Is the New C-Class Worth The Spend? We’re Doing 10,000km In A C200 To Find Out (Long-Term Review)

Welcoming our new Mercedes-Benz C-Class to the Chasing Cars test fleet! We’ve added a 2023 Mercedes-Benz C200 Edition C with Vision package to our long-term garage, finding out what the true strengths and weaknesses of this $89,000 driveaway luxury sedan are.
In Australia, you can get the W206 C-Class currently with a choice of 1.5T C200 or 2.0T C300 models. On our Car of the Year test program, all of our judges thought the C200 on passive suspension was a better drive than the C300 on adaptive dampers, so that’s why we chose the C200 for this long-term test.
We also went for the more unique C200 Edition C specification, which removes all the superfluous AMG details from the car for a more classic Mercedes-Benz look. We like this Selenite Grey/Beige Artico example. Do you?
The Mercedes-Benz C200 competes with the Tesla Model 3, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Alfa Romeo Giulia and Jaguar XE. You can get into a C200 from around $85K on the road here in Australia. These cars really aren’t as affordable as they used to be.
What do you want us to test on your behalf in the 2023 C200? We’ll act as many of your requests as we can.
DISCLOSURE: Use of this C200 is provided by Mercedes-Benz Australia. However, Chasing Cars pays for all running costs, maintenance and fuel during our evaluation. Budget Direct pays the salaries and costs of people involved in creating this content and conducting evaluations. We remain free to say anything, positive or negative, about this vehicle.
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[@chasingcars]

What do you want to see us do with the C200 while we have it? Comparisons, tests, etc. let us know.

[@mixalis6168]

C200 poverty pack! How reliable are they ?

[@DukeBen316663]

How about a comparison with your own W204, to see what's improved (or not) across the generations? I think viewers would also love a look at one of your own personal vehicles.

[@davidperry3531]

How about a comparison with the BMW 320i?

[@shubhamgoswami5221]

Do a comparison with g70, 3 series, a4, and Lexus es

[@RienniaR]

Hi Tom, can you please test it with all 4 passengers (+boot filled) on a long drive and see how it goes?

[@marcpacey]

Perfect spec. Totally agree with the deletion of the AMG styling pack, this example looks restrained like how all non-AMGs should look. Love all AMG vehicles but when the badges appear on everything and everywhere it dilutes the brand. Looking forward to seeing what you have in store with it.

[@chasingcars]

Agree - love AMG, but a C200 should not be an AMG-styled vehicle!

[@aarone8013]

Ditto that.

[@waseemiqbal8579]

I’d be particularly interested in a comparison with the W205, comparing build and ride quality.. also if you can touch on rattles and squeaks that develop during your review!

[@timfordfalconxf7714]

I have to say i have W211 W203 w208 at this stage., before i had W124 W202 And W210. I have to save W206 is a lovely car indeed. One of my dream cars. I also had a XF ( 2 of them ) 2 bas and a ED :) not bad for 26 years old lol.

[@AMG-BENZ-1]

I'd certainly like to get feedback on brake modulation. A lot of negative comments coming from several reviewers, some going as far as calling it a deal breaker.

[@lenovop9030]

i think you should compare it with your w204 to see how much MB has improved this c class within 2 generations a side by side comparison would be great like Throttle House

[@fungooloo12]

I would love to know how the piano black console area stands up to regular use. For example my wife chucks the remote control and keys into cup holders etc all around the console, I wouldn't consider that an uncommon thing to do. I couldn't stand spending that kind of money on a car and even if an accidental scratch happens then having to look at it all the time I get in or change gears etc. That would be no purchase for me just based on that, Kia Sportage is in the same boat.

[@Mr5257]

Would be fun and informative to do a comparo between your W204 and this latest model….lots of w204 C250 owners like me out there….cheers

[@vijaypratappaidi1593]

I would like to know how C 200 RWD runs on snow or slippery conditions

[@anakinskywalker4113]

It’s a bit too expensive for me. Be interesting to see a comparison between the W204 & this new W206. I simply cannot justify spending an extra $45k over my 2021 Mazda 3 GT which I got for $45K drive away because it was a service demo. I still have my C250 but wanted a good second car to run around in hence the Mazda. I have owned the C250 from new & that cost me $82k way back in early 2011 and it is loaded with options including the command pack & vision pack. I wish Mercedes would bring in cars fully loaded rather than us having to tick loads of options.

