Benz C Class and its evolution from generation to generation

If we talk about the best-selling Benz model of the Mercedes-Benz family, many people would think of the Benz C Class, the youngest model that is also the best-selling. Since this model has been produced since 1993, it has been more than 27 years since it was launched on the market with continuous good sales. This makes the Benz C Class still in demand among customers who want luxury cars. But who knows what the history of this C Class model is? What is the reason that both self-driving and Benz with driver models sell so well? Let's take a look at the history of this car and see where it came from.

History of Benz C Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a basic luxury sedan produced by Mercedes-Benz, which began production in 1993. There is also a model assembled in Thailand, assembled at the Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant in Samut Prakan Province, Thailand.

For over 27 years, the Mercedes-Benz engineers have had the idea of ​​designing a sedan that is “compact” but still maintains the Mercedes-Benz standard, which has become the origin of the word we are familiar with, “Baby-Benz”, before it was even launched. That was the starting point and the origin of the launch of the 190 model under the code W201 in 1982, which was the first Mercedes-Benz that became very popular in the mid-level premium-class sedan market. From that starting point, it created strength for the Mercedes-Benz brand in terms of smoothness and comfort, quality, as well as the beauty of the appearance, which are standards that every Mercedes-Benz owner receives.

Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz itself is generally accepted as a leader in advanced technology, such as the multi-link rear suspension system. Mercedes-Benz never stops providing more choices for customers. As a result of Mercedes-Benz’s research and development efforts, the 190 model sold more than 1.9 million units within 10 years.

The next model was the Mercedes-Benz with the W 202 code, which was launched in 1993, and was just as successful as the previous model. In just 7 years, this model was called the “C-Class” for the first time and was collectively called the Estate model, which was first launched in 1996. The equipment options began to be more varied, both in terms of engines and additional optional equipment, to meet the increasingly diverse needs of customers.

The next generation had the C-Class (code W 203) launched for the first time in 2000 with a sportier appearance and four-lamp headlights. In the same year, Mercedes-Benz launched the C-Class in the sports coupe style for the first time, resulting in sales of more than 2 million units, much more than the previous 2 generations. As a result, the C-Class became the best-selling car model. Of Mercedes-Benz

Over the past 27 years, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class has proven its versatility, meeting the needs of drivers. It has been designed to be a compact saloon, sports coupe, and versatile estate, as well as the best technology from the racing circuit in the touring car category. It has successfully won the Manufacturer and Driver of the Year awards.

Evolution of the Benz C Class

Model W201 (1982-1993)

Mercedes-Benz first launched the 190 in 1982. The saloon car from the W201 model code inherited the values ​​that are unique to Mercedes-Benz, both in terms of comfort and quality, as well as the appearance and feel that have advanced to a mid-size car. The 190 impressed in terms of technology, such as the use of a multi-link rear suspension system and strut shock absorbers in the front suspension, which provided excellent driving response, both in terms of control and preventive safety before an accident. The weight reduction by using high-strength steel combined with an aerodynamic design that provides both beauty and low fuel consumption. The preventive safety in the event of an accident is also at the highest level, thanks to the design that has no small structure in the front nose of the car. The driving power comes from a 4-cylinder engine, which the user can choose between an engine that produces 90 horsepower or 122 horsepower. Mercedes-Benz engineers used an electronically controlled petrol injection system for the more powerful 190E model. And with an average fuel consumption rate of 8.3 litres/100km, the 190 model was also available with a diesel engine, with the 190D also dubbed “the whispering diesel”. The 190E 2.3-16 signalled the beginning of a new era, an era of sports cars with a performance-packed four-valve per cylinder engine. It was the first Mercedes-Benz to offer front and rear spoilers as standard equipment, to enhance road holding and stability at high speeds.

