MERCEDES C-CLASS vs its predecessor: W206 vs W205, from long term ownership perspective

The new C-Class W206 has been launched, but for the past 7 years I've been owning the W205 generation. So I thought that nothing would be better than having a comparative review from the perspective of a long term ownership of the W205. After all, if you owned or own a W205, you would probably consider the W206 when you get to think of a new car. And besides that, the W206 has actually changed by a lot, and everything is better!
Please don't judge too much on the accent of my English. It is my first review in English and I did it because of the unique context of this test - having owned the predecessor for such a long time and having a unique perspective to compare them. So I thought that this test may bring something valuable to more audience.
Let me know in the comments below if it was useful and informative for you!

[@evanfitrian2533]

Let us appreciate the effort of making this video.. so detailed.. thumbs up 👍🏻

[@alisamir6350]

👍

[@alstjr]

Wow this is a very very high quality video. I appreciate the fact that you pin point all the cost cutting stuff the new model did.

[@korbel.design]

Now I love my W205 more, thanks for that :)

[@karlopeternel7685]

Haaaa You'd like the new one even much much more if you would have one

[@dw8609]

As a W205 owner, I found this video incredibly useful and informative. Great review and relevance between the aspects compared and a very subjective presentation from a man who truly knows the car, having been an owner himself for seven years! More reviews like this one, please...

[@kevinjoel1569]

How is the W205 2015 model? Is it reliable?

[@dw8609]

@@kevinjoel1569 Extremely. I have owned our current W205 from new for 6 years (also have a GLC) and with the annual service plan it has never had any faults - other than the infotainment display. After 4 years the display failed completely. Mercedes replaced it with the updated version under warranty and it failed again 9 months later. Fortunately, I had extended my warranty, so it was replaced again and still going fine 18 months later. Other than that, not a single fault - under warranty or otherwise. My GLC is now 4 years old (bought new) and not a single fault of any description - maintained under the service package.

[@tauhsentonmoy6662]

In Bangladesh we Have to buy this car For 90000Dolar close to Bangladeshi 1cr Taka And 😮Us this Car price 50000 Dollars so Cheap price you Us people Can buy.. and us Have to extra pays sheik hasina Shit tax

[@gbma3241]

I’ve heard people say they had problems with cylinder 1 cracking and engine knocking. Have you experienced this? Some people say this can be caused when you push the car and you don’t use premium fuel

[@mistermark4496]

This review is a well done with plenty of details and quite interesting. Please keep up the excellent work.

[@ElvinMarco]

I'm from Moldova as well, and what a pleasure to see a high quality content produced here. Great job!

[@yanguidomartinez8029]

I'm totally sold on the content of this video. Content, in depth review and video edition. What an insightful and clear analysis. I congratulate the team that has create such marvel. 👍👍

[@seanpaul7242]

A very good review. My conclusion: The W 205 is for me the better car.

[@bogdanleonte3610]

Very nice and comprehensive video. I really appreciated your English proficiency and the fact that you are very knowledgeable about C class. Keep it up!

[@shantha5437]

Yes , we were under British. Your English is good 👍

[@shaiaxelrud1568]

His accent is pleasant, I have to admit I skip some videos because of the bad English or accent. I am not a native speaker by the way.

[@alexitosrv]

Great review! I also agree with the fact that the new gen doesn't evoke any emotions. You are right, unfortunately that's where we are heading in the car world. Last week when I collected my new C43 I felt that I am sort of preserving a great one vehicle all around, and probably one of the last of its kind.

[@mr08tsx]

And I still drive my 2010 W204. Hope to keep it for another 5 years or so.

[@AmateurTroll69]

w204 looks way better

[@stephenj5057]

@@AmateurTroll69 idk about interior though but exterior yes looks better :)

[@corneliubogdan]

I own a 205, and I have to say that the exterior looks better on the 204 but the interior.. sorry but I like more the 205

[@AmateurTroll69]

@@corneliubogdan yeah that's a fact the 205 looks better in the interior

[@victon460]

Facelifted W204 is the best designed C class ever and the drive is just as nice

[@Akshay-bc3et]

Wow ..he went to such great lengths to compare the cars. Things that are normally not covered in other channels. Big kudos to this man. 👏

[@ryanyentao888]

Amazing content. Let’s just say not everything new is a good thing. Being a car guy we always expect better things from new models. Aesthetically pleasing but more complication and a lot of cost cutting. I am so happy purchasing the w205 model.

