Tried & Tested: Mercedes-Benz C250 CGI

In the blink of an eye it has been 3 years since the W204 C-Class debuted. While the mid-cycle facelift isn't due yet, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to go the way of turbocharging their C-Class along with the introduction of their new W212 E-Class with Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI). In Daimler speak, that's direct fuel injection + turbocharging.

Read all about the test drive of seemingly Golf GTI's power output vehicle with rear-wheel drive plus a boot. Or is it not so? The new C250 CGI after all punches out a maximum of 204hp/310Nm. Scroll down below for a review by someone dubbed recently as "Mr Stuttgart" (think: M-B/Porsche) of the motoring circle :)





Browsing through the Press Information supplied by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) along with the tester you see above, the new C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY is touted as "the most efficient C-Class ever". With claimed fuel consumption of just 7.2 - 7.9 litres/100km in combined cycle.

As you all know and have experienced before, in the real world these figures are as good as striking it rich in the lottery. However and rather unexpectedly so, the best figure I got from the C250 was 8.2 l/100km while getting boxed-in during northbound traffic of the North-South highway - compulsorily doing speeds of 80 - 90km/h constantly. On the upper end of the scale, the computer was reading out 12.3 l/100km on other occasions of getting 'high' behind the wheel.
In retrospect, my last E200 Kompressor (W211) was returning rather similar range of fuel consumption figures in my 4 years of usage.



So I guess you could call it BlueEFFICIENCY after all, since 204hp/310Nm versus 163hp/240Nm with the same amount of fuel in indeed efficiency at work. That's the beauty of having a triple alphabets "DEH" suffix to M271 (engine code) I guess! But I don't see the need of getting the all 'Blue' over this. There is no AdBlue (ammonia consuming catalyst system) here for this petrol combusting 1.8-litre 4-pot. Hmmm...






Further into the Press Info, M-B claims a sprint timing of 7.4 seconds for their latest C250 CGI. Which is entirely believable, since 310 Nm is at your disposal from a low 2,000 rpm through to 4,000 rpm. It feels especially quick more so in 'SPORT' mode but not that manically rapid as say the 211 ps/280 Nm Mk6 Golf GTI because of its rear-drive configuration and probably 5A/T torque converter 'refining and filtering' things out a tad more. Typical of Mercedes-Benz, there is no lurch even as you slam the throttle aggressively at take-off. One of my "co-tester" even claimed the Toyota Vios is 'more powerful' due to its persistent lunging-forward kick of (initial) acceleration. Gosh! Must be a diehard Toyota fan despite the throttle-gate fiasco which seemed to have evaded Malaysia.




High speed stability wise, the new C250 is indeed better than the outgoing C230 2.5 V6. In 'normal' suspension setting, there is indeed less mushiness of the dampers resulting in less roll around corners. Even in 'Sport' the suspension isn't as hard or jarring as the last 6-potted C230. This is noticeable when I contrasted another C230 back-to-back. M-B engineers along with the Bilstein folks must have done some suspension tweaking over black coffee and some serious test track time.

Having said that, the new C250 is still a tad floaty at speed above 180 km/h despite having adaptive dampers. The steering while being weightier in Sport mode (the older C230's rack doesn't respond to Sport setting at all before) is still a tad numb at speed beyond 200 km/h. With a wee bit more choppiness than desired on poor undulating surfaces of certain highway stretches the C250's chassis can come across as jittery approaching its claimed Vmax of 240 km/h.
I guess M-B might still want to relegate such lofty task to the W212 which is way calmer and felt sturdier - possibly due a longer wheelbase and wider tracks.

Yet above it all, on B-roads the new C250 CGI is nicely agile and tracks corner like a dream with the steering ratio reduced from 14.5 in the C200 versus 13.5 in the C250. I would have preferred the 'Sport' button to be split into two separate level of actuation where the throttle 'Sportier' mapping is decided at the gear lever while the chassis/suspension tautness and steering weight/feel is activated by the regular switch on the centre console. Much like the Mk6 GTI where you can dial in a combo of 'Sport, Normal or Auto' suspension mode with either regular 'D' auto or 'S' auto drive mode.