Model W202 (1993-2000)

This model has a choice of 4-door and 5-door body. The transmission system is 5-speed manual, 4-speed and 5-speed automatic. The engine is according to the model, as shown in the table below. In 1997, the model was redesigned, such as changing the front and rear bumpers. In terms of safety, the anti-lock braking system and airbags for the driver and passenger (only models since 1995) and the anti-free wheel system were added as additional equipment for an additional fee. However, the crash test results only gave 2 stars. In 1993, the name C-Class was officially used for the first time with the W202 model. It was also the first time that the design and accessories were offered in 4 types: CLASSIC, ESPRIT, ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE, which aimed to meet the needs of car users who had different personalities as much as possible. It was also a pioneer for other Mercedes-Benz car models. The exterior design increased the dimensions of the car to be larger, making the interior space more spacious and comfortable. While the selling price changed only slightly, more standard equipment was provided, such as an airbag for the driver. Side impact protection, power steering, ABS braking system, and central locking system, etc. For the W202 estate car, it was launched in 1996.

This model's diesel engine has been further developed. It is the world's first passenger car to use a 4-valve diesel engine per cylinder. It is also the first time for a turbo intercooled diesel engine, direct injection with common rail technology. In 1997, it was also the return of the gasoline engine after a nearly 50-year absence when the compressor system was used in the C230 KOMPRESSOR model. All of this is under the same goal: to increase horsepower performance while reducing fuel consumption.

Model W203 (2000-2006)

This model has a choice of 2-door, 4-door and 5-door body styles. Transmissions are available in 5-speed manual, 6-speed and 7-speed automatic. This model was produced from 2000 to 2006. In 2004, it underwent a facelift. This Mercedes-Benz C-Class model sold more than two million units, with the total sales in 2006.

The W203 was launched in 2000 with the four-eye headlight design, which became the distinctive identity of the third generation C-Class. In addition to the excellent safety, comfort and reliability, the third generation C-Class also had the agility of a sports car, which truly set it apart from other saloon cars. The standard equipment of the W203 included many technological innovations, including a high-strength steel front impact box, a new 3-link front suspension with MacPherson struts, and a panoramic sunroof. The 6-speed automatic transmission, for example, is available with a choice of 7 new or newly developed engines, with a horsepower increase of more than 20%, while fuel consumption remains at the same excellent level. In 2000, Mercedes-Benz launched the C-Class Sports Coupe for the first time, followed by the Estate in 2001. For the first time, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system was also introduced in the C-Class. And with a wide range of options covering all the needs of car users, the whole story is proof of why the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a model that is widely accepted by people all over the world and has the highest sales volume among all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.

W204 (2007-2014)

This model has a body to choose from: 2 doors, 4 doors and 5 doors. This model has a transmission system to choose from: 6-speed manual, 5-speed and 7-speed automatic. In 2012, it was also ranked in the top 10 best-selling cars in the UK. It is also the first model of Mercedes-Benz. In 2011, it had a Facelift or facelift.

The current Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift in Thailand is sold in 3 models: C200 Style (184 horsepower), C220 CDI Exucutive (170 horsepower), C250 AMG Dynamic (204 horsepower), all using 7-speed automatic transmission.

W205 (2014-Present)

This model has a choice of 2-door, 4-door and 5-door bodies. This model has a choice of transmission systems: 7-speed and 9-speed automatic. In 2016, the 2017 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe was launched. The sports coupe was assembled in Thailand. New prices at Motor Expo 2016. The 2017 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe has been revealed with additional powerful sub-models: the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupé and the Mercedes-Benz C 300 Cabriolet 2017. While the C 350 e is the second model in the new C-Class family to use hybrid technology, following the C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, it is also the second Mercedes-Benz model to use plug-in hybrid technology. This model comes with a body that meets the lifestyles of all customer groups. It is available in both a sedan and an estate. Both designs are equipped with innovative plug-in hybrid technology that stands out in terms of economy with a high fuel consumption rate. This battery can be fully charged in 3 hours, allowing it to run on electric power alone, or EV, for up to 31 kilometers.