[@bobbybines7881]

same!

[@MrChippinator]

When I bought my off lease W205, the sales manager made an important observation -- The C Class has progressively been creeping into the space held by the E Class as the E Class keeps creeping into the S Class' space. This, he believes, is a result of the release of the CLA which is targeted at the old C Class demographic. It's unfortunate as the W205 was really Mercedes Benz getting a car right.

[@User-cb4jm]

You mean A Class sedan? I barely see any CLA around.

[@BoredToDeath182]

@@User-cb4jm That's interesting, where are you located? Where I live CLAs are all over the place.

[@victon460]

If the W205 is right, MB perfected it on W204 previous generation, the last of the great C Class designs.

[@carfan8838]

What a fantastic detailed review with the unique cost cutting explanation..keep it up!

[@1244izzy]

Best 206 C Class review 👏 .. I agree with all his statements. MB has lost the essence of what a C Class stood for.. cost cutting is VERY CLEAR.. shame on you MB!

[@andytanwh]

Great content, don't remember the last time I sat through a 30 odd mins KZbin video. Anyway, just took delivery of the W205 Facelift, not a big fan of the W206 exterior look.

[@David_vdk]

i love the w206 exterior and inteior to, but i preferthe full digital combi instrument of the w205 2019 thats a little bit deeper in the dash , i dont like the mini ipad laying down in front of you , it takes a way more and more from what's a car is in inside , whats next ,a cockpit from a boeing 787 max dreamliner????????

[@Jizzajaap]

Same. Looking at a w205 cause I dont like that tesla looking Ipad on the new one. I do like the new exterior though. Hope to pick up mine next week.

[@greaper110282]

Hello! First of all, congrats on the youtube video! I would like to add that I am a 2020 w205 220d owner and my car weighs about 1690 kg according to the cerificate issued by the mercedes benz factory that came with the car. The stated weight from the mercedes benz technical information leaflet of the 220d model says 1510kg …so it is a 180kg difference from what the marketing guys state and the actual weight from the factory. The new EU car certificates are now stating the actual weight of the car from the factory. It would have been really interesting to put both cars on an industrial scale to find the real weight of the two models. I have 30k on the w205 and have had no issues, hopping for it to be a reliable commuter car. I am really impressed with fuel economy for a 1700kg car with a 90kg driver…driving at near legal speeds you can get 4,5-5,5 l/100 km easily. All in all a much better car from my experience than my old F30, but inferior in most respects to the g20.

[@didierliango6402]

One of the most detailed and technically inclined car analysis i have ever watched.

[@phcastilho]

Fantastic review ! Thank you for your time and dedication in doing it. I have a W205 C180 Avangarde like yours, except for the color and year(2017), and I have no plan to trade mine for the W206, which I didn't like. Besides, the price of the new C Class more than doubled here in Brazil in comparison with the previous generation. Congrats from Rio de Janeiro !

[@MurilloVieira]

Me too! A proud owner of a W205 C180 (2018) here. I can imagine myself trading mine into a 2019 or 2020 C300 only, certainly avoiding the new generation at all costs. Cheers from Goiânia, mate!

[@marceloccarmello7978]

Design-wise, the w206 is prettier from the front. The w205 viewed from the side is more elegant because of the groove. Both are beautiful. It's a tie.

[@victon460]

Design wise, the w204 was the best looking designed C Class hands down.

[@sammygoris]

Really appreciated this review man, good stuff, keep it up

[@johnlambert5674]

Great review and good to see a comparison between the models. I also drive a W205 model, 2018 C200 estate and I agree with you that this is a very good car for size, driving pleasure and comfort, very well sorted. I was disappointed to see that, just like every new car, the W206 has increased in size ! As you say if you want a bigger car, buy an E-class. Also, the price here in GB for me to replace my car like-for-like has increased by approx Euro 12000, now costing £49,000 and the the options available are less than before eg. I could not select a lighter coloured interior with the top specification model. This is disappointing as I do like the new model and to change to an A class is just not the same. Thanks for this comprehensive review and by the way your English is excellent !👍

[@jorgebarrera9313]

What an amazing review, you actually cover what we (as buyers) really care about cars. Simple words and not complicated. Thank you for this review!!

