Fuel consumption: Mercedes Benz C220 BlueTEC (W205 / MY2014)

Model (Code / Model Year): Mercedes Benz C220 BlueTEC (W205 / MY2014)

Engine: OM 651 DE 22 LA 4-cylinder diesel engine (2143cm³)  Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission - 7G-TRONIC PlusPerformance: 170hp / 400Nm0 to 100km/h: 7,4 secTop speed: 233km/hWeight: 1470 kg Fuel tank (US gallons): 41 liters (10.83 US gallons)

In the video I did a test of the consumption at different speeds. Aim of this test is not to give an exact specification of the fuel consumption of this car, but to show an approximation of the fuel consumption under real life circumstances. As the result also depends on tyres, size of the rims, road condition, weather and equipment that may alter the exact weight of the car, your personal experience may differ from mine.

Fuel consumption: Mercedes Benz C180 (W205 / MY2016)

Model (Code / Model Year): Mercedes Benz C180 (W205 / MY2016)

Engine: M 274 DE 16 AL  - 4-cylinder petrol engine (1595 cm3)  Transmission: 6-speed manual transmissionPerformance: 156hp / 250Nm0 to 100km/h: 8,2 secTop speed: 225km/h (141mp/h)Weight: 1395kgFuel tank (US gallons): 66 liters (17.44 US gallons)

The video below shows the approximate fuel consumption at different (constant) speeds. However, I drove this particular car for 1.500 kilometer on regular driving in different driving conditions. This resulted in a calculated fuel consumption during this trip averaged out at 7.45l / 100km.

In the video I did a test of the consumption at different speeds. Aim of this test is not to give an exact specification of the fuel consumption of this car, but to show an approximation of the fuel consumption under real life circumstances. As the result also depends on tyres, size of the rims, road condition, weather and equipment that may alter the exact weight of the car, your personal experience may differ from mine.

Video update: Mercedes Benz C180 (W205 / MY2016)

Model (Code / Model Year): Mercedes Benz C180 (W205 / MY2016)

Engine: M 274 DE 16 AL  - 4-cylinder petrol engine (1595 cm3)  Transmission: 6-speed manual transmissionPerformance: 156hp / 250Nm0 to 100km/h: 8,2 secTop speed: 225km/h (141mp/h)Weight: 1395kgFuel tank (US gallons): 66 liters (17.44 US gallons)

Video update: Mercedes Benz C220 BlueTEC (W205 / MY2014)

Model (Code / Model Year): Mercedes Benz C220 BlueTEC (W205 / MY2014)

Engine: OM 651 DE 22 LA 4-cylinder diesel engine (2143cm³)  Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission - 7G-TRONIC PlusPerformance: 170hp / 400Nm0 to 100km/h: 7,4 secTop speed: 233km/hWeight: 1470 kg 

Video update: Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde (2012 / W204)

Some time ago we posted a blog with pictures about the a 2012 Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Facelift. In addition to the pictures, the videos on this car are posted here.

Note: pictures and more information about this Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde can be found by  clicking here.

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Flatout - Putting the pedal to the metal on the German Autobahn

For more about the Mercedes Benz C-class W204 Facelift look here:

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Calcite white:

• For videos of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde
• For more pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C180 Blue Efficiency Avantgarde
• For a full car review of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Car review Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Black uni:

• For more pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C180 Blue Efficiency Avantgarde

Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Basic Black uni:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Blue Basic

Mercedes Benz C180 Basic Black uni:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C180 Blue Basic

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic Palladium Silver Metallic:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic
• For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic

Picture update: Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde

In 2011, the Mercedes Benz C-class (introduction: 2007) has received a Facelift, called "Mopf" (Modellpflege) in German. Beside minor changes in the tail- and headlight units and the front spoiler, the major improvement is the interior section. Another change was that the standard trim, which has been known under the "Classic" name, has lost its name and usually is referred to as "standard" or "basis". Apart from the basis trim, the Elegance and Avantgarde package are still available for the C-class.

In the pictures below, you can find a  Mercedes Benz C180 in the Avantgarde trim:

Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEFFICIENCY: €33.052,25

Engine specifications:

Engine: M 274 DE 18 AL red (4-cylinder / petrol / turbocharged / 1595 cm³)

Performance: 156hp (115kW)

0 - 100km/h: 8,5 seconds

Topspeed: 225km/h

CO2-Emission: 136–149 g/km

Transmission: 6-speed "Agility Control" manual gearbox

Avantgarde Package: €2.201,50

Avantgarde Exterior

• Three-louvre radiator grille with central star
• Chrome accents
• Agility Control sports suspension
• B-pillar high-gloss black
• Exterior lighting in the rear-view mirror
• 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels

Avantgarde Interior

• Lighting package
• Trim brushed aluminium
• Attention Assist
• Avantgarde-badgje below the automatic airconditionin
• Multifunction 3-spoke steering wheel with a 11,4cm multi-function display in the instrument panel
• Instrument panel with 3 analog instruments with chrome rings and a silver clock face

