Tried & Tested: Mercedes-Benz C250 CGI

In the blink of an eye it has been 3 years since the W204 C-Class debuted. While the mid-cycle facelift isn't due yet, Mercedes-Benz has chosen to go the way of turbocharging their C-Class along with the introduction of their new W212 E-Class with Charged Gasoline Injection (CGI). In Daimler speak, that's direct fuel injection + turbocharging.

Read all about the test drive of seemingly Golf GTI's power output vehicle with rear-wheel drive plus a boot. Or is it not so? The new C250 CGI after all punches out a maximum of 204hp/310Nm. Scroll down below for a review by someone dubbed recently as "Mr Stuttgart" (think: M-B/Porsche) of the motoring circle :)





Browsing through the Press Information supplied by Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) along with the tester you see above, the new C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY is touted as "the most efficient C-Class ever". With claimed fuel consumption of just 7.2 - 7.9 litres/100km in combined cycle.

As you all know and have experienced before, in the real world these figures are as good as striking it rich in the lottery. However and rather unexpectedly so, the best figure I got from the C250 was 8.2 l/100km while getting boxed-in during northbound traffic of the North-South highway - compulsorily doing speeds of 80 - 90km/h constantly. On the upper end of the scale, the computer was reading out 12.3 l/100km on other occasions of getting 'high' behind the wheel.
In retrospect, my last E200 Kompressor (W211) was returning rather similar range of fuel consumption figures in my 4 years of usage.



So I guess you could call it BlueEFFICIENCY after all, since 204hp/310Nm versus 163hp/240Nm with the same amount of fuel in indeed efficiency at work. That's the beauty of having a triple alphabets "DEH" suffix to M271 (engine code) I guess! But I don't see the need of getting the all 'Blue' over this. There is no AdBlue (ammonia consuming catalyst system) here for this petrol combusting 1.8-litre 4-pot. Hmmm...






Further into the Press Info, M-B claims a sprint timing of 7.4 seconds for their latest C250 CGI. Which is entirely believable, since 310 Nm is at your disposal from a low 2,000 rpm through to 4,000 rpm. It feels especially quick more so in 'SPORT' mode but not that manically rapid as say the 211 ps/280 Nm Mk6 Golf GTI because of its rear-drive configuration and probably 5A/T torque converter 'refining and filtering' things out a tad more. Typical of Mercedes-Benz, there is no lurch even as you slam the throttle aggressively at take-off. One of my "co-tester" even claimed the Toyota Vios is 'more powerful' due to its persistent lunging-forward kick of (initial) acceleration. Gosh! Must be a diehard Toyota fan despite the throttle-gate fiasco which seemed to have evaded Malaysia.




High speed stability wise, the new C250 is indeed better than the outgoing C230 2.5 V6. In 'normal' suspension setting, there is indeed less mushiness of the dampers resulting in less roll around corners. Even in 'Sport' the suspension isn't as hard or jarring as the last 6-potted C230. This is noticeable when I contrasted another C230 back-to-back. M-B engineers along with the Bilstein folks must have done some suspension tweaking over black coffee and some serious test track time.

Having said that, the new C250 is still a tad floaty at speed above 180 km/h despite having adaptive dampers. The steering while being weightier in Sport mode (the older C230's rack doesn't respond to Sport setting at all before) is still a tad numb at speed beyond 200 km/h. With a wee bit more choppiness than desired on poor undulating surfaces of certain highway stretches the C250's chassis can come across as jittery approaching its claimed Vmax of 240 km/h.
I guess M-B might still want to relegate such lofty task to the W212 which is way calmer and felt sturdier - possibly due a longer wheelbase and wider tracks.

Yet above it all, on B-roads the new C250 CGI is nicely agile and tracks corner like a dream with the steering ratio reduced from 14.5 in the C200 versus 13.5 in the C250. I would have preferred the 'Sport' button to be split into two separate level of actuation where the throttle 'Sportier' mapping is decided at the gear lever while the chassis/suspension tautness and steering weight/feel is activated by the regular switch on the centre console. Much like the Mk6 GTI where you can dial in a combo of 'Sport, Normal or Auto' suspension mode with either regular 'D' auto or 'S' auto drive mode.

