C-Class (W206) [Official] Mercedes Benz C-Class (W206)

[Serpens]

I will also note the Mercedes themselves said the gearbox wasn't in its final calibration. We'll see if the 1-2 shift complaints and manual control downshifts are addressed properly in further road tests. The reviews I read suggested the ice and electric motor were actually a great duo with linear power delivery.

 

[Centurion]

I will also note the Mercedes themselves said the gearbox wasn't in its final calibration. We'll see if the 1-2 shift complaints and manual control downshifts are addressed properly in further road tests. The reviews I read suggested the ice and electric motor were actually a great duo with linear power delivery.

Hopefully it will be flawless from the first model year unlike the W205 C43 which was flawed out of the box but was mechanically resolved with the facelift.

 

[Rolf]

Its a nice looking car and looks to be a very good car to drive. But that engine noise/sound is the major problem and complaint from all who have driven this car even though the engine provides great performance and is mostly well matched with 9speed gearbox. The same thing happened when BMW replaced the inline 6 in the E90 330i with a 4-cylinder in the F30 328i, enthusiasts bitched and moaned cause the car lost so much character and refinement, but now its been accepted as the norm in this class.

 

[leylandi]

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[Mr. Mercedes]

I will also note the Mercedes themselves said the gearbox wasn't in its final calibration. We'll see if the 1-2 shift complaints and manual control downshifts are addressed properly in further road tests. The reviews I read suggested the ice and electric motor were actually a great duo with linear power delivery.

Why would they commence press drives without the final calibration of the box? Sounds like an excuse to say...maybe we need to work on it a bit more.

 

[klier]

I love the rims.

 

[Serpens]

Why would they commence press drives without the final calibration of the box? Sounds like an excuse to say...maybe we need to work on it a bit more.

I've read countless first drives where cars weren't complete to production form. I think the fact that it was taking some of the cars 2+ seconds to execute a downshift would be a sign calibration isn't done.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I still don't get it from a product marketing point of view. Why would they make this decision to allow first reviews when there is an obvious shortcoming that needs to be resolved and will just be reported on negatively by the press. On top of the fact that you are introducing a product that has other elements that are going to be a bit difficult to swallow, i.e the move from a 6 cylinder to a 4 cylinder.

 

[Merc1]

This happens all the time with first test drives. Some press forgive this, some mention it along with the clarification that it’s not the final calibration. A seasoned press outlet worth anything wouldn’t even mention this much less knock the car for it knowing full well it’s not the final calibration.

M

 

[Mick Briesgau]

This new C is still rather seldom seen on Dutch roads. Seeing it in it’s normal habitat, it catches your eyes, it looks really, really good. If it weren’t for that cost-cutted interior, it would be the most sensible Mercedes to drive; it’s large enough, it offers an array of interesting extras, it drives like a real Mercedes.
Personal wishlist:
- airmatic;
- 6 cylinder engines.

 

[GTA45E]

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[Big Sam]

This new C is still rather seldom seen on Dutch roads. Seeing it in it’s normal habitat, it catches your eyes, it looks really, really good. If it weren’t for that cost-cutted interior, it would be the most sensible Mercedes to drive; it’s large enough, it offers an array of interesting extras, it drives like a real Mercedes.
Personal wishlist:
- airmatic;
- 6 cylinder engines.

As has been pointed out multiple times, it's because of production delays due to the chip shortage. I have a C-Class on order from a Dutch MB dealer, and it was initially ordered in September 2021 with a delivery date of January 2022. That got pushed to March. I still don't have it and I've been told it may be August until it's here.

 

[Mick Briesgau]

As has been pointed out multiple times, it's because of production delays due to the chip shortage. I have a C-Class on order from a Dutch MB dealer, and it was initially ordered in September 2021 with a delivery date of January 2022. That got pushed to March. I still don't have it and I've been told it may be August until it's here.

I was stating a personal observation and am well aware of the several reasons to why.

 

[Big Sam]

I was stating a personal observation and am well aware of the several reasons to why.

Fair enough.

 

[Pagani]

Are the quality issues that apparent? The interior appears to be top notch, at least from the videos - i have yet to see one in person.

I agree that this car is the ideal size, at least for me, I drive a 4 Series Gran Coupe and when I went to test the 5 and the E toward a replacement, I was scandalized by the relative barge-like feeling and numbness. I might be tempted by the C 43, though I am bummed at the lack of the I6 cylinder.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Are the quality issues that apparent? The interior appears to be top notch, at least from the videos - i have yet to see one in person.