[@TheBigdaddy9448]

Here in the states the W205 is a 2021 which I purchased and I'm so glad I did. The new generation will be the 2022. My car has the 2.0L gas engine. It is an amazing little motor. I have to keep reminding myself that it is just a 4cyl. I'm not a fan of the big computer touch screen in the new generation. I like a mix of real toggel switches and buttons along with a the 10" screen that the W205 has. It gives you a classic look with a touch of technology. Manufactures seem to be really stuck on the colorful lighting, huge screens and autonomus driving. I love to drive. So I can do with out it. I do like the safety stuff like BLS monitoring and back up cameras.

[@marsallen4298]

Yeah its just a 4 cylinder but its quick and torquey. Almost 300!

[@Totalpckge]

This was a very super thorough review of both vehicles as my friend recently upgraded from the 205 to the 206 and feels the 206 isn’t as fun to drive as the 205 due to the emphasis on comfort and convenience as the gentleman pointed out in the video. Both vehicles are good but Mercedes clearly is going in another direction with this W206 C Class.

[@philhare4439]

Absolutely brilliant comparative review. I'm seeing a good number of the new C Class reviews that are underwhelming. Have Mercedes dropped the ball with this one, especially at the ridiculous price? I'll stick with my W205.

[@ms24769]

very informative content, awesome!, thank you so much for your time and effort. - its not easy to find videos like this, specially with these main stream commercial auto journalists

[@tajdaraziz4577]

Very good review. I agree that new generation is a bit too flashy and has too much visual noise. Too many ambient lightings and cheap plastics have maybe actually made the new C class more of an A class. In addition to this, I believe, W205 was the last good looking C class.

[@flybeep1661]

What a load of crap. It's a mini S class, clear and simple. W205 looks like a fat cow compared to the sleek W206.

[@drewkay]

Amazing very thorough detailed analysis. Great job!

[@martinlowe3594]

I’m keeping my 2017 c class . Your right ! It’s more suited to the younger generation.

[@CiaoGibson]

I really appreciate this video and the time/effort you have provided me with. Thank you for your time. Wonderful work!

[@slavanazaria5593]

Apreciez sa vad un bun review de acasa!:) Good job!

[@saszajanswiatek7519]

That's the best Mercedes C class w206 review on English/German/Polish/Russian KZbin. period. Very factual and specific, not like nonsense from other youtubers.

[@dfberry]

An excellent review! Thank you for all your work on it.

[@thamil1365]

Loved this video. Thank god you did it in English too

[@shantha5437]

Good work 💪

[@kctan184]

Really appreciate this detailed comparison review. As an owner of the W205 C200 for past 6 years, whilst I like the car overall, the 2 things that I am beginning to be annoyed at, are the at times jerky 7 speed transmission and the not too comfortable ride. I reset the adaptive transmission but after a while the jerkiness crept back. As for the ride, I may have to switch to a more comfortable tyres.

[@chrisguygeezer]

What a refreshingly different angle on a review, thank you. I'm about to buy a late model 205, a 220d se auto to be precise. Good to know that I'm buying a quality driving machine, with proven reliability and decent running costs

[@AndBernik]

Excellent review. Hands down maybe one of the best I've seen in years now.

[@petemorbius3936]

well said.. very good review, im also a c180 w205 owner. the new design looks like a bigger A class...

[@AmateurTroll69]

A class...yikessss

[@WSOJ3]

The new 2022 C class is 4751mm long, to put things in perspective, the 1993 E class was 4740mm, and the 2002 BMW 5 series was 4775mm.

[@ryoichiwatanabe648]

As much as i like diesel, but It's very weird to me to put a diesel engine in a sport trim of a sedan lineup. An excellent review video this is!! Bravo!!

[@antoniotaylor3471]

NOBODY COULD HAVE SAID ANYTHING BETTER! Propound, impeccable review! Although 2017-2019 Was when they PERFECTED it!

