[TusharK]

Mercedes-Benz will be introducing the C 300 petrol in the Indian market later this year. The new petrol variant will replace the C 300d in Q2 of 2024.



The C 300 will be powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a mild-hybrid system and a 9-speed automatic gearbox. This engine produces 254 BHP with an additional 23 BHP provided by the mild-hybrid system. Peak torque is rated at 400 Nm, which is 150 Nm less than the C 300d.

Reports suggest that the India-spec C 300 will have a tweaked suspension setup. The suspension will be raised to increase the overall ground clearance of the vehicle. Mercedes might also soften the suspension for improved ride comfort.

Santosh Iyer, CEO & MD of Mercedes-Benz India, said, “Diesel demand is shrinking, especially in cities like Delhi-NCR. I think it is driven more by fear than a rational reason, but there’s an increased preference for petrol among customers.” He added, “We see almost 70% are petrols, but for SUVs, it’s diesels that make up the majority 60%. So, it’s different depending on the segment.”

Like the C 300d, the upcoming C 300 petrol might also be offered in a single, full-loaded AMG line variant.

Source: Autocar India

Link to Team-BHP news

[SilverSmoke]

This is same engine launched with GLC 300 some time ago. I hope they don't install cheap reflector headlamps as they did with GLC 300.

[Livnletcarsliv]

C300d was really an enthusiast's car though still the benchmark is the M340i. It is definitely a welcome move by the 3 star brand to replace the diesel with a petrol one. However, the 300d's stiffer and lower suspension was a significant complimentary factor to the powertrain which is where its enthusiastic character is derived from. By giving a soft and high suspension (more focussed towards comfort), the C300 petrol is neither here not there. A fast car with a high and soft suspension is a failed marriage. I am not sure of the real USP of C300 in this case and the rationale behind such an offering from Mercedes.

[B747fan]

Originally Posted by SilverSmoke

This is same engine launched with GLC 300 some time ago. I hope they don't install cheap reflector headlamps as they did with GLC 300.

This will offer the same kit as the erstwhile C300d. So expect the top-of-the-line "Digital Light" system that was offered with the C300d. The base C200 and C220d get "LED High Performance" system instead, which is the cheaper of the two.

[mudhasir]

The engine is very much in-line with 330 Li. While I believe 330 Li is a better car, it will be interesting to see the price difference between the two if Merc matches 330 Li or overprices it as usual. One positive update with this definitely is the increase in GC which is painfully low in current C220d and C200. GC was the sole reason for me to rule out C class and book 320 Ld

[Pyrotek]

This is a welcome move and might see the C class finally realise it's full potential this generation. I have driven both the C220d and the C200 and I missed the visual jazz of the AMG line trim but - more importantly - the effortless performance and refinement one gets from a 2 litre turbo petrol with 250+ bhp on tap. The raised ground clearance will make this car more practical to live with on a daily basis too. Hope Mercedes prices this within 2-3 lakhs of the C200 to make it compelling. I would be interested in seeing a monthly sales comparison between the C class and the 3 series LWB. I would not be surprised if it's the BMW leading.

[Cresterk]

Originally Posted by Livnletcarsliv

C300d was really an enthusiast's car though still the benchmark is the M340i. It is definitely a welcome move by the 3 star brand to replace the diesel with a petrol one. However, the 300d's stiffer and lower suspension was a significant complimentary factor to the powertrain which is where its enthusiastic character is derived from. By giving a soft and high suspension (more focussed towards comfort), the C300 petrol is neither here not there. A fast car with a high and soft suspension is a failed marriage. I am not sure of the real USP of C300 in this case and the rationale behind such an offering from Mercedes.

Was it really? Current generation W206 C class has painfully low ground clearance compared to previous gen. I think they just brought over the euro spec suspension without any tweaks which is a definite no-no for India.

I pride myself for living in an area where the speed breakers are comparatively small sized and I have taken both the 320LD and previous gen c220d over them carelessly and never scraped. However W206 would hit the bottom very harshly no matter how gently I went unless I did a Lamborghini like sideways crawl. I don’t even know how people living in areas with large speed breakers would deal with it.

This is the right move in my opinion, atleast on the non-amg variants.