Priced at RM287,888 the new C250 CGI is indeed a very promising Mercedes that is solid in performance yet retains M-B hallmark of comfort, albeit in a smaller package. The turbocharged C-Class (E-Class in a broader perspective) will be the range that will answer to MBM's profitability for their current financial year since the C250 CGI definitely cost less to make versus the C230 V6 of yore. The C250 CGI (as well as the C200 CGI) also address succinctly to the downsizing-cum-efficiency trend of current times, complying with EU5 emissions standard while being fun to point-and-shoot should you want more zippiness at a moment's notice. The Munich camp meanwhile has no emphatic answer to this with their aging E90 especially in regards to their asthmatic 320i and pricey, yet detuned 323i. However, the E90 320d makes a very compelling case and this shall be the closest competitor to this C250 CGI - in my books at least. Watch out for its review coming up next.




Related posts:

Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor (W204) tested in 2007
Parting shots of the W203 C200K Final Edition

Mercedes-Benz C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch a completely new diesel engine generation from Q4 2008 onwards. For its world premiere, the Stuttgart-based luxury car manufacturer will unveil a C-Class model with this new four-cylinder oil burner. In the form of C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Prime Edition, this engine produces - from just 2.2 liters of displacement - 204 hp (150kW) and 500 Nm of torque.




Yes, C-ing is believing...this junior exec can go 1094km on a full tank of diesel!


Will this sleeker-looking wing mirror find its way to the other C-Class variants?


The premiere model can accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.0 seconds, on the way to its top speed of 250 km/h. Notwithstanding these exceptional performance figures, the Prime Edition only consumes an average of 5.2 litres of fuel per 100 km (NEDC), with CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. The engine impresses with its eager responsiveness and smoothness of operation, which can make it a sensible alternative to the higher-displacement six-cylinder engines in future.


Do not expect to get this excellent CDI model from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) until the diesel at the local pumps get out of its primitive Euro-1 rut.

First Drive: Mercedes-Benz W204 C230 V6 Avantgarde

The W204 C200K has been dissected by the motoring community thus far with mixed reviews. I found it a little light footed – with a feathery steering rack and a somewhat nervous chassis on those high speed run and during overtaking manouvres. Interestingly or rather baffling, waiting period for this junior exec from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) has stretched to 8 months for the C200K Elegance while the Avantgarde version is back logged to 10 months now!

So it is with abated breath that I drove a new demo C230 V6 out of a Cycle & Carriage Bintang (CCB) showroom today, only to be a little disappointed. One, wait list for this soft-launched variant has ballooned to 6 months now and people paying RM300K for a compact sedan shouldn’t be made to wait half a year! Two, the Dynamic Handling mumbo-jumbo didn’t live up to its extreme expectation. Three, the 7G-Tronic seem to have a mind of its own should you want to rush things up a few notches.

Other than that, it’s a fine piece of all-new MB vehicle that oozes prestige, heritage, badge snobbery, solidity in motion and as always, creature comfort. The 6-pot is fine – apart from being a little thirsty – with mostly mid and upper range punch as you’d expect from a ‘small’ V6. The 7G-Tronic isn't helping much with the 6th and 7th cogs mainly overdrive ratios while the 5th felt much like semi-overdrive. This made quick overtaking quite labourious with manual shifting of gears necessary into 4th or even 3rd gear - to ride on the M272 E25's normally-aspirated powerband. Also, I found it a little weird that manual shifting works better and faster via the gear lever than with the steering paddles! The C230 does however takes sweeping corners in stride and will take you from A to B in good shape with the least of drive and ride fatigue.

Problem is there will be more than a handful of enthusiasts who will contrast this to the BMW 325i Sports. That’s where the line of distinction between a good and a better drive starts to appear, not a bad versus an excellent one, mind you. I don’t intend make this article shootout themed so let’s not get into that. After all, I did not test the 325i or 325i Sports back to back.

