Still turning heads: Mercedes-Benz C Class

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new electric C-Class at its global launch last week, drawing mixed reactions to its updated design language. Before the next chapter arrives, we spent time behind the wheel of the current, fifth-generation C-Class — a model rolling off the production line at the Mercedes-Benz plant in Ku Gompo City. One thing I love about the exterior is that Mercedes-Benz transformed it from its entry-level and basic-looking sedan to a luxurious-looking model while keeping it as its bread and butter. It’s impressive because the C-Class has refinement and elegance. It is also a head-turner. The C-Class leans far into the design of being a baby S-Class and that’s why it stands out from previous generations. The feeling inside a Mercedes-Benz is unparalleled. Through the styling and feel, the brand is the best at making you feel like you are in a luxury vehicle. While I felt that from the atmosphere in the car, thanks to the screens and ambience lighting, I had an AMG-Line package equipped on the test car, which meant a bright red and black interior, with more red than black. I understand that the AMG-line is supposed to add sporty elements but I am not a fan of that amount of red. At the end of the day, I was driving a regular C 200 and not a sporty performance-based C63. It didn’t deplete the comfort by any means but it felt a tad off from the mood of the car. If you do purchase a C-Class, the seats are optional extras so it won’t be automatically included. Other than that, it is premium as the interior is defined by a high-tech, driver-centric cockpit that borrows from the flagship S-Class. The 2024 model year features the latest MBux infotainment system with a portrait-oriented central display that flows into the centre console. Too much red? The interior of the current C-Class Artico man-made leather with topstitching, complemented by carbon-fibre and the 64-colour ambient lighting outlines the dashboard, the door panels and even the air vents. The B