
pros
build quality
pros
lovely engine
pros
more gears
What we dislike:
cons
Same issue with interior ergonomics as the pre-facelifted model
cons
wing mirrors induce plenty of wind noise

The Mercedes C Class receives a much needed mid-life refresh to carry the model line into the next few years.

With hints of S and E Class cars (more S than E) pressed into its bodywork, and just like the previous W204 model, the W205 C Class comes across as more youthful, yet classy, and built to cater to a younger buyer.

The facelift is one of the most extensive, with over six-thousand electronic and mechanical parts given a rework, all of which comes together to make the C Class just that much better.

External changes are mostly kept to the nose and tail, with new bumper treatment and a range of grill (re)designs. LED head and tail lights have also been restyled on the inside. Our Exclusive trim test car gets a three-part chrome trim strip in the front, and a classy tri-stripped grille.

Inside

For 2019, the new C Class has adopted a digitised instrument cluster. Unlike Mercs a class above it, which were already designed with digital cockpits, the C Class retains most of its dashboard design, and therefore uses two separate display assemblies (12.3” for the instrument cluster and 10.25” for the infotainment unit) instead of a singular “snowboard” styled unit with two integrated displays.

The new digitised instrument cluster also offers drivers some style customisation of the dials, just like the E and S Class.

Also new to the C Class is a steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, which makes scrolling through the instrument cluster and infotainment a breeze. Mercedes-Benz has however retained same set of controls for the infotainment on the centre console, with a scroll wheel and a touchpad, which we feel the latter sits too high, visually obscuring the far side of the button pad flanking the controls.

Smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, while other features like leather seats with 3-memory electrically adjustable front units, ambient lighting with 64 colour options and brown open-pore walnut wood trim; makes for a well appointed interior.

Taller rear passengers though might find legroom a bit of a squeeze, but for someone with my average 172cm, the Merc accommodates well enough.

The Drive

The base C 180 utilises a 1.6 litre turbocharged engine, good for 156hp and a healthy dab of 250Nm from 1,200-4,000rpm. Acceleration to 100km/h stands at 8.3 seconds, which is quite impressive. There is only a very momentary bit of lag with the turbocharger taking a brief moment to spool up, but after that, acceleration is brisk.

With a characteristic light steering, and plenty of leverage from the wheel, the C 180 is a breeze to drive. From the lights, the C 180 starts off on second gear, and utilises the first gear only in heavier applications, like a spirited taking off, especially in more sporty drive modes.

We like that there are 5 selectable drive programs, inclusive of a ‘Sport+’ mode, which improves the response of the engine and that new 9GTRONIC (9 speed) transmission, while dialing down just a little of the driver safety nets (still well within safe parameters) for an entertaining drive.

The C 180 is intended to deliver a comfortable ride, and it does this well, partially thanks to its 225/50R17 Bridgestone Turanza tyres. Road noise is negligible, though insulation through the side windows, coupled with mirrors buffeting at speed mar what would have been a near-excellent driving experience.

Keeping things safe, equipment like Active Brake Assist, behaves like an extra set of eyes on the road for you, helping to prevent or mitigate any would-be accidents by first warning, and then applying the brakes automatically when it detects an obstacle in-front. Airbags with front thorax-pelvis protection, driver knee and window units are standard, while an active bonnet aids in passenger protection.

Our Thoughts

The C Class, like its other two German counterparts, like the Audi A4 and the incoming BMW 3 Series set important benchmarks for other brands to follow or beat. But while we await the arrival of BMW’s all-new 3-Series, we know we love how this mighty Merc holds its own.

Credits:

Cars in this article
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C180 Exclusive (A) 2019

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C180 Exclusive (A) 2019

car icon
Sedan
car icon
Petrol
car icon
Authorised Dealer
Why sell your car with Oneshift?
bullet
Convenient and Hassle-Free

We know that visiting multiple car dealerships can be a real hassle! We’ll help you obtain the highest price for your car within 24 hours from our network of 500+ certified dealers from the comfort of your home.

bullet
Consumer Protection

We say no to unethical dealers. We employ strict quality control when validating the used car dealers in our panel and only work with trusted and reputable LTA-approved partners.

bullet
Transparent Process With No Obligation

We respect our customers and understand that at times, you may have doubts or need more time to decide. Don’t worry—we will never force a sale on you. Our dealer partners will only transact with you when you are satisfied with the final offer.

Sell your car for the best price in Singapore

Get the best price for your used cars from 500+ verified dealers, all within 24 hours

W
William Teng
2 weeks ago
The quote for my car was fast, responsive and the highest. The transaction was fast and explanation was clear. The person who inspected my car was friendly and professional. It was a good experience with OneShift.
W
William Chan
3 weeks ago
The transaction was very smooth from the minute I get on to their website trying to sell my car till the car ownership transferred and have the money paid by Pay Now into my account. It only takes less than 3 days. The person attending to me are very professional, Jon at the phone in their office and Sean Tan who came down to view and test the car. I am very happy to have decided to sell my car through "One Shift By Carousell"