Priced at RM287,888 the new C250 CGI is indeed a very promising Mercedes that is solid in performance yet retains M-B hallmark of comfort, albeit in a smaller package. The turbocharged C-Class (E-Class in a broader perspective) will be the range that will answer to MBM's profitability for their current financial year since the C250 CGI definitely cost less to make versus the C230 V6 of yore. The C250 CGI (as well as the C200 CGI) also address succinctly to the downsizing-cum-efficiency trend of current times, complying with EU5 emissions standard while being fun to point-and-shoot should you want more zippiness at a moment's notice. The Munich camp meanwhile has no emphatic answer to this with their aging E90 especially in regards to their asthmatic 320i and pricey, yet detuned 323i. However, the E90 320d makes a very compelling case and this shall be the closest competitor to this C250 CGI - in my books at least. Watch out for its review coming up next.




Related posts:

Mercedes-Benz C200 Kompressor (W204) tested in 2007
Parting shots of the W203 C200K Final Edition

New Mercedes C180K BlueEfficiency with 1.6L engine!

In this age of relentlessly spiralling oil prices, Mercedes-Benz will launch a new range of fuel efficient C-Class saloons at Geneva 2008 with the tag BlueEfficiency, a term probably coined as an extension from its BLUETEC technology applied to its CDI turbodiesel engines.

The pertinent model to Malaysian market – and likely most of ASEAN - will be the new C180 Kompressor which, now hear this, has an even smaller displaced 1597cc 4-pot beating under the hood! It was previously a 1796cc in-line 4.

Impressively, maximum power output has been maintained 156hp, along with 230Nm worth of torque, same ratings versus the 'old' 1.8L supercharged M271. This new C180K can cover 100 kilometres with just 6.5 litres of petrol. The previous 1.8L powered C180K needs an additional 0.9L of petrol to get the job done. The new econo-power C180K will sprint to 100km/h in 9.5secs, on the way to a top end of 230km/h.

Apart from a smaller capacity petrol engine, better aerodynamics with a CD factor of 0.25 (versus standard C-Class’ 0.27) and weight savings from the new alloy wheels, lighter plus lower rolling resistance Michelins, engine bay firewall foams and windscreen all adds up to higher fuel efficiency.

The other models offering TrueBlue solutions i.e. higher mileage to every litre of fuel are the new C200 CDI and C350CGI, with direct gasoline injection (finally!).

Mercedes-Benz new CLC Coupe: Something New, Mostly Old!

By Dr Long

After a somewhat commendable effort from Daimler AG with its all-new (W204) C-Class last year, the new C-Class Coupe - now wearing an official CLC acronym - is really flogging a dead horse - a 7 to 8 years old one at that! Chassis, suspension, basic architecture and body shell (mostly) et al.

Here's really something as food for thought, will we see existing W203 owners facelifting their old C-Class front with after-market kits? That'll really take some glamour off the W204, more so the new C200K Elegance model!

Related posts:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/11/first-drive-new-w204-mercedes-benz-c200.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/11/mercedes-benz-c-for-yourself-official.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/parting-impression-mercedes-benz-c200.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/w204-c200k-prices-confirmed-below.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/08/right-hand-drive-w204-new-c-class.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/08/mercedes-benz-w204-c-class-wagon.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-2008-mercedes-benz-c63-amg.html

Mercedes-Benz 'C-For Yourself' Official Launch in Malaysia

By Dr Long



Mercedes-Benz all-new C-Class (W204) was launched recently at APAC, Subang with much pizzaz. Tagging a catchy slogan ‘C-For Yourself’, it began with a Gala night when the new C-Class was officially unveiled by DaimlerChryler Malaysia (DCM). VIPs, distinguished customers, potential buyers and the media were feted to a showcase of myriad lifestyle activities, the highlight of which was a fashion show in conjunction with the Malaysia International Fashion Week 2007. Designers like Michael Ong, Sharifah Kirana, Tom Abang Saufi and Melinda Ooi had models catwalk their creations on the runway. A lucky draw with grand prizes of an all-paid trip each to Stuttgart, Germany was held for customers who had booked their C-Class before 15 October 2007.

It has been 25 years since the launch of the 190, which signaled the successful foray of Mercedes-Benz into the compact, premium automobiles segment. “Approximately 8,000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class have been sold throughout its presence in Malaysia. And since the launch of the new C-Class models in Europe early this year, over 55,000 units have already been ordered”, revealed Peter Honegg, President & CEO of DaimlerChrysler Malaysia. In this regards, Mr Honegg also added that “In Malaysia, we have attained more than 1,000 bookings already and with such impressive figures, we are confident that the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will build on the success of its predecessor.”

