Tom’s C300 review: kzread.info/dash/bejne/enl3pZiIn7PThbQ.html

The opulence and quality of Mercedes Benz is almost back to the form it was in back in the 80s 90s,it has become a vehicle to aspire to once again, well done Mercedes.

Good but $90K worth of good? That kind of money gives you a lot of options.

Excellent review. Really appreciated the objectivity. Nice work!

"You actually don't need a Mercedes." I would just leave it at that. The brand used to represent the pinnacle of automobile engineering, but then in their arrogance, decided to prioritise marketing over engineering integrity. I miss the days when owning a Mercedes would mean owning a tank of a car that was reliable and built to last. Today, the brand has been reduced to a falliable designer bag that people just buy for status.

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

The new C-class is actually a return to form, though, so there’s that

@SamKuul

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars from my perspective, the daimler-chrysler merge didn't help. Engineering efforts on producing Mercedes Benz cars lowered. After the end of the merge, Mercedes Benz has being applying more effort on producing better products. However, Benz is sometimes learning the hard way that in some cases people will not buy a vehicle because it has a Mercedes Benz badge on it. Think of the Mercedes Benz X Class, which was an exercise of cost cutting and applying minimal engineering effort. I am happy to see that Mercedes is focusing on engineering better cars again. 👍🏾

@AK-qe3pz

2 жыл бұрын

Spot on mate. I’ve owned a 2012 C250 and 2016 A45- both terrible cars. New C200 almost $90k -1.5 litre engine. They’ve surely lost the plot lol.

@odinikita4821

2 жыл бұрын

the instrument led screen looks cheaply tacked on. wtf can't they integrate it!

@khan463

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars oopouyl

Great informative review and content. MB looks to have created another winner.

Very detail review thanks ☺️

Nice video. Makes me appreciate the C200 much much more

Great review. Thank you

Loved your review.🙂

Too pricey . In New Zealand with all options it’s $98100. I’m driving a 2017 c200 amg line and the engine is more refined than this new 1.5 litre model. When I test drove the new w206 it felt heavy and sure enough it is as most body components have gone back to metal rather than aluminium like the w205. Yes interior wise it’s a big improvement but the exterior has matured too much . Not as athletic as the w205 amg line . I was all set to get new w206 but the price put me off. Will be purchasing a new golf r first edition for $82,000. Sorry Mercedes’

Best car in the class… but also very expensive. You get what you paid for. Can you get more for the same price, sure… but benz name itself is also part of what you paid for. This reviewer is very unbiased. Thank you

I think they should have chosen the 2.5 turbo for the base model. There is no zoom zoom in the 2.5 naturally aspirated for such a big car. I hope they will eventually have the diesel as a hybrid too. It would be great to run on power in the city and when you want to tow or tour, you have the nice six diesel to play with. Let’s face it, no hybrid is a good towing vehicle and you loose the benefits of electric help very fast and is stuck with a tiny 2,5l.

Nice presenting by Ponch, but it really makes the C look better than it is. - Artico is Merc's name for 'fake' leather i.e. vinyl. I guess it's OK, but it's quite lacking if you're in a car close to 100k - Not pleased with the huge use of gloss black. It looks fantastic now, but in a few years, it will look terrible once it's all scratched up. To put it into context, gloss black will even scratch if you wipe the dust off it with a microfibre. - Hapatic touch will never be a positive. - Sound system: Merc's Burmeister system is fantastic, but I don't like that they give it in a car for reviewers to review, but you can't order it for a customer car. A bit of false advertisement by Merc IMO. - Performance: 150kw, 300NM. Bit better than the 320i at 135kw, 300NM, but the Merc is much heavier, so it's more or less equal in terms of acceleration. Not bad if you're just driving 50km/h around Vaucluse, not good enough if you want to take it on a spirited drive. Might as well go with the 330i at 190kw, 400NM, or an S60 with 183kw, 350NM.

@Clove_Parma

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly I think I'd prefer Artico on the dash given the sun it's exposed to. Not as nice a material, sure but less risk of it cracking under Australia's harsh sun. On the seats and window sills though, leather would be preferable since it's a common touchpoint and would be more comfortable, especially on hot summer days. Great points

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

You’re entitled to your opinions, of course, and we’re not in Benz’s pocket - but the responses to you are: * We bag out vinyl a lot, but there’s vinyl and there’s vinyl and Artico is the best vinyl we’ve tested. See 70s and 80s Benz interiors with Artico - they hold up so well. God knows what’s in it. Still, it should have fan cooling * Haptic feedback shouldn’t be on the steering wheel, real buttons thanks * Press cars often get ordered way before customer cars, nothing surreptitious here. Plus, the base stereo is actually a little warmer and Tom prefers it * the 1.5 engine is actually great for a spirited drive because it’s revvy, characterful and sounds good. If you want more torque buy a 330i

@andrew22334455

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars Never even said that you were in Merc's pockets. I even said it was a good review. All I said was that the review made the C200 seem better than the car actually was, without inciting that this was a paid ad. Not criticism of your channel in the slightest, only at the vehicle. Still not a fan of paying fully specced 330i money for 320i performance. I get that all cars are increasing in price these days, but people will end up buying a C200 because they can't afford anything else.

