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

This C180 Avantgarde comes in at $274,888, a sizable $49,000 less than the current price of the C200 AMG Line.

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

Will you miss these additional touches on the C200 AMG Line?

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

And if it is a luxurious cabin you're after in your compact executive sedan, the Mercedes-Benz C180 will not disappoint either.

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

At $274,888, you will most likely be cross shopping this C180 in Avantgarde trim against the BMW 318i Sport, which is asking for a bit less at $266,888, but you do get a touch more power and an extra cog within the transmission of this Mercedes to deploy.

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

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

This C180 Avantgarde comes in at $274,888, a sizable $49,000 less than the current price of the C200 AMG Line.

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

Will you miss these additional touches on the C200 AMG Line?

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

And if it is a luxurious cabin you're after in your compact executive sedan, the Mercedes-Benz C180 will not disappoint either.

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

At $274,888, you will most likely be cross shopping this C180 in Avantgarde trim against the BMW 318i Sport, which is asking for a bit less at $266,888, but you do get a touch more power and an extra cog within the transmission of this Mercedes to deploy.

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