The W205 model was marketed as follows:

Year 2014

It was first launched as a fully imported model with 2 sub-models: C250 AMG Dynamic and C180 Exclusive. The C300 BlueTec Hybrid model was added to the AMG Dynamic model in sedan and estate forms.Year 2015

The locally assembled model has been launched with three sub-models: C200 Avantgarde, C300 BlueTec Hybrid Exclusive and C300 BlueTec Hybrid AMG Dynamic.

Year 2016

-The C350e Plug-in Hybrid has been launched in both Exclusive and AMG Dynamic models, while the C200 Avantgarde is still available.

- The Coupe model was launched with 2 sub-models: C250 Edition1 and AMG Dynamic

- A new sub-model C350e Avantgarde was added to replace the original C200 model

- The C300 Cabriolet AMG Dynamic was launched as an alternative

- The C250 Coupe was launched in the assembly with 2 sub-models: Sport and AMG Dynamic

- The C43 AMG 4Matic Coupe was launched

Year 2017

The following equipment has been adjusted:

- Added Mercedes-Benz Application (except Estate model)

- Added Active Brake Assist system to all sub-models

- Added blue frame to LED Intelligent Light System headlights

- Added blue brake calipers with Mercedes-Benz symbol

- Added new exterior color 992 Selenite Gray instead of the original 755 Tenorite Gray

- In the Avantgarde model, the interior trim material has been changed to 736 Open-pore Black Ash wood trim from the original 739 light aluminium trim with longitudinal grain

- In the AMG Dynamic model, the interior trim material has been changed to H73 AMG Carbon-Fibre / longitudinal grain aluminium from the original 736 Open-pore Black Ash wood trim

- Exclusive model adds Keyless-GO key system

The second round of equipment has been adjusted:

- In the Avantgarde model, stainless steel door sills with glowing Mercedes-Benz symbols and Ambient Light 3-color cabin atmosphere lighting have been added.

- Exclusive model, stainless steel door sills with symbols have been added Mercedes-Benz illuminated and Distance Pilot DISTRONIC system has been cut off the front grille Air Panel can be opened and closed (because it requires space to install DISTRONIC sensor)

- AMG Dynamic model has added Distance Pilot DISTRONIC system and changed the 2-Zone air conditioning system to THERMOTRONIC 3-Zone, changed the front and rear bumpers to AMG Line and changed the side skirts to AMG Line

The C350e AMG Dynamic Estate model was cut off after the equipment adjustment for the Sedan for the second round not long ago.

Year 2018

- The locally assembled C43 Coupe AMG was launched

- The facelifted C220d with a new diesel engine was launched with 3 sub-models: Avantgarde, Exclusive and AMG Dynamic

- The facelifted C200 Coupe AMG Dynamic and C43 AMG 4Matic Coupe were launched

Year 2019

- C43 AMG 4Matic Sedan launched

- C300e Plug-in Hybrid launched with 2 sub-models: Avantgarde and AMG Dynamic

- C220d Exclusive model dropped

- C220d equipment adjusted by adding Mercedes Me Connect system like other models

Year 2020

The C200 Coupe AMG Dynamic has been replaced with a new engine, from the original 1.5-liter 1,497 cc M264 petrol engine with turbocharger + EQ Boost 184 horsepower 280 Newton meters to a 2.0-liter 1,991 cc 204 horsepower 4-cylinder M274 DE20 petrol engine, with a maximum torque of 300 Newton meters.

And that's all the history of the Benz C Class. Interesting, right? And for anyone who wants to rent a Benz C Class, we have Mercedes-Benz C 350e Avantgarde for everyone to rent for both self-drive and chauffeur-driven trips. Our cars are of high quality, less than 5 years old, with rental prices starting at 8,560 baht/day. We also have Other Benz rental models for everyone to choose from. If you're interested in renting a Benz to drive around Thailand, please think of us, Exclusive. Read more in the article Compare 5 Benz car rental companies in Bangkok