[@karahan246]

Thank you for your video. This information I was missing. There is still no possibility for a Test Drive in my country, but after your video, I know what to expect

[@rosequartz2290]

That Vin Diesel Movie reference was spot on, I barely remember what those Fast and Furious movies were actually about

[@fazalam8857]

Thankyou excellent review put lot of effort in technical side plus on English . Appreciate and huge respect.

[@subramaniramachandran]

I drive a Mercedes W204 Avantgarde and. I love it. But I must admit a very fair and brilliantly balanced review. Well done. You have been so honest. Keep it up. Just subscribed.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

A really interesting review, thank you!

[@carscloseup]

Very, very informative and in-depth look at the two generations! Thank you, sir! I’m actually in the market for either a W205 or a W206. I have no doubt now which one i’ll choose…and I’ll even save a good chunk of money on top of it!😂 By the way I own a 2012 W212 a the moment!😀

[@ometofu]

English speaker here and love the review.

[@hakankohkoinen8192]

My level of geekery, great video! I have a w204 c180 with the same 1.6 turbo, will drive it until it dies

[@FABM27]

How many kms is that?

[@victon460]

W204 is the best C class design and was built to run until it dies

[@Drazorig2]

I prefer the physical buttons of the W205 and am happy I'm not getting rid of it any time soon, I also prefer the design of the amg line model of the previous generation, it just flows better.

[@drplando14]

Have to agree. A lot of shiny things to get people into them to play with but ends up looking gaudy. I’m not a fan of how that tablet sticks out. Kind of like Volvo cause it’s clean and elegant. I do like the air vents on this model than the last one

[@jfr4987]

Excellent review. Going to buy my W205 at the end of the lease. Was on the fence until I saw your video.

[@Radonated]

Good job sir, it was a pleasure to watch this video. Thank you!

[@Christian_dior1]

The 205 looks better inside and out, the 206 only looks good on the inside.

[@shaiaxelrud1568]

You made an admirable and detailed comparison! I have the old generation and I like it better from the outside, it still turns heads all the time, especially mine. The one thing I loved about the new generation is the central console with that gorgeous vertical screen, it's the most beautiful central console in the whole car industry ever in my opinion. Anyway I agree with you that the dashboard looks too techniological, too colorful, and I much prefer the older version. One thing might make me buy the new model that is the superior ride comfort, I do appreciate this even though I cannot complain about my Merc.

[@timdench9692]

Super review, thanks. Excellent English as well. Well done!

[@I_Am_SMTrader]

Great content and video! I’m a w205 owner and I’m very pleased with it considering it being my very first car. I’ve personally upgraded certain components within the car to make it better suited for myself. One thing for sure though, I definitely wouldn’t want to drive my car on Moldovan roads 😂😂😂

[@kelkun07]

Thanks a lot! A must see video about C-Class!

[@ddavideo]

In addition to the steel doors, the additional weight from the W206 might be from its 48v mild hybrid system?

[@jesuiskyrgios]

Very helpful. And your english is so clear that I(asian) can easily understand. Thanks a lot for the video!

[@rdvancoban5230]

The best car review I've ever seen. Thanks sir.

[@jondut99]

In my country (Indonesia) you cannot have the car with too low ground clearance, will often touch the ground of the car.. so I prefer the W205 instead

[@jorgschwantje1239]

I am totally with you. The old one (for me especially the Exclusive) is a beauty of car design, the new one lacks everything I loved about this car. Especially elegance.

[@defaultname01]

Appreciate the review being in English. Thanks

[@mikee6220]

I really really enjoyed the in-depth analysis an actual review

[@DragonLfh]

Awesome review. Good job!

[@ZaiaMarogi]

Honestly best review I've seen so far 👏

[@domq1543]

Very detailed review amazing!

[@Tien-Dat93]

Very detail and good review.

[@olavibarck5763]

Exellent comparison. I have C205 / 2017, but it has quite a lot of common features with W205

[@suleymandonmezler]

These are invaluable comments on the comparison of these cars, especially for those who consider upgrading to new generation from w205. Of course, as a car guy, it would not be an upgrade though. I guess I will be in my w205 for a while.

