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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon Mild Hybrid C180 Avantgarde (A) Review
20 Jul 2022|28,741 views
What We Like
Most affordable entry point into the C-Class range
Impressive MBUX system
Quiet and smooth drivetrain operation
What We Dislike
Squishy brake pedal
When we reviewed the Mercedes-Benz C200 in AMG Line specification earlier this year, we found it to be a highly appealing vehicle, pairing a tasty exterior with a decent drive, and coming in with reasonable price tag of $310,888.
But thanks to the explosive growth of COE premiums in the last three months, that same car is now asking for a total of $323,888. If that price hike sounds a little off-putting, you might want to consider the other more accessible options in the C-Class lineup, such as this C180 in the Avantgarde specification.
A more accessible option
For that discount, the most noticeable differences between the two cars include the use of a different grille at the front (here losing the chrome three-pointed star pattern within its grille mesh) as well as smaller rims (18-inch as opposed to the 19-inch items of the C200 AMG Line).
Step inside and you'll also note that the C180 Avantgarde utilises a different steering wheel (without the twin horizontal spokes) and is missing the two-tone sports seats of the C200 AMG Line. And of course, under the bonnet, the C180 gets a total of 168bhp, as opposed to the 201bhp of the 200-models.
More comfortable than ever
Not really. With a total of 250Nm of torque to play with, the C180 still manages to brush through everyday traffic effortlessly despite its reduced output.
Sure, it can feel breathless at the upper limits of its rev range, but driven sensibly, it adopts a quiet demeanor that pairs well with the silky-smooth operation of the nine-speed transmission, while its start/stop cycles are near imperceivable. And it will do all this, while returning a decent fuel economy of 10.3km/L.
And if sensible, every day driving is your priority, you'll also be glad to note that the C180 Avantgarde does without the sport suspension of the C200 AMG Line. This difference means the ride here is truly soft and supple. Cabin insulation level meanwhile, is also high, although a squishy brake pedal here means bringing the car takes to a graceful stop does require some extra effort.
And still as brilliant
You still get the impressive multi-colour ambient lighting system, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
And that 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running Mercedes' MBUX system, still impresses with its rich colours and gorgeous graphics. You'll note, however, that in this C180 it comes missing the brilliant MBUX augmented reality navigation.
But if you need to counter this, there's always the option to have your seats upholstered in the Espresso Brown nappa leather you see in the pictures (a $9,200 option), which comes with some beautiful stitching and completes your cabin so it looks posher than one equipped with the two-tone sports seats.
A well-rounded package
The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI meanwhile, comes in at a more affordable $250,013, although it does fall short on total output here, with only 148bhp from its 2.0-litre unit.
If it is comfort and a premium interior you're after, that price makes this Mercedes-Benz C180 looks like good value for the money.
Shopping for a compact luxury sedan? There's also these options to consider:
The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI also pairs sporty design with an impressive infotainment system
While the BMW 318i offers ample equipment alongside a dynamic drivetrain
There's also the Lexus IS to consider, with a stunning exterior and mighty fine handling
Or you could opt for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, with its gorgeous exterior and thoroughly fun drive
What We Like
Most affordable entry point into the C-Class range
Impressive MBUX system
Quiet and smooth drivetrain operation
What We Dislike
Squishy brake pedal
When we reviewed the Mercedes-Benz C200 in AMG Line specification earlier this year, we found it to be a highly appealing vehicle, pairing a tasty exterior with a decent drive, and coming in with reasonable price tag of $310,888.
But thanks to the explosive growth of COE premiums in the last three months, that same car is now asking for a total of $323,888. If that price hike sounds a little off-putting, you might want to consider the other more accessible options in the C-Class lineup, such as this C180 in the Avantgarde specification.
A more accessible option
For that discount, the most noticeable differences between the two cars include the use of a different grille at the front (here losing the chrome three-pointed star pattern within its grille mesh) as well as smaller rims (18-inch as opposed to the 19-inch items of the C200 AMG Line).
Step inside and you'll also note that the C180 Avantgarde utilises a different steering wheel (without the twin horizontal spokes) and is missing the two-tone sports seats of the C200 AMG Line. And of course, under the bonnet, the C180 gets a total of 168bhp, as opposed to the 201bhp of the 200-models.
More comfortable than ever
Not really. With a total of 250Nm of torque to play with, the C180 still manages to brush through everyday traffic effortlessly despite its reduced output.
Sure, it can feel breathless at the upper limits of its rev range, but driven sensibly, it adopts a quiet demeanor that pairs well with the silky-smooth operation of the nine-speed transmission, while its start/stop cycles are near imperceivable. And it will do all this, while returning a decent fuel economy of 10.3km/L.
And if sensible, every day driving is your priority, you'll also be glad to note that the C180 Avantgarde does without the sport suspension of the C200 AMG Line. This difference means the ride here is truly soft and supple. Cabin insulation level meanwhile, is also high, although a squishy brake pedal here means bringing the car takes to a graceful stop does require some extra effort.
And still as brilliant
You still get the impressive multi-colour ambient lighting system, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
And that 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, running Mercedes' MBUX system, still impresses with its rich colours and gorgeous graphics. You'll note, however, that in this C180 it comes missing the brilliant MBUX augmented reality navigation.
But if you need to counter this, there's always the option to have your seats upholstered in the Espresso Brown nappa leather you see in the pictures (a $9,200 option), which comes with some beautiful stitching and completes your cabin so it looks posher than one equipped with the two-tone sports seats.
A well-rounded package
The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI meanwhile, comes in at a more affordable $250,013, although it does fall short on total output here, with only 148bhp from its 2.0-litre unit.
If it is comfort and a premium interior you're after, that price makes this Mercedes-Benz C180 looks like good value for the money.
Shopping for a compact luxury sedan? There's also these options to consider:
The Audi A4 2.0 TFSI also pairs sporty design with an impressive infotainment system
While the BMW 318i offers ample equipment alongside a dynamic drivetrain
There's also the Lexus IS to consider, with a stunning exterior and mighty fine handling
Or you could opt for the Alfa Romeo Giulia, with its gorgeous exterior and thoroughly fun drive
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Also read our comparison article on:
BMW 3 Series 318i vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class C180
Car Information
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon Mild Hybrid C180 Avantgarde (A)
$297,888
CAT B|Petrol-Electric|14.7km/L
Horsepower
125kW (168 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
8.6sec (0-100km /hr)
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