On motorway, I’d say the new C230 have enough power for that cool, serene and laid-back drive. However, you have to be much more aggressive with that throttle and throw out the notions of driving a C200K, an A4 (B7) 2.0 TFSI or that wicked little Golf GTI. Work with that V6 quickly up the 3500rpm rev range, keep it there or higher and things do get spiced up. The 7G-Tronic is best left to its own devices and never turn the ‘SPORT’ button off unless your mother-in-law is in your new C230! This little button determines the gear shifting response time, throttle response, firmer damping rate and steering agility too. So, don’t mess with that little switch (you don’t want to be in ‘C’ drive mode) if you want to beat the supercharged C200K or that over-confident guy in his E90 325i.

Around bends, the C230 is pretty progressive in nature. You can attack corners at fairly good speed until you sense that rear end starting to veer out just that wee bit. More than that, you get that ESP in -dash exclamation mark blinking away. That said, I still find the rear axle a little twitchy (read: less planted), more so during quick lane change or sudden veering input at the rack. While it is definitely more composed than the C200K, I dare say I have had more fun in the old W203 C230 V6 Avantgarde Sports. Strange. (Or perhaps I need more than 90 minutes in a new C230?) The W204 C230 feels just that bit light-footed still, with the steering yet somewhat EPS-ish. Mind you it’s accurate and sharp but it just not weighty or talkative enough.

Rumbling over bad roads is definitely the new C230’s forte, no junior exec from Munich or Ingolstadt will ever match. Seats are comfy, well sized and supportive. Even hitting uneven patches mid corner does not ruffle its chassis composure. Well, perhaps just that ocassional single rear wheel trampling for footing over that split second. Otherwise, it’s fine. NVH refinements at triple digit speed are very good while straight line cruising stability cannot be faulted. However, I found the tester not very willing to climb higher after crossing mid-point of my quest towards the 2^nd rung of triple digits velocity. Then again most engines need to be run-in, more so the European ones.

So there you have it the new C230 Avantgarde with Advanced Agility aka Dynamic Handling package. I have no major complaints with its ride, handling (you can definitely get accustomed to the chassis balance) and agility overall. But Mercedes-Benz, can we have a Kompressor in the C230 V6 for better low end torque? And if possible, a dual clutch 7-speed automated manual gearbox as say 7G-Tronic II? A little less hydraulic assistance for the power steering would be appreciated too. Thank you.

Related posts:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/11/first-drive-new-w204-mercedes-benz-c200.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/11/mercedes-benz-c-for-yourself-official.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2008/04/courtesy-drive-mercedes-benz-c230-v6.html

New Mercedes C180K BlueEfficiency with 1.6L engine!

In this age of relentlessly spiralling oil prices, Mercedes-Benz will launch a new range of fuel efficient C-Class saloons at Geneva 2008 with the tag BlueEfficiency, a term probably coined as an extension from its BLUETEC technology applied to its CDI turbodiesel engines.

The pertinent model to Malaysian market – and likely most of ASEAN - will be the new C180 Kompressor which, now hear this, has an even smaller displaced 1597cc 4-pot beating under the hood! It was previously a 1796cc in-line 4.

Impressively, maximum power output has been maintained 156hp, along with 230Nm worth of torque, same ratings versus the 'old' 1.8L supercharged M271. This new C180K can cover 100 kilometres with just 6.5 litres of petrol. The previous 1.8L powered C180K needs an additional 0.9L of petrol to get the job done. The new econo-power C180K will sprint to 100km/h in 9.5secs, on the way to a top end of 230km/h.

Apart from a smaller capacity petrol engine, better aerodynamics with a CD factor of 0.25 (versus standard C-Class’ 0.27) and weight savings from the new alloy wheels, lighter plus lower rolling resistance Michelins, engine bay firewall foams and windscreen all adds up to higher fuel efficiency.