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, that wasn’t meant personally, but we do differ on some of the points you raise hence putting our view out there.

@Rooster1717

2 жыл бұрын

Nice car but expensive.

This is by no means a “small sedan”. The C class has become quite a barge really, same as the competition in the segment. Also why a smaller A class sedan makes perfect sense for those looking for a w204 sized sedan.

$90k for entry level Benz is ridiculous

@Richard-sl8we

2 жыл бұрын

With a 1.5 litre engine and artificial leather!! No thanks.

@ayunoway4428

2 жыл бұрын

90k and no spare tow trucks better be on standby

@SuperCamineros

2 жыл бұрын

Buy Honda,

@joemedina4149

2 жыл бұрын

In the US the C300 4matic Pennacle (fully loaded) is under 55k. When he said 90k I don’t think he’s referring to US dollars. I’ve done ALOT of research on the C-CLASS there are NO C CLASS options for 90k…

@kane4013

2 жыл бұрын

@@Richard-sl8we Living in Queensland, those vinyl seats are an instant dealbreaker. 🥵

Nice storytelling on an entry level C200. To be fair, I think a lot of the cheap scratchy plastic in the cabin has not been mentioned in this vedio. Check if the control bar underneath the center screen is solid or not, then, make a decision, lol

for anyone confused about pricing, The price reflects a current conversion to Australian dollars 55.6K US dollars = 80.12K AU Dollars So the car Shown would be about 65K US dollars

@AK-qe3pz

2 жыл бұрын

That means Aussies are getting ripped off big time (10k at least when buying a new C 200). 😏

“the C Class is actually… GREAT!” LOLZ it’s what I’d sort of expect for a $90,000 car.

The C got better for sure...Though I am not a fan of the 1.5L engine which comes in the base 200...Some of the 'scratchy' plastics are within reach, which is a shame for a car in this price point...The mild hybrid tech is good to increase efficiency and more oomph on tap when needed ... I will however for my personal buy wait for the 2023 E Class..More of a size and feel I enjoy and would be more closer to the S than a C to the S .

Good video, im already thinking about c200 or c300

Did I hear that right 25000km service intervals first thing that comes to mind is oil sludge

I was walking along, approaching a pedestrian crossing where a beautiful E-class saloon had stopped. I was thinking "that's a classy piece of work" until it accelerated away: It sounded like it had a sowing machine for an engine.

@omarabdul2864

2 жыл бұрын

You go buy a v12 then, im happy with my fuel saving 1.6

What's the ground clearance?

Having an iPad control your car is never a good thing. No matter how big it is it’s no substitute for buttons

This looks quite sleek and sophisticated, but that center console is going to look gross after a year with that piano black finish.

Great review. Ponch is one of our best motoring journalists in my view. I am really surprised by the negativity in the comments. Yes the price increase is significant but it is Tesla money. So make your choice? EV with questionable quality or a return to Merc form ? Re performance I think the adequacy has been explained by Ponch and in the (generous) Chasing Cars replies, very well. I now really want one of these ahead of a 330i. If I wanted more performance I guess I need to consider a Kia Stinger. Quality or Power ?

@andrew22334455

2 жыл бұрын

I think it's an issue with the car rather than the presenter/channel. Video and presenter are good, but the car is horrific in terms of price. Fixed pricing model (i.e. no negotiation), and a car that has a fantastic infotainment but vinyl seats. Not to mention, it has 320i performance for fully specced 330i money.

Who wants VINYL SEATS at that price??????? NOT ME!!!!!!!!!

At that price, u could get a 2021 demo pre facelift larger classy e class with v6 engines

Near 100K price tag with ARTICO (synthetic leather)? ARTICO is used in Mercedes-Benz's taxi trims in Europe. What an emotional failure MB Australia!

@Gabrieltamdesign

2 жыл бұрын

I have no issue if the synthetic upholstery is sustainable & has a similar / better-perceived quality, not all leather is nice after all. Having said that they should also offer a textile option, like those found in a Volvo/Polestar product.