[@bloodywolftr]

I would like to say w205 is one of the best designs ever. It is like a mini S class. What's even better is you have the option to choose 3 different suspension pack with amg. The usual amg one(a rough suspension for general use) , a bit softer one(middle ground for softer feel close to amg) and air suspension(most comfortable but a risky one for bad road conditions, if it breaks your cost will be high). I would say the packs offered with w205 came out was really enjoyable vs BMW or Audi and the pricing was fair enough. w206 on the other hand doesn't feel like it, or at least nowhere near about it. Yes I don't like the w205's multimedia and config screen like you put a cheap tablet in the middle and they made it better in w206 however it still doesn't make the new design overall better or more impressing. I also would like to thank for the video as well. A great review!

[@loggard4549]

32:16 a butterfly landing on the old version

[@theonewhostandsaboveall6826]

Love this video… I’ got a W203 C Class and my twin brother does too. We live in LA where everyone is flashy, once we get the money next year we were going to buy new Benz… and I thought the Older W205 rear lights look so much better than the Altima styled lights of the W206… so now I know for sure which Benz we are getting… the W205

[@Nabilllllll]

imo, mercedes is aiming at a younger audience now and that’s why their cars are now all shiny and full of colourful lights lol. To me It’s not a bad thing

[@karlopeternel7685]

Yes, it is truly beautiful

[@renzotan1665]

so i decided to buy the W206 model.

[@4time2waste]

Wow, I'm impressed... with the amazing review!

[@AL-kc4kg]

does w206 still has squeaky interior panels?

[@ioannisgeorgopoulos6942]

Excellent review!

[@strengthandconditioningbyLuka]

I have w205, 2014,22d AMG. Still incredible car. Classy and fun to drive.

[@keithexum7312]

Great video! Thank for great detail. I have a w205 with 2.0 turbo gas. Really like it.

[@Wilkins-o2c]

32:15 the butterfly made the choice

[@ChingchongWong-u5t]

I get that you own the other w205, but i wish you compared the w206 amg line to the w205 amg line since you’re asking people about which exterior do you prefer. Interior wise i love the digital screens. I love my w205 exterior but i wish i had that amazing digital interior in the w206 alot of people would probably disagree but as a young 27 year old first mercedes im also happy with what i have now

[@whaggwhagg]

Thanks for the honest review!

[@mrhanzoo2007]

I had 2 options. either fully loaded C450 red interior Carbon fiber center console, or same price brand new C300 w206… I had my pick….

[@kurthochmann8666]

Thank you for this objective review!

[@fadidanzel]

This channel is underrated.

[@khoadinh4120]

Well... I am going to pull a trigger on the 2016 C200. With 50.000 Km on it. And in your opinion, will it keep me running happily for at least another 6 years? I use it for daily commuting.

[@dida5628]

Im using w205 for past year, took owned 2018 c200 gasoline with only 25k km. Really like how it drives, far much improved from w204. Tried w206 through MB test drive in indonesia, the cockpit is too much for my wife. She even scared to touch wrong button and makes the car flies. Surely will upgrade to 206 , but the price difference is too much :(

[@tarekhk]

What color is the new C-class in the video? Graphite Grey or Obsidian Black? Looks amazing!

[@theone___]

I Love the new one going to more comfort like Mercedes ever was and shoud be. What a beauty.❤❤❤. But also Respect too the old one.

[@Nugzbunny]

I have a C300 coupe that makes it clunking noise in the engine when I’m stop and go traffic. Anybody know what that is?

[@36Danman]

You should have had an amg line premium plus to compare

[@mehmetonbilgin123]

Whats the difference btw Avantgarde and Amg in terms of suspension design ?

[@fifagi]

I have a w205 that I have to change because after 1 hour that I drive it (for problems that I have now for several months) my lower back hurts ... In the new class c the seat can be slightly higher, or cmq with the back of the seat a little higher than the front and at knee height?

[@derrickmeeks3562]

Great video! Guys, how would you compare 1.6 and 2.2 engines of W205? Which one is more reliable?

[@iznasen]

A rare perfect video for a laser pointed Niche! well done!

[@Alexx3333R]

I was wondering if or when I’ll get the urge to swap the W205 with W206, but now I’m sure it’s a No. Those ugly electronic console and the dash board, Merc, what are you doing?! Sure the ugly old monitor is awful, but the 18-21 restyle is the excellent balance. And the driving experience? Thanks for letting us know about the laggy way Merc chose to follow.