The other models offering TrueBlue solutions i.e. higher mileage to every litre of fuel are the new C200 CDI and C350CGI, with direct gasoline injection (finally!).

First Drive: New W204 Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor

By Dr Long

One of the most anticipated replacement models to come from Mercedes-Benz of late is the new C-Class (W204), the compact luxury sedan that has been and will still be the bread-and-butter vehicle of this German carmaker.

Completely redesigned and larger than the W203, the first model to be available in Malaysia is the supercharged 4-cylinder C200 Kompressor. Here is how it fares on the road in and around the roads of Malaysia’s administrative capital, Putrajaya (and Cyberjaya).

Interior wise, the larger dimensions are aptly appreciated, notably up front with bigger seats and to me at least, more generous elbow rooms laterally. Cabin ergonomics are good except for the centre console and gear lever which I found set a tad too high. Similarly the surround of the horizontal centre console is of hard plastic, something which M-B probably felt could be skimped upon since most drivers would not have noticed…or is that always the case? That said, the new C200K’s overall cabin ambience is still classy, airy, and most importantly premium. All interior switches and stalks operate with crisp and firm Teutonic efficiency that spells quality. Mercedes-Benz is clearly back in the game after some misses with the W203 C-Class and prior to this, the W210 E-Class.

No review of a Mercedes is complete without a mention of its trademark smooth ride and solid, yet supple damping. The new C200K is all that with a little body roll in-built into its somewhat soft suspension setting. Perhaps the OE Pirelli P-Zero Rossos were a little on the softer side? I found the steering a tad on the lighter side, though the much publicised agility afforded by it was pretty much spot on. In fact, the rack responsiveness was so familiar that I suspected it was pinched in entirety from the facelifted E200K! Needless to say, the new C’s tracking composure and high speed stability are of no issue, as expected.

The improvised (M271) supercharged 4-pot is torquier now with a wider powerband felt above 2800rpm to near 5200rpm. However, the tougher gas pedal in the tester seemed to have taken a step backward to the days of the old Benzes. Honestly, my pre-facelift W211 E200K has a lighter throttle pedal feel. The left foot operated parking-brake lever has a quite loose springy feel, with little steps of creakiness, something not found in the W203. What’s the story here M-B? This doesn’t convey an upmarket feel, in my honest opinion. Reminds me of the VW Touareg I have tested sometime back.

Externally, the 12-spokes 17” alloys look the part, giving the Elegance-spec C200K a prestigious yet subtle elegance (pun intended). New metal sheets with side chromed door/body stripes relegated nearer to the sill level gives the impression of a larger car, with both front and rear designs in cohort to give better road presence to this junior exec. Framing shots of the car’s frontal visage, most have noticed a less-than-desirable gap at the upper border of the classic Merc radiator grille, resulting in an illusion that the bonnet wasn’t closed properly. This can be attributed to the fact that the multi-slats grille is now permanently cradled by the bumper, instead of the hood previously. Interestingly, a noted top automotive blogger/journalist has also pointed that the 335i coupe has a somewhat similar ‘defect’ here. I reckoned this may push even more C200K Elegance buyers to swap for the Avantgarde grille after taking delivery of their cars...no? (Afterall, the Avantgarde BIG-Star grille is indeed, frameless.) Incidentally, both wing mirrors appeared somewhat a little too large (and square) and seem a tad incoherent with the new C's overall taut but fluid design.

On the move, the new C200K has not strike me as sprightly. Like mentioned before, the gas pedal felt a little too ‘resistant’ while the throttle response was still a tad muted for quick initial take-off. It is reasonably powerful once it gets going (say after 30km/h or so), with the Kompressor whine louder and higher pitched than its predecessor. The engine can get buzzy, as always, more so at extreme high revs but I am darn sure the all-aluminium M271 improves with mileage – the tester has only about 1300km on its odometer. In all fairness, the petrol motor was neither raucous nor gruffy at any rate. I have driven dozens of these 1.8L supercharged 4-pots in various guises, at varying clocked-kilometers ‘credentials’ and this lump does get better with age!