Click on all images to enlarge

Some of the outdoor activities held on C-day are test drive sessions of the new C200K, the Active Safety Experience by Michelin which demonstrated the new C’s agility, safety and dynamic driving. Go-Kart races also added some fun to the morning. However, the sky soon started to pour just after noon and all driving activities were halted, much to the disappointment of many invited guests who had waited in vain for their turns. Indoor, golfing tips were given by attending golf professionals and female customers were treated to fashion shows, dazzling jewellery displays and hand spas. Fine wine appreciating sessions and cooking presentations kept guests with discerning tastes occupied. Children were spotted busy at the MobileKids corner, learning road safety initiatives, which were taught in a light, easy and entertaining manner.

Interestingly, the fourth C-Class generation is the first Mercedes saloon with two different frontal designs. In the more traditional C200K Elegance model, the trademark three-pointed star is, as before, positioned on the bonnet. For the Avantgarde version though, the iconic Mercedes star-logo is larger and seated in the centre of the radiator grille, reminiscent of the sportier Benz models. Although the 1.8L Kompressor 4-cylinder engine is largely carried over, there is a boost in output by up to 13 percent, now a respectable 184hp while torque has increased by around 18 percent to 250Nm, coming on tap from 2800rpm to 5000rpm. A claim 0-100km/h sprint that’s 0.6sec faster (at 8.8sec) than its predecessor, while fuel consumption is reduced by 0.5L/100km!

For this year – to begin with – DCM has tagged the C200K Elegance at RM248,888 while the sportier Avantgarde variant goes for RM258,888. Both are locally assembled models, on-the-road prices, excluding insurance. Expect the C230 V6 Avantgarde, with Advanced Agility package and 7-G Tronic, to be available by Q2 2008.

Related posts:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/w204-c200k-prices-confirmed-below.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/09/mercedes-benz-c-for-yourself-video-ad.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/09/2008-c-class-w204-video.html
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/09/w204-c-class-preview-at-cycle-carriage.html

You may want to read this:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/10/parting-impression-mercedes-benz-c200.html

Brabus Super C-Class W204: BULLIT with 720hp & 1320Nm!

Famed Mercedes-Benz tuner and customiser, BRABUS, has transplanted its ultra-hyper SV 12 S Biturbo engine into the latest W204 C-Class resulting a super high performance sedan called BULLIT.

Click on images to enlarge

Over the past three decades BRABUS has perfected the art of transplanting large and extremely powerful engines into the bodies of small cars. That path led to numerous world records and entries into the Guinness Book of World Records. The BRABUS BULLIT, built in small-series production based on the new Mercedes C-Class sedan, celebrates its world debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007 as the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing.

At the heart of this super saloon BRABUS placed an engine originally designed for the world’s fastest sedan, the BRABUS ROCKET. The implantation of the 6.3L powerhouse into the confines of the W 204 series body is yet more proof for the superiority of BRABUS know-how.

The BRABUS SV12 S Biturbo engine is produced entirely in-house in the state-of-the-art BRABUS engine building shop. Displacement increase to 6.3L with special crankshaft plus longer stroke, enlarged cylinder bore with corresponding larger pistons. Both cylinder heads feature flow-optimized ports and special camshafts. Two high-performance turbochargers with special exhaust manifolds; more efficient intercooling system and BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with low-back-pressure metal catalysts. Newly programmed mapping for engine electronics and on-board diagnostics made these all possible.

The turbocharged twelve-cylinder engine – lubricated like all BRABUS high-performance engines with ARAL Synthetic motor oil – delivers 730ps (720hp) / 537kW of superlative power and 1,320Nm (974 lb-ft) of superlative peak torque. The latter is limited electronically in-car to 1,100Nm (811 lb-ft).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a massively modified five-speed automatic transmission and a BRABUS rear locking differential with a locking rate of up to 40 percent. It is available with two different final drive ratios.


The performance figures for the BRABUS BULLIT is ultimate in its class: The executive rocket sprints from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.9 seconds, reaches 200 km/h (124 mph) after just 10.49 seconds and shatters the 300-km/h (186 mph) barrier after a mere 24.5 seconds. Top speed is more than 360 km/h (224 mph). There are only a very few super sports cars in the world that can hope to match these numbers.