@juliav8939

2 жыл бұрын

C300 has leather seats

@albertkang1052

2 жыл бұрын

@@Gabrieltamdesign it is sustainable as its synthetic. Perceived quality cannot match a real leather and its why it is up-priced. There are 2-3 levels of real leather trims aside the Designo/Manufaktur ordering process. ARTICO is a 'free' item in the Mercedes world. (Edit: sorry for the typos)

@albertkang1052

2 жыл бұрын

@@juliav8939 that's a relief!

@Gabrieltamdesign

2 жыл бұрын

@@albertkang1052 Synthetic is not sustainable if it's manufactured from virgin PVC or Polyurethane. It needs to be plant-based or post-consumer recycled plastic nowadays to be considered sustainable. As for real vs fake, I would argue Artico & its equivalent is better than bonded leather and almost certainly more durable in our Australian climate.

A very good review, however I'd rather have a Lexus ES 300h Sport Luxury - I prefer buttons for things instead of a giant tablet display, and you know it will last ten years at least.

Curious how does the drive of this new c200 compares with the current cla200?

@cjdacka

2 жыл бұрын

Completely different cars. One is front wheel drive, while the other is rear wheel.

@arim850

4 ай бұрын

C class is a real Mercedes. CLA isnt

Waay overpriced for the customer treatment and quality you get from Mercedes. If you don’t know Mercedes is getting sued by their own dealers for $650 million here in Australia, big red flag imo.

Is it ok to call him ‘Ponch’? ‘Cause, Ponch is the dude. Love that guy. The car is out of my price range, but that interior looks killer. I could feel how comfortable those seats were through the screen.

The C200 has always been the sweet spot in the C Class range.

Fantastic review, Nathan. Beautiful exterior and interior and the designers have done a splendid job.However, its a Mercedes-Benz and I have my reservations regarding any product launched by this company. Question is 'How reliable and safe this car is ?". Perhaps, Mercedes-Benz should come out with a 10 year unlimited KM warranty or capped fixed price servicing over 7 years to back their product. Eye appeal is the best appeal and this company does a good job of it. Well not really in my opinion. For buyers who want to drive a luxury car as a daily commute and who are spending over $90k for a car, one is better off driving a Lexus or Genesis as a daily commute rather thana Merc, sitting pretty in a garage. MERCEDES-BENZ needs to learn a thing or two from Lexus, if they are really serious about improving their brand image as a reliable car with excellent after sales customer care.

@analysethis6061

3 ай бұрын

@@TerraMp what can I say? Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

I am a good earner but can we all agree that the prices of cars get ridiculous?

Get it on PCP or car lease which one is best?

really nice car... big enough fro a couple with monex :-)

Mercedes have outdone themselves with this new C class. Bravo!

I looked at this model,what a joke,I have ordered an Jaguar xe HSE with 300 HP, AWD,real leather in red ,sun roof ,800watt stereo, adjustable dampers plus other options on road ,for the price of a basic c200 the German's are having a lend of us in Australia

Turbos are standard on b.m.w 3 series in contrast as far as i know!

Great review mate !!! Really simple and too the point !!! Loved the car though !!!

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

MB ILL PASS lovely cars but honestly the organizations morals leave me cold and disappointed

People rlly be crying about how expensive a Mercedes is. Yes. No shit. Its a fcking Mercedes, not a Ford.

Good

You don't need a Mercedes-Benz either, you want one.

I’m American…I can’t imagine having anything less than the c300. For my w205 I had to get a chip to get more low end torque out of the c300 after renting a BMW g20 for a week. I can’t imagine driving c200 in any generation and being happy. Also, why would anyone want all that AMG trim without any performance?

@davidperry3531

2 жыл бұрын

I agree that the AMG trim for everything is beginning to look pretty ordinary particularly on a C200, although now BMW on their update 3 Series is now getting M Sport as standard. What’s happened to the Classic Mercedes?

Overpriced and underpowered matched with terrible customer service and regular recalls to fix manufacturing and supplier faults

@omarabdul2864

2 жыл бұрын

The talk of a man that cant afford a prius even

@omarabdul2864

2 жыл бұрын

Also bmw sucks, im glad i changed from the lesser make to a more luxurious mercedes make 😄

Hugh Jackman does reviews now 🤭

Mercedes have boned their Australian dealers and price fixed their cars. Buying a Mercedes is unaustralian.

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

Is it much different to other goods in the economy? Genuine question. Note Tesla, Genesis, Cupra, Honda have all gone the same way. Not defending this, but the model appears to be trending towards a national price. Some won’t adopt it. Toyota is very much against it.

