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Luxury is all about indulging in conveniences, especially those you’ve worked hard for. As such, there can be no better way to reward yourself than with one of the gold standards of luxury sedans, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Now in its 5th generation, the C-Class has been thoroughly redesigned to step up the game for luxury compact sedans. For inspiration, there could be no better vehicle to look up to than the often-aspired-to S-Class. 

It carries the new design language that was first introduced back with the S-Class, like its headlamp and taillamp design, all the way to the flowing, seamless, and extensively digitized interior. With so many of the former’s hallmarks and touches, it’s no surprise that the new C-Class has come to be called the “Baby S”.

The similarities are evident right on the exterior. It bears the redesigned front bumper and radiator grille that accentuates the prominent Mercedes-Benz star. It comes with high performance LED headlamps with daytime running lights. On the long hood are pronounced power domes (just like the 300 SL Gullwing) for a sporty and masculine character. The rear is a familiar sight since it now features two-section tail lights which are also found on the S-Class. It has also grown in all dimensions, with a longer wheelbase, greater overall length, width, and even more ground clearance. These contribute to the overall space inside the cabin. Its sleeker coupe-like design rolls on new 18-inch multi-spoke light-alloy wheels and run-flat tires.

Getting inside the cabin of the C-Class feels like you are stepping into the world of S-Class. Its flowing forms and refined materials raise the modern luxury of its interior to a new level. 

Catching your eye is an 11.9-inch floating central display touchscreen, loaded with features. It is also slightly inclined towards the driver, making it easier to read. The 10.25-inch free-standing full digital instrument display is already part of the standard equipment. You can customize the display style to suit your preference, with presets for a Classic, Sport, or Understated instrumented display. It can also show you driver assistance menus.

The new C-Class is also equipped with the latest generation MBUX multimedia system that now gets more connectivity features and a “Hey Mercedes” voice command system. The driver can also operate the MBUX in the multifunction steering wheel via touch control buttons.

As expected, you can easily connect your mobile wirelessly via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. It gives convenient access to the most important applications on your smartphone such as Messages, Spotify,  or Waze.

The new C-Class has everything to help you relax. It offers generous space with larger legroom and more headroom. The seats are electrically adjustable for the driver and passenger with capacitive switches that react to touch input. There’s also a memory setting to easily reset it.

The cabin can be customized with its 64-color ambient lighting. It is also equipped with Thermatic dual-zone automatic climate control, where it can be easily set with the perfect temperature thanks to controls found on the central display. It also has an activated charcoal filter to filter dust and reduces harmful chemicals and substances.

The C-Class puts safety in the highest priority. It comes with seven airbags with two-stage deployment as standard. The car is also equipped with Blind Spot assist to keep the driver well-informed of the surroundings. Other driver assistance systems include Active Brake Assist, Active Parking Assist, 12 ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear, Reversing Camera, and ATTENTION ASSIST.

Powering the new C-Class is a 1.5 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 170-hp and 250-Nm of torque. It comes with an electrified drivetrain with EQ boost mild-hybrid technology, first introduced in the flagship S-Class last year.

The Integrated Starter Generator and 48-volt power supply provides up to 15-kW of additional power and up to 200-Nm more torque. This is particularly noticeable in acceleration, while maintaining low fuel consumption.

Power is delivered to the rear wheels by the 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, with barely noticeable gear changes for a smooth yet engaging drive. The transmission maintains low engine speeds which reduces the fuel consumption even more.

Some great features from other Mercedes-Benz cars are kept like the DYNAMIC SELECT that lets you choose whether you want a sporty or comfortable drive.

All told, the C-180 delivers on its promise of a luxury experience with its progressive comfort, intuitive connectivity, & driving dynamics. It offers the kind of technology, luxury amenities and space you’d expect to find in a larger class of car. Easily the most evident change is the sheer amount of technology, with massive screens, so much customizability, all packaged in a stylish interior that is not daunting to the driver or any passenger. Many cars have been called the “baby” or junior of their bigger sibling due to similarities. With the C-Class, it’s more than just a passing resemblance. It truly is a more compact S-Class experience offering 3 Cs: Control with its touch control buttons for various features, Connectivity to different apps via wireless connection on mobile phone and voice command features, and finally, Comfort with its larger legroom, headroom, and adjustable features on seats, temperature and more.

The new C-Class Avantgarde is priced at P3,890,000 and is now available for viewing in all Mercedes-Benz showrooms at Bonifacio Global City, Edsa Greenhills, Alabang, and Cebu City.

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