High performance, fuel-efficient turbo-diesel wagons have been big-sellers in Europe for decades and Mercedes-Benz – predictably - is at the forefront. We’ve just tested the superb Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI Estate which is the fuel-economy leader of the all-new C-Class lineup.
Good value at $62,805, the compact Mercedes-Benz C220 is gloriously styled, refined and rapid…no wonder savvy European buyers have been lapping them up.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 Overview
The current generation C-Class received significant upgrades this year and is a gem – along with the new E-Class, these mainstays of the ‘three-pointed star’ have certainly sharpened their act compared to the previous versions. Oozing Benz’ hallmark quality and luxury, the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI is simultaneously pin-sharp at speed, refined and sips diesel at only 6.3l/100kms…a dynamic combination by any measure.
Significant amongst the 2010 upgrades was Mercedes-Benz’ ‘First Choice’ value strategy – a philosophy to provide extra features and equipment according to customer requirements. ‘Benz looked at the extra features customers were ordering and blended them in as standard fitment for 2010.
For the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI Estate, this meant the addition of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, the more contemporary ‘Avantgarde’-style grille and bonnet badge, split-fold rear seat and double cup holders. ‘Benz says that represents $3,089 worth of extras for no change in the retail price.
What didn’t change were the Estate’s magnificent exterior and interior styling and excellent packaging – it’s a superbly crafted compact Estate in the best European tradition.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 Engine
The Mercedes-Benz C220 CDi is powered by Mercedes’ 2.1-litre, four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine. Maximum power is 125kW at 3,000rpm and peak torque of 400Nm is delivered at 1400rpm.
With average consumption of 6.3l/100kms, the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI is the most fuel-miserly of the C-Class engines. It’s also the cleanest with exhaust emissions rated at 164g/km.
Naturally, the 2.1-litre is the latest common rail, high-pressure direct injection design with the two turbochargers employed to deliver strong standing start acceleration and significant mid-range performance. Zero to 100km/h takes 7.6 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 210km/h.
Drive is to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual option.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 Interior
The interior styling of the current C-Class (and E-Class) is some of Mercedes’ finest work. While some viewed the previous generation as too conservative, Benz’ designers have responded with a thoroughly contemporary look which retains the classic Mercedes cues and inherent quality.
You notice the modern look straight away with the glorious steering wheel, which naturally adjusts for rake and reach to combine with the multi-adjustable drivers’ seat to provide a top-shelf driving position. Beautifully machined paddle shifts handle the manual changes for the five-speed ‘box (or there is Touchshift where you just tap the gearlever to shift cogs).
There is the usual conventional and conservatively stylish ‘Benz instrumentation with abundant secondary information available via a stalk control.
Mounted on the center console is the audio and controls for the three-zone climate control air-conditioning (separate temperature settings for driver and passenger). The audio is an excellent Bluetooth and MP3-enabled six-disc CD system with a five-inch colour monitor and keypad for entering telephone numbers.
The center console is nicely finished in brushed alloy and piano black lacquer-look.
As the Mercedes-Benz C220 is a compact, rear legroom isn’t enormous however the seats are nicely supportive.
And of course, the abundant leather upholstery rounds out a sophisticated passenger compartment.
Out back, notwithstanding the Mercedes-Benz C220 estate’s compact 4.58-letre length, the Maestros at ‘Benz have done a remarkable job for load-carrying with a capacity from 485 litres (rear seat in place) to 1500 litres with the 1/3:2/3 split-fold seat folded. With an available length of 2.82 metres, Mercedes says the C-Class Estate can accommodate up to four full-size golf bags – that’s impressive for a compact.
Naturally, the tailgate opens and closes electronically.
And of course, safety features abound, including NECK-PRO active front head restraints and nine airbags.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 Exterior & Styling
With the Mercedes-Benz C220 standout styling as a starting point, the Mercedes-Benz stylists have delivered a purposeful looking Estate version that stylishly blends the wagon rear end in a thoroughly modern overall look. The black-finished C-pillar somewhat disguises the wagon rear and from the side, the Mercedes-Benz C220 Estate looks great.
As part of the 2010 upgrades, ‘Benz has adopted standard fitment of the previous ‘Avantgarde’ front-end styling which – for the first time in an Estate model – sees the sporty, aggressive front grille with the large three-pointed star badge mounted on the center.
At the rear, the rakishly curved D-pillar translates into a superb rear tailgate and the whole package is highlighted by the usual, large ‘Benz rear lights.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 On The Road
Combine refinement with sharpness and precision and you get an idea of the Mercedes-Benz C220 Estate’s superb on-road dynamics. The ‘Benz wagon rides on a complex three-link front/multi-link rear independent suspension and 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels (7.5 inches wide at the front and 8.5 inches wide at the rear).
Amongst the armada of ‘Benz safety features and driver aids such as BAS (brake assist system), ESP and PRE-SAFE is AGILITY CONTROL for the suspension and steering.
For the suspension, the hydro-mechanical system adjusts damping according to road speed – providing a more compliant ride at low speed and firming things up as the pace quickens. For the speed-sensitive power steering, the steering gear is positioned 80mm in front of the front wheel centers – ‘Benz says this provides more predictable steering responses.
All of this technology translates into a brilliantly precise and sporty drive – even in an Estate. As you would expect, noise levels inside are supremely low and even at the limit, the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI is refined and balanced.
The 2.1-litre turbo-diesel is nicely matched to the transmission but with the cruise control set, it often shifts down a cog or two to maintain speed when climbing hills. Same around town when accelerating into gaps in the traffic – we found shifting manually kept things ticking along with ease.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 Challenges
The Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI does everything you would expect of a Mercedes-Benz Estate and while the fuel economy of the 2.1-litre engine is beyond reproach, responsiveness at low engine speeds is sometimes lacking.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 Verdict
As competent, refined and glamorous as all other ‘Benz Estates, the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI delivers the technology, safety and luxury you would expect from the German giant – wrapped in a brilliantly styled wagon body. Practicality and load carrying also get a big tick.
2010 Mercedes-Benz C220 Competition
Rivals from Audi and BMW are impressive but neither of those company’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesels match the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI for power or torque and they’re also short in load-carrying capacity.
If the dollars for the Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI are a stretch, both the Volvo V50 and Volkswagen Passat wagon are nice European Estates.
Likes:
Magnificent styling; glorious interior; large cargo area
Dislikes:
Turbo-diesel works hard but is economical and quiet
