Return of the king? 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets higher price but more features with new model to put pressure back on BMW 3 Series and Audi A4

Mercedes-Benz Australia has released the fifth-generation C-Class mid-size sedan, which has pushed itself upmarket with higher pricing but more features.

Two variants are available from launch, with the entry-level C200 priced from $78,900 plus on-road costs, while the mid-range C300 checks in at $90,400. That makes them $12,000 and $15,100 dearer than their best-selling predecessors, respectively.

The C200 is motivated by a 150kW/300Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine for a zero-to-100km/h sprint time of 7.3 seconds, while the C300 has a 190kW/400Nm 2.0-litre unit to hit triple digits in 6.0s. Of note, the latter has an available 20kW of overboost.

That said, both the C200 and C300 have a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission and a 48V mild-hybrid system, dubbed EQ Boost, which uses an integrated starter-generator (ISG) to deliver 15kW/200Nm of electric boost at low engine speeds.

EQ Boost also enable coasting and extended idle-stop functionality, helping to lower the C200’s fuel consumption on the combined-cycle test (ADR 81/02) to 6.9L/100km, while the C300 manages 7.3L/100km.

Additional equipment in the new C-Class that was either unavailable or optional in the previous model includes the AMG Line exterior and interior packages, keyless entry and start, a power bootlid, a portrait 11.9-inch touchscreen MBUX multimedia system, a fingerprint scanner, adaptive cruise control and a front-centre airbag (taking the total to 10).

Otherwise standard in the C200 are four drive modes, dusk-sensing LED lights, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding side mirrors with heating, and Tantalite Grey 18-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, satellite navigation with live traffic, always-on natural voice control, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, a Nappa leather-trimmed sports steering wheel, power-adjustable front sports seats and ambient lighting feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to lane-keep assist, speed limit recognition, high-beam assist, driver attention alert, blind-spot monitoring (BSM), park assist and front and rear parking sensors.

The C300 also gets bi-colour 19-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, full leather upholstery, autonomous emergency braking, steering assist (including emergency), stop and go functionality, and active BSM and cross-traffic alert.

Notable options for the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 rival include segment-first rear-wheel steering (up to 2.5 degrees), Digital Light headlights and augmented reality (AR) satellite navigation.

According to Mercedes-Benz Australia, more C-Class variants are on the way, including at least two yet-to-be-revealed AMG flagships, all of which will be powered by four-cylinder engines. Stay tuned.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class pricing before on-road costs