So there you have it, the new Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor tested on local roads. Before I conclude, I discovered Merc’s COMAND dial worked pretty well here, with maybe just the LCD screen a teeny too small. Then again, DaimlerChrysler Malaysia (DCM) has most likely saved the larger pop-up LCD for the upcoming C230 V6 Avantgarde next year.

Related post:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/11/mercedes-benz-c-for-yourself-official.html

You may want to read this:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/parting-impression-mercedes-benz-c200.html

Mercedes-Benz 'C-For Yourself' Official Launch in Malaysia

By Dr Long



Mercedes-Benz all-new C-Class (W204) was launched recently at APAC, Subang with much pizzaz. Tagging a catchy slogan ‘C-For Yourself’, it began with a Gala night when the new C-Class was officially unveiled by DaimlerChryler Malaysia (DCM). VIPs, distinguished customers, potential buyers and the media were feted to a showcase of myriad lifestyle activities, the highlight of which was a fashion show in conjunction with the Malaysia International Fashion Week 2007. Designers like Michael Ong, Sharifah Kirana, Tom Abang Saufi and Melinda Ooi had models catwalk their creations on the runway. A lucky draw with grand prizes of an all-paid trip each to Stuttgart, Germany was held for customers who had booked their C-Class before 15 October 2007.

It has been 25 years since the launch of the 190, which signaled the successful foray of Mercedes-Benz into the compact, premium automobiles segment. “Approximately 8,000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have been sold throughout its presence in Malaysia. And since the launch of the new C-Class models in Europe early this year, over 55,000 units have already been ordered”, revealed Peter Honegg, President & CEO of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia. In this regards, Mr Honegg also added that “In Malaysia, we have attained more than 1,000 bookings already and with such impressive figures, we are confident that the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will build on the success of its predecessor.”

Click on all images to enlarge

Some of the outdoor activities held on C-day are test drive sessions of the new C200K, the Active Safety Experience by Michelin which demonstrated the new C’s agility, safety and dynamic driving. Go-Kart races also added some fun to the morning. However, the sky soon started to pour just after noon and all driving activities were halted, much to the disappointment of many invited guests who had waited in vain for their turns. Indoor, golfing tips were given by attending golf professionals and female customers were treated to fashion shows, dazzling jewellery displays and hand spas. Fine wine appreciating sessions and cooking presentations kept guests with discerning tastes occupied. Children were spotted busy at the MobileKids corner, learning road safety initiatives, which were taught in a light, easy and entertaining manner.

Interestingly, the fourth C-Class generation is the first Mercedes saloon with two different frontal designs. In the more traditional C200K Elegance model, the trademark three-pointed star is, as before, positioned on the bonnet. For the Avantgarde version though, the iconic Mercedes star-logo is larger and seated in the centre of the radiator grille, reminiscent of the sportier Benz models. Although the 1.8L Kompressor 4-cylinder engine is largely carried over, there is a boost in output by up to 13 percent, now a respectable 184hp while torque has increased by around 18 percent to 250Nm, coming on tap from 2800rpm to 5000rpm. A claim 0-100km/h sprint that’s 0.6sec faster (at 8.8sec) than its predecessor, while fuel consumption is reduced by 0.5L/100km!

For this year – to begin with – DCM has tagged the C200K Elegance at RM248,888 while the sportier Avantgarde variant goes for RM258,888. Both are locally assembled models, on-the-road prices, excluding insurance. Expect the C230 V6 Avantgarde, with Advanced Agility package and 7-G Tronic, to be available by Q2 2008.

Related posts:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/w204-c200k-prices-confirmed-below.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/09/mercedes-benz-c-for-yourself-video-ad.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/09/2008-c-class-w204-video.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/09/w204-c-class-preview-at-cycle-carriage.html

You may want to read this:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/parting-impression-mercedes-benz-c200.html