Such performance places special demands on aerodynamic properties, suspension and brakes. Its extra-muscular body was optimized for runs beyond 300 km/h (186mph) in the wind tunnel. Those aggressive arches make room for especially wide BRABUS wheels and YOKOHAMA ADVAN high-performance tyres. The BULLIT runs on size 9.5Jx19 BRABUS Monoblock S light-alloy wheels and size 265/30 ZR 19 tyres on the steering axle. The rear axle features 10Jx19 wheels with size 285/30 ZR 19 tyres.

The suspension too was custom-developed to handle super-power and the weight of the twin-turbo V12 engine. The sporty yet comfortable height-adjustable BRABUS coil-over suspension features ten selectable settings each for bound and rebound, and ensures safe handling in all driving situations. Sport sway bars reduce body roll during fast cornering to a minimum.

The BRABUS high-performance brake system can handle even the most extreme stress. It features 12-piston aluminium fixed calipers on the front axle that grip vented and grooved 380 x 37 mm (15 x 1.46 inches) brake discs. The rear axle stops with 360 x 28 mm (14.2 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminium fixed calipers.




Related post:
http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/08/brabus-30th-anniversary.html

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Click on images to enlarge

Stationwagon or estate version has always been about versatility and space. The new W204 C-Class Estate is no exception. Luggage space is a respectable 485litre with rear bench upright while a maximum of 1500litres is available for extreme load lugging, with all back seats folded down.

Powerplants offered will be the same as the C-Class Sedan, with the usual 4-cylinder Kompressor and V6 petrol, as well as CDI (turbodiesels). The top-of-the-bunch will be the 2008 C63 AMG Estate which will house the AMG hand-built V8 engine with 457hp.

European sales will begin sometime mid-September following its debut at Frankfurt International Motor Show 2007. Don’t expect to see this new C-Class variant in Malaysia anytime soon since estates are not popularly accepted by our motoring public. That said, we may see an occasional grey/ reconditioned import in say, maybe 2010 or thereafter.

Right-Hand Drive W204 New C-Class spotted in Bangkok!

Words: Dr Long and Peter Lee
Pictures: Peter Lee

Many people who have seen the new C-Class in the metal overseas have commended Mercedes-Benz for a job well done for the W204 looked upmarketly handsome, better than the printed or online images. The fresh lines and creases (especially the rising slant at the flanks plus lower chromed strips) are pleasantly reminiscent of the S-Class. Meanwhile, the new C’s rear end which we at For-Wheels thought was design-frozen in early 2000s (somewhat like a scaled down W211 E’s butt) didn’t turn out to be as ‘recycled’ as it looked initially.

For-Wheels have its correspondent, Peter Lee in Bangkok to check out one of the first few right-hand drive W204s to be available in South East Asia, or Asia for that matter.
His frank and candid visual review of the all-new C-Class after the following pictures…




Just yesterday, I had the rare opportunity to view the new C-Class Avantgarde in the flesh (metal) at the Central World Plaza in Bangkok. This is the earliest unit in Thailand, imported and marketed by a grey importer here. I can only make comments regarding the visual aspects of the car since I did not have a chance to test drive this spanking new junior executive from Mercedes-Benz.

Of course, I will be making comparisons with its nearest rival, the BMW 3-series. I think of all persons to make comments, I should be the fairest as I currently own both a Brabus K4 (W211 E200K) and the latest BMW 335i (E92) coupe. Having said that, I am not aligned to either brands or makes.

In brief, BMW 3 had better be careful. This car looks tons better than current 3-series with curves and creases at the correct places, making the car look expensive and beautiful. With a matching bodykit, this car should be the talk of the town.

However when it came to the interior, things didn’t look so good. There is really no “Wow” factor. Having looked at the steering and the CD control panel, even my Brabus E-Class appears so much better at these places. The cabin is a real disappointment, in my honest opinion.

The acid test for this all-new C-Class of course, will be a test drive. I owned a C230K Avantgarde Sport just 2 years ago. Its Kompressor engine was lively (should be similar to the present engine) but chassis dynamics and ride comfort was somewhat poor. Let’s see if this new C has got her act together…

Related posts:

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/07/all-new-w204-c200-kompressor-spotted-in.html

http://for-wheels.blogspot.com/2007/02/w204-c-class-vs-e90-3-series.html