[@oliver_mendi]

Love how you didn't choose the amg-line, gives a different look for the new c-class in Australia.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Oliver.

[@nevilletisch9914]

wonder how it compares to an arteon, i have a w205 c300 the face lift version which i love the look of, the ride is good but not great, e class was much smoother. Was so keen on W206 till pricing. Like for like on C300 price has gone from a negotiated price of $78000 to around $102k to 110k. $24000 to $32000 more. Lost me

[@davidperry3531]

I agree it is refreshing to see a non AMG car. I would be interested to see how the ARTICO (artificial cow) seats fare in the hot weather. They would have to be more uncomfortable than genuine leather. Price rises are a bit of a worry as it gives other makers licence to hike their prices as well, which BMW have already done. Audi A4 is looking good as a better value competitor.

[@chasingcars]

We are finally going into some hot weather so will comment on how the beige Artico fares here.

[@FS-bg2kk]

I had a good run on my W204 C280, well built, generally smooth, although the V6 doesn't quite like to rev like a BMW six. New design direction of the more recent Benzes have taken a turn for the worse and I have lost interest, and I can say the same for BMWs.

[@johnmckellar7032]

Keen to hear opinion on road and tyre noise. Currently have a 2018 3 series which is very noisy.

[@michaelbruce3050]

I think it is a lovely color scheme you have chosen. I’m interested in how you get on with the touchscreen; I used to drive a W204 (US spec 2010 C300 Sport RWD 6-speed manual) and the Command knob interface was wonderful…. I lament the move away from the control knob to touchscreens

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, and will give frank feedback on the touchscreen. I also thought the W204-era COMAND system was amazingly good.

[@WiLmAn07]

Can you check if the steering wheel is aligned to the middle of the drivers seating position. I noticed when driving the GLC200, the steering wheel was slightly offset to the centre of the console and it annoyed me so much!

[@chasingcars]

Will make comments about this offset.

[@6ixtynine]

I think a lot of the negative opinions about the W205 came from the initial pre-facelifted editions. I have the face lifted model from 2019 onwards which had over 6 thousand new parts compared to the pre-facelift and mine has been faultless. And to be fair on the pricing of the W206, the 3 series have now increased their prices to be on par with the C class.

[@TheRon145]

What was (were) about W205 that you didn’t like?! I have a C250 2016 AMG line brand new and with all the options. I still absolutely love it, specially the steering wheel (flat bottom).

[@dzeng]

I'd like to see if you've gotten used to all the touch sensitive controls and operating everything with your voice and the tablet style infotainment. Also please report on squeaks, rattles, noise, etc. and any trips to the dealer for issues.

[@akram57zaara]

Is the back seat comfortable. Can it hold 3 passengers, at least for shorter commute?

[@chasingcars]

Will put three of our guys across the back to find out.

[@TheFunkyDave]

Afaik, sedans are built in RPA. Wagons in Germany only. Anyone confirm?

[@akshaysahni7821]

What's the difference between c200 and c300 adaptive cruise control and driving assistance package ? Is it worth spending that extra bit for c300 package ?

[@ianmalcolm8137]

Would love to see a 3 series versus C Class comparison , preferably 330i / C300

[@chasingcars]

Will set that up.

[@aarone8013]

How long did it take - from order to delivery?

[@chasingcars]

6-9 months.

[@niravbhuta]

Is the technology included comparable to Mazda 6 top model? As in the inclusions and safety

[@chasingcars]

I like the idea of that comparison - entry level RWD luxury (C200) vs a top end mainstream car (Mazda 6, Passat etc).

[@niravbhuta]

@@chasingcars Thanks I hope to see that done with this car it will be very helpful.

[@seth1455]

something that is rarely mentioned is the start stop function, I would be peed off if I spent 90 grand to find it a tedious function that can't be disabled permanently. And or does a mild hybrid make a world of difference

[@chasingcars]

My initial impression is that the 48v system makes this much less of a problem, but I will report back.

[@TomJohns]

How do you find the lack of physical buttons for some functions?

[@selldivision]

100% agree with the spec. Classy.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks!

[@DrAhmedRaouf]

Is Mercedes planning to have C Class with EV Engine in the near future?

[@96libertytt]

I wonder about the fixed price , no negotiation. What do they do if they are sitting on the lot. Does it mean there are less of that and more built to order.?

[@chasingcars]

Good question. My understanding is that every car coming in is assigned to a customer - at least for now. What happens when demand decreases and/or supply rapidly increases?

