Mercedes puts on a class-C act
[2008-12-23 17:06:35]
The Nation
Published on June 10, 2008
The new C230 2.5 is larger and more powerful than its predecessor but commands a huge premium
After introducing the new C-Class with the C200 Kompressor, Mercedes-Benz has expanded the line-up with the C230 2.5, powered by a normally aspirated V6 engine.
When the C200 Kompressor was first launched in Thailand late last year, only the imported version was available and that too for Bt3.99 million.
But after local production started, the price was lowered dramatically. The C200 Kompressor started selling for Bt2.99 million for the Avantgarde trim and Bt2.79 million for the Elegance trim. Then came the C230 2.5, also locally assembled, priced at Bt3.49 million.
While the C200 Kompressor is powered by a supercharged 1.8-litre engine capable of producing 184 horsepower at 5,500rpm and 250Nm of torque from 2,800rpm to 5,000rpm, the 2.5-litre V6 in the C230 pumps out 204hp at 6,100rpm and 245Nm at 2,900rpm to 5,500rpm.
The transmission has also been upgraded from a five-speed automatic to the 7G-Tronic, seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Despite the lack of a supercharger, the C230 accelerates well, reaching 100kph from standstill in 8.6 seconds, while the top speed is touted to be 233kph. It is similar to the C200 Kompressor (8.8 seconds and 230kph), but you can sense the more relaxed and smoother character of the 2.5-litre engine.
In the city, the C230 delivers about 7.3kpl to 7.4 kpl, while on highways, the fuel consumption is 13.6kpl to 14kpl.
In terms of design, the new C-Class is now more aggressive-looking. The front end is bold while the rest of the car is even higher with the body line moving up toward the rear to create a crouching position. The rear end still looks a bit strange and the large taillights meant to give the car a sporty look, do not quite serve the purpose.
The new C-Class has a large cabin area, which is one of its strongest features especially when compared with rivals such as the BMW 3 Series.
Like the C200 Kompressor, the C230 2.5 comes with goodies ranging from the Linguatronic voice control system (English only, not Thai) which operates the radio, CD/DVD-player, CD/DVD-changer and telephone, 'Comand' control and display system, bi-xenon headlights with intelligent light system (comes with five lighting functions for different driving and weather conditions) and cornering lights. There is also an Electronic Stability Programme and a cruise control with speedtronic variable speed limiter which may not be of much use on Thai roads.
The entertainment system is wonderful. Apart from the regular radio and audio CD, it also plays MP3 discs as well as VCDs and DVDs.
There is not much difference between the C200 Kompressor and the C230 2.5 in terms of general features and looks, and the Bt500,000 extra is basically for the larger engine and seven-speed automatic transmission, which does not offer a big difference in terms of performance.
So C230 2.5 customers will be limited to those who really enjoy normally aspirated engines and prefer the smoothness of a larger V6.
At a glance
Engine: 24-valve V6
Displacement: 2,496cc
Max power: 204hp @ 6,100rpm
Max torque: 245Nm @ 5,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Steering: Power-assisted rack-and-pinion
Brakes: Vented discs/solid discs with ABS, BA
Dimensions (mm):
Length: 4,581
Width: 1,770
Height: 1,447
Price: Bt3.49 million
Distributor: DaimlerChrysler Thailand