@Clove_Parma

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars It's a shame that Merc went about it in such a strong-armed way, and without fair consultation time with dealers. There's a fair way to go about it, and Merc failed to act in good faith with the way it went about the transition. Honda also seemed to go about it in bad faith, hence the lawsuit launched by Astoria Honda and more. Difference with the other brands is that they were always agency, it wasn't sprung on dealers

@andrew22334455

2 жыл бұрын

@@Clove_Parma Tesla, Cupra nor Genesis have never had a dealer network system, so they don't count. Merc had a large dealership base which got competely screwed, as have Honda.

@stevenwang5561

2 жыл бұрын

If they want to "fix" the price and not provide any room for bargaining, they need to lower the price, otherwise it basically is just a price hike in disguise.

@davidperry3531

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars The worst aspect of this agency model is the way that they have screwed dealers over with long term ownership and it is no wonder that there are pending court cases. To make matters worse, they have launched this new C class with huge price increases with no room for negotiation.

I respectfully disagree. The C200 rides like a "normal-everyday" car, nothing exciting at all. Sure, the comfort is amazing but wasted because one value comfort on fast cars and having a similar engine to BMWs 330i with the supreme comfort of the C Class would be an absolute winner.

so.. damn.. expensive..

@roarbahamut9866

2 жыл бұрын

No shit sherlock. Its a Mercedes. You aint going into the Gucci store and crying that you can not afford their stuff...

Mercedes Benz Nr 1

looks a bit like its sporting a moustache

Where is this car made?

@AK-qe3pz

2 жыл бұрын

@K K I believe in South Africa.

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

Germany, at least for now.

@AK-qe3pz

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars Mercedes-Benz South Africa in June started production of the new C-Class, the W206, at its East London plant, in the Eastern Cape. Tasneem Bulbulia attended the launch. Production will include a plug-in hybrid, starting in the fourth quarter of the year.30 June 2021

@davidperry3531

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars only the initial batch then it will be South Africa.

@KK-qi6mt

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars Hmmmm. I wonder what the quality will be like in one years time.

Fixed pricing and appalling customer service? And the price? No thanks, I'll stick with BMW.

@bojansalmic9811

2 жыл бұрын

bmw is for sure no match to MB

@omarabdul2864

2 жыл бұрын

I left bmw lol 😆

@omarabdul2864

2 жыл бұрын

Bmw customer service is worse, and not to mention very racist 🤔 yes i encountered racism at a bmw dealership, in mercedes dealership no one judged me of my color so fuck bmw

Me gusta Mercedez Benz

the s class looks boring compared to this. the new s class is just the most plain, lame, luxury sedan you can buy at that level. the new 7 series and the a8 give a lot more of a statement. wish the s class looked more like this c.

Way overpriced. MB will realise that soon,when the sales figures start going south. 🤣

The instrument cluster just looks cheap. And touchscreen is also distracting. No thanks.

I dont want to see you... show me the car.... 70% video is about you taking to camera

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

This review won't suit, then.

I’ve owned 2 vintage 190s for less than $4000 each and the C was supposed to be a Mercedes for the masses but at $80k you’ve got to be out of your f$&@ing mind that I would ever buy one! So when you say it’s great I’m thinking you have to be earning north of $200k to justify an $80k luxury family hauler and it’s not even an E class much less the true luxury King that was the S class in days past at that price point!!! At a combined family income of $150k I’m perfectly happy with our Sentra SR for less than $28k and the extra $52k in my pocket for 5 beautiful trips for 2 around the world or a nice down payment on a house!!! Oh and $80k with no real leather seating, OUCH!!! At least use Vaseline when you bend me over!!!

i need this car and im out

90k bahahahaha.

Any car that is not a c43 AMG and up is just a rebranded Toyota. I laugh at people when they say I own a Mercedes’. No they do not.

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

Nah, you’re not correct.

@wideawakechanel8787

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars I am correct I own a Mercedes’ amg 43 and have driven nearly ever car in every segment. I was very disappointed with the cla45 the startup of the engine almost sounds like it’s misfiring. Fine to drive though.

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

Convenient that you consider the car you bought to be the minimum acceptable Mercedes!

@wideawakechanel8787

2 жыл бұрын

@@chasingcars well I did the research before buying it realised what the brand truly was and bought the best value for money “real” Mercedes’. If you do as much product testing as I have and come to a different conclusion I’ll hear you out.

@chasingcars

2 жыл бұрын

We test around 500 cars per year, so we’re well placed to make these calls. This 20min video gives you plenty of information on why this car qualifies as a ‘real’ Mercedes - so I’ll leave you with that as a resource.