[@davidperry3531]

@@chasingcars I understand that trade-ins are valued by an outside auction company, so you can imagine that figures would be bottom $. Also dealers have to have demonstrator cars, so what happens when they are sold? I would expect a discount.

[@jeanmschlumberger7382]

Consider the price of this C200 edition C, it's almost impossible to pick it over the 2022 BMW 330i (non face lift version)😜😜😜

[@chasingcars]

Essentially impossible to get a pre-LCI 330i now though

[@jeanmschlumberger7382]

@@chasingcars surely some buyers would take demo with minimal mileage to avoid the price jump while getting a better engine and options Consider new car order has long waiting period. It would be not wise to order one, paying more knowing chip shortage is likely behind us in the near future.

[@mustansar123]

Why you donot like w205? Any issues with it?

[@chasingcars]

Creaky interiors and stiff suspensions mainly.

[@SpicedFuture]

I like your color choices really ... very nice. BUT the price is way too high for it. I mean its just a C-Class... and the fact that with the bigger screen in the mid.. they produce everything cheaper than before. It also looks not longer luxury. A bit elegant but not luxury. From the back it looks like a cheap Audi. From the front also like a cheap Renault with all the plastic. I think everyone who buys this overpriced car has too much money. I always buy the pre-model with only 5-10k Km driven and get it often for over 70% cheaper. Sure i dont have the newest of the newest, but i also dont have the newest problems this cars make. And i am very active in the mercedes benz community, and i can tell you that this car makes a looot of problems. So be smart and buy the older version and invest the money you safed into some stocks or a new business. You drive still very good in the older version like you did it 8 years before... Sorry to say this, only super rich people buy a new car, or people who dont want to waste their money.

[@benrussell917]

Comparison against equivalent BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 would be great 👍

[@chasingcars]

Noted! Will do my best to set that up!

[@zaamuro8408]

@@chasingcars definitely bring the Alfa and maybe left field Jag and Volvo along for the ride.

[@sivakumara7973]

well done mate!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks for watching!

[@chrisinnz1988]

Beautiful car, potentially worth it but we really get screwed for options in aus/nz

[@steverodwell2952]

Tom, your kidding right, nice badge, 1.5L turbo?? For nearly $90K? And for that no ultimate "i've made it " factor of a AMG badge? I'd take my Genesis 3.5L twin turbo every time. I just can not see the value at all.

[@jldp24]

It's the biggest joke I've heard this year..a 1.5 litre at 83k..get the hell outta here

[@alexger85]

you went for grey? little disappointed :/ THERE IS BLUE AND RED AVAILABLE! at least a lovely beige interior. would be interested to know if the faux leather (its perforated, right?) is nice to live with or if ones butt + back become a sweaty mess on a hot day

[@chasingcars]

The Edition C spec doesn’t look so great with the hyacinth red. My first choice was cavansite blue but ended up with selenite grey.

[@MrSlowAZZ]

I don’t understand why heated seats aren’t standard across the prestige stables

[@chasingcars]

Same.

[@shubhamgoswami5221]

Do a comparison with g70, 3 series, a4, arteon, and Lexus es

[@Ali-yj6pl]

Please?

[@chasingcars]

Will do my best to set that up.

[@anakinskywalker4113]

Absolutely everything. As in my view the current Mercedes range are no where near as well built as they were in the past. Mercedes used to be a byword for built like nothing else on earth. Now in my view my 2021 Mazda 3 GT is better built than a new C class. The Mercedes brand is no longer something to aspire to. It is just another run of the mill brand. When will they get it in their heads that luxury is not all about how many gizmos you can stuff in car.

[@chasingcars]

Huge focus for me. As I said I am a W204 man - when Benz really had their eye on interior build quality

[@anakinskywalker4113]

@@chasingcars so am I. I currently have a W204 C250 Avantgarde with 200,000ks on it. It still feels as tight as the day it left the showroom floor. As well as my Mazda.

[@bimb5580]

Is it worth it? The price, the features etc.. is it really worth it...

[@chasingcars]

I hope to have a clear statement of my feelings on that sorted by the end of my time with the car. Initial thoughts? Wow, the W204 and early W205 were great value!