I agree that this car is the ideal size, at least for me, I drive a 4 Series Gran Coupe and when I went to test the 5 and the E toward a replacement, I was scandalized by the relative barge-like feeling and numbness. I might be tempted by the C 43, though I am bummed at the lack of the I6 cylinder.

Two separate issues. The build and fit are top notch and the interior feels several multiples more solid than the W205. It's the material quality and finish of the lower portions of the dash, doors and transmission tunnel that are the issue. If that doesn't bother you, it's a fantastic place to be.

 

[martinbo]

Two separate issues. The build and fit are top notch and the interior feels several multiples more solid than the W205. It's the material quality and finish of the lower portions of the dash, doors and transmission tunnel that are the issue. If that doesn't bother you, it's a fantastic place to be.

I sat in three separate W206s going over every nook and cranny over the course of an hour and then jumped back into my G20. I was hoping to cross shop W206 with G20 as my next company car and was disappointed that the new C-Class’ release was so delayed here in SA.
I agree with your assessment completely - you and I are very similar in terms of what we look for in interior overall build quality. I remember yonks ago how everyone was banging on about B8 A4’s quality and you and I were going “err, no…”

W206 is definitely better screwed together than W205 on the inside but the buyer has to be so careful around which interior options and finishes to select. For example, you just cannot go with the standard instrument display which is positively nasty with its massive plastic bezel and tiny screen. Piano black plastic remains the standard trim on the centre console and the one-piece door pull / arm rest / window button panel is just unpleasant to use. There’s even a bit of flex in that unit and that’s on a new car. Visually, for some - and when money’s chucked at it - the W206’s cabin is a good step up from its predecessor but in my experience it falls short of its nearest rival’s by quite some margin.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

I sat in three separate W206s going over every nook and cranny over the course of an hour and then jumped back into my G20. I was hoping to cross shop W206 with G20 as my next company car and was disappointed that the new C-Class’ release was so delayed here in SA.
I agree with your assessment completely - you and I are very similar in terms of what we look for in interior overall build quality. I remember yonks ago how everyone was banging on about B8 A4’s quality and you and I were going “err, no…”

W206 is definitely better screwed together than W205 on the inside but the buyer has to be so careful around which interior options and finishes to select. For example, you just cannot go with the standard instrument display which is positively nasty with its massive plastic bezel and tiny screen. Piano black plastic remains the standard trim on the centre console and the one-piece door pull / arm rest / window button panel is just unpleasant to use. There’s even a bit of flex in that unit and that’s on a new car. Visually, for some - and when money’s chucked at it - the W206’s cabin is a good step up from its predecessor but in my experience it falls short of its nearest rival’s by quite some margin.

Haha. I remember.

Audi managed to bamboozle most everyone...until Mercedes figured out how to beat them at their own game.

BMW are at the moment the most consistent in terms of interior build and in some aspects finish, but the current aesthetic just doesn't resonate with me.

It should be noted however that even Porsche has succomed to the peny pinching. The door handles of the 911 are positively atrocious, almost the same crap as a GLA, and it generally doesn't feel like an expensive piece of kit inside unless very well specified.

 

[martinbo]

BMW are at the moment the most consistent in terms of interior build and in some aspects finish, but the current aesthetic just doesn't resonate with me.

Understandable - it’s certainly not cutting-edge in terms of the latest trends in interior design. It works for me because it’s a bit old school with everything I like and feel is better: buttons, cowled instrument cluster, central gear selector etc. In fact I’m dreading G20 LCI…

It should be noted however that even Porsche has succomed to the peny pinching. The door handles of the 911 are positively atrocious

I know! And I’ve been saying it for ages after going over 992’s interior with a fine tooth comb. Those plastic door handles are an insult at the price. The transmission tunnel console is one piece of cheap plastic with two little soft-touch pads tacked to either side, I could go on like I did here:

911 (992) - [Official] Porsche 911 (992 Series)

Imv, this is GTS, not GT3...

germancarforum.com

Anyhow, that’s a different topic. One thing’s for sure: W206’s interior is a step up over W205 and that’s a good thing for prospective owners - they just need to spec carefully to maximise the overall effect.

 

[klier]

It should be noted however that even Porsche has succomed to the peny pinching. The door handles of the 911 are positively atrocious, almost the same crap as a GLA, and it generally doesn't feel like an expensive piece of kit inside unless very well specified.

The 991 was better quality interior wise.....