[84.monsoon]

This is a lame move. The BMW 330i offers the same level of power as well as an extended wheelbase, including the top end MSport package at a lower price point. I do not see any point in buying this over the 330Li. Mercedes should have stuck with the powerful diesel as it was a unique offering at a time where Diesel cars are being constantly detuned and dumbed down, as we saw with the new X1.

[Axe77]

Slowclap for Mercedes.

So basically what should be ‘par for course’ specs in this segment (i.e. ~255 bhp 4 cylinder) is now the “performance version” of the C for Mercedes.

If you want a 4 cylinder petrol, you can have a more fun to drive petrol with similar specs PLUS much greater comfort via the LWB 3 series Li variant.

If you want what is actually a proper 6 cylinder high performance petrol, BMW has you the M340i. In the entry sedan luxury segment, BMW has Mercedes properly beat - a more comfortable comparably powerful 330Li and a properly powerful segment topping 6 cylinder M 340i. For once, BMW is the better option for both the enthusiast as well as the chauffeur driven owner. There’ll be no significant price advantage either for picking the Mercedes, I’m pretty sure of that.

[Livnletcarsliv]

Originally Posted by Cresterk

Was it really? Current generation W206 C class has painfully low ground clearance compared to previous gen. I think they just brought over the euro spec suspension without any tweaks which is a definite no-no for India.

This is the right move in my opinion, atleast on the non-amg variants.

Well, GC is different topic all together. The C300d was a monster with 550Nm and 265hp. Point to note is that the C300d was available in India in the AMG trim. So obviously, it will be lower than the normal C.

While I say that, it definitely makes sense to give the raised suspension in the normal C (C200, C220d). But how can it make sense to make C300 (which is a replacement for C300d) more comfort oriented when you already have the lower variants of C and 20L more expensive E? What is the target audience for the C300 - Chauffeur driven or driver focussed?

[Cresterk]

Originally Posted by Livnletcarsliv

Well, GC is different topic all together. The C300d was a monster with 550Nm and 265hp. Point to note is that the C300d was available in India in the AMG trim. So obviously, it will be lower than the normal C.

I'm was talking about the normal C220d. All variants of the new C class are significantly lower than the previous generation C class as well as the current 3 series.

[itwasntme]

Will sell mostly in NCR I’m guessing. There are many potential buyers who will buy a Mercedes Benz ONLY as nothing else will do.

You can dangle any number of horsepower and features but to them a MB is a MB!

[Vid6639]

Actually knowing the reduction in diesel this makes sense. The C200 was far from enthusiast level of performance with 1.5L engine and with the 330i, Mercedes didn't really have any offering as people would still choose the BMW. The diesel was a hard sell due to price and the fear of buying diesel.


This is their most powerful engine unless you get the C43AMG which will again shoot up in price.

The C300D replacement to C300 is fine but the issue has always been the price of the C class. The C200 itself is 70+ on road and this will breach 80L I'm sure. At that price point you have the M340i which is where the problem lies.

Pricing for the Mercs seriously needs to be more rationalised. Not like the 3 series is VFM and priced well either but the C class is atrocious pricing.

[CEF_Beasts]

Mercedes Benz India has launched the C300 Petrol in AMG Line at ₹69 Lakhs

- 2.0L 4cyl petrol
- 258hp and 400Nm
- 9 Speed AT gearbox
- AMG Line exterior body kit and interior styling package.

A few new colours have also been added, along with updated to the C200 and C220d like 360° camera and heated + ventilated front seats.

The 330Li MSport Pro (with the same power and torque figures and much better rear seat space + comfort) is priced at ₹62.60 Lakh ex-showroom and the M340i is just ₹4 Lakhs more expensive ex-showroom than the C300 for reference.

Mercedes-Benz is clearly the Toyota of the luxury segment, they raise the price bar a segment higher, no one bats an eyelid and next thing we know is competitors following suit with similar price hikes…

[ramki.grandhi]

Originally Posted by CEF_Beasts

Mercedes-Benz is clearly the Toyota of the luxury segment, they raise the price bar a segment higher, no one bats an eyelid

Unfortunately Mercedes didn't learn reliability aspect from Toyota though, they've followed Toyota only for pricing strategy