[@Ofthe7thSon]

We had a W205 and it was, by far, the worst car we’ve owned. It was a literal lemon - was in the Merc workshop so, so, so much. I ended up hating the car. But….we are looking for our next car. The list includes the W206, BMW 3 Series, Genesis G70 and a couple of SUV options. The price is meh tbh, you get what you pay for. In terms of questions I absolutely want a comparison with the new 3 Series…..please. Oh and if you want a list of what went wrong with our 205 I’m more than happy to list the ones stuck in my head - the list is long and includes major running gear and components…!

[@chasingcars]

Happy for you to send those through. This car is on a revised platform with revisions to most mechanical components (or all new components in some places). OK, will lock in a 3 series comparison.

[@chasingcars]

My main question would be when the problems started setting in.

[@thefreshestprince89]

Really good to have owners who are honest about the horror stories!

[@Ofthe7thSon]

@@chasingcars This is all within 2 years. We had a C250 and the very first week of owning the gearbox packed it in - in the eastern distributor. Next was the sunroof not closing properly. This was ‘repaired’ 3 times. GPS updates were at $300 each….🤬 The drivers side door seals were replaced. One morning the entire passenger side stopped working - no electronics at all. Had to be towed again. ‘Engine’ issues when driving to Canberra one day (it wouldn’t restart after refuelling) so was again towed. Final hate filled moment - both rear axles and the rear diff failed, in city traffic. This was it for us, sold after it was returned to us. There were a few other minor issues too…..but I do like the new looking 206, besides the tessa inspired centre console iPad screen.

[@tw2374]

@@Ofthe7thSon oh wow now i feel better lol ! Just kidding I’m sorry you had to go through those. I had a 2016 GLC (W205 I believe?), the biggest problem was it chewed through break pads like butter, had to replace the rear pads and rotors at 32K kms, also had to replace the front wheels earlier than that. The last draw was the secondary battery needing to be replaced around 35K, was just too much effort and money. I do like the looks of this gen, maybe will buy one again after the comparison on C class vs. 3 series vs. A4.

[@dkent3853]

I just picked up a c-class, AAMI Insurance was a better option then budget.

[@NgohOiNei]

Does it give you that annoying "Active Lane Keep Assist inoperative" message?

[@chasingcars]

No - haven’t seen that message

[@xenonozhid3383]

AMG, no thanks. W204, the last true Benz with a star on the bonnet. I had a C250 CDI wagon, loved it.

[@chasingcars]

My W204 has the bonnet star. You actually could get it on the W205 through the very rare exclusive-line option.

[@tool8337]

I am hugely disappointed in the 206. I was not a fan of the quality of the 205, but it can feel and look great if you find a great designo spec with the features. The ride in the 205 was always rough but the other driving characteristics were nailed. However, this 206 feels and drives far worse in my opinion. The design is fine. The interior is so cheap you might as well buy the A class, the brake tuning is unacceptable, the piano black is awful, the insulation is not better, it feels heavier - drives less sporty - and gets the EXACT same gas mileage as my 6cyl E-class from 2018. Yes, there are fewer creeks and rattles than previous gen MB. But the materials feel much cheaper. I guess it hurts more because the potential was there with the New CLA being so good - this could have moved upscale. I guess the EU regs causing MB to dump all their R&D money into electric cars means they are failing to nail all the things MB was good at. MB was always the one that featured the best tech but integrated it in a classy way. Audi was the futuristic one. Bimmer was the sporty, geometric, funky one. Now the MB interiors are CTRL+P/CTRL+V with the stupid screens and capacitive black plastic. They are becoming Audi or tesla. SHAME

[@prakashnarismulu3332]

Match against the equivalent 3 series please

[@bbatbileg]

Mate, show some photos when you mention other models (W204, W205 etc) and the different interiors (tan etc). The word VIDEO is from Latin VIDERE - to see. Use the medium, otherwise, no difference than the million podcasts.

[@chasingcars]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Class_(W204) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_C-Class_(W205)

[@conradmilson6654]

Refuse to buy MB AMG's. Can't stand black interiors. So depressing inside.

[@RayanMADAO]

90k and 1.5L lol

[@kennylee1862]

Nearly $90k for such a small engine. Hardly the technology leader.

[@Miop-je5of]

An honest opinion please.

[@chasingcars]

I guarantee that.

[@nizm0man]

Good luck with modern "German engineering". What a joke they are. As a BMW driver (pre covid, crossed shopped with...) merc delivered nothing of value circa 2015 and it seems to be getting worse. Stay clear of the Germans unless you only care about badge snobbery.