Standard black non-metallic paint: €0

Trim brushed aluminium: €0

Cloth/Artico artificial leather upholstery: €0

• 2-Zone automatic airconditioning "Thermatic": €0
• Front seats heated: €380,80
• Through loading rear seats: €309,40 
• Telephone pre-wiring with hands-free facility: €523,60
• Comfort Telephone: €416,50
• Becker® MAP PILOT: €892,50
• Parktronic: €833,00
• LED daytime running lights: €351,05
• Audio 20 and 6-disc CD changer: €357,00
• Media Interface including Consumer-Cable Kit (iPod-, USB- and Aux-cable): €261,80 

Total price: €39.279,85

Prices are for the German market, January 2013

Some pro's and con's on the Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEFFICIENCY Avantgarde:

Pro:

• Petrol engine runs smooth
• The Avantgarde Package is an excellent upgrade of both the exterior and interior
• The Mopf (or Facelift) was a major quality upgrade for the interior, which gives it a more refined and luxury feeling

Con:

• Parktronic only sounds when the object is near, otherwise only a visual warning is given
• The engine consumes too much fuel even when driving at moderate speeds
• Becker® MAP PILOT does its navigating job satisfactory, but its interface seems outdated and not the most user friendly

For more about the Mercedes Benz C-class W204 Facelift look here:

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Calcite white:

• For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde
• For more pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C180 Blue Efficiency Avantgarde
• For a full car review of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Car review Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde

Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Basic Black uni:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Blue Basic

Mercedes Benz C180 Basic Black uni:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C180 Blue Basic

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic Palladium Silver Metallic:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic
• For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic

Fuel consumption: Mercedes Benz C180 - 1595 cm³

In 2011 Mercedes Benz introduced a facelift for its current C-class, the W204. With stricter CO2-regulations and company policies in place, downsizing is a major trend with car manufacturers. Between 11/2009 and 04/2012 the C180 had a 1796 cm³ engine, but after 04/2012 it had been downgraded to a 1595 cm³ engine, in order to cut emission and reduce fuel consumption. 

Guitigefilmpjes has hit the road in order to see how the fuel economy is and if this engine lives up to its expectations. Technical details about this engine type can be found below:

Engine: M 274 DE 16 AL 4-cylinder petrol engine (1595 cm³) 

Transmission: 6-speed "Agility Control" manual transmission
Performance: 156hp / 250nm
0 to 100km/h: 8,5sec
Top speed: 225km/h (140mp/h)
Fuel tank (US gallons): 59 liters (15.59 US gallons)

In the picture below, the ECO-mode had been engaged which enables the auto-start stop function (when standing still). The driving profile was trimmed perfectly to cut fuel consumption the most, driving almost the while trip on a secondary road at a maximum speed of 85km/h (53mp/h) with only a few stops and accelerations, combined with a few kilometers of light city traffic.  

After having drivin about 66 kilometers (41 miles) the onboard computer displayed an average consumption of 5,5l / 100km (42,77 mpg US). Considering that the fuel consumption for this route is specified by Mercedes Benz at 4,7l / 100km, the result is merely 0,8l / 100km off. 

As this result has been achieved by trying to drive as economically as possible under the best circumstances (almost no braking + acceleration) I think that it is not possible to reach the figure of 4,7l /100km. 

The second picture displays the average fuel consumption for several trips combined. The driving profile was divided by 15% Autobahn (fast), 40% highway, 10% inner city and 45% secondary road using the `normal` driving mode. 
After having drivin about 2791 kilometers (1744 miles) the onboard computer displayed an average consumption of 7.0l / 100km (33,6 mpg US). Considering that Mercedes Benz states that its average consumption for a combined driving profile is 5.8l / 100km, the gap widens as `heavier` driving conditions (lots of braking and acceleration in the city, fast runs on the Autobahn) prevail.

Final thoughts: 

On paper the downsizing trend looks fine, emissions and fuel consumption are reduced, while performance stays the same or is slightly increased. However, the engines are optimized to perform the best during the test cycle, which often does not match realistic driving conditions. Therefore smaller engines do not automatically mean lower consumption, on certain conditions a larger engine can be more economical due to the fact that it does not have to develop so much power to match the same performance.

Hence, on paper the new 1595 cm³ C180 will only match the 1796 cm³ C180, not making any  noticable difference. 

Previous Fuel Consumption reports:

• Audi A4 2.0 TDI / Audi A6 3.0 TDI / Mercedes Benz E220 CDI
• BMW 530d xDrive / Mercedes Benz C220 CDI
• Mercedes Benz C180 / VW Passat 1.4 TSI / BMW 520d Touring
• Audi A6 3.0 TDI 204hp (MY2012 / C7)

Video update: Mercedes Benz C180 (W204 Facelift 2012)

In 2011, the Mercedes Benz C-class (introduction: 2007) has received a Facelift, called "Mopf" (Modellpflege) in German. Beside minor changes in the tail- and headlight units and the front spoiler, the major improvement is the interior section. Another change was that the standard trim, which has been known under the "Classic" name, has lost its name and usually is referred to as "standard" or "basis (basic".

In the link below, you can find pictures and more details about this 2012 Mercedes Benz C180 Facelift with the basic trim:

Picture update: Mercedes Benz C180

Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Walkaround - Exterior and interior shots of the car

Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Fuel Consumption Test - testing the fuel consumption under real life conditions

Picture update: Mercedes Benz C180

In 2011, the Mercedes Benz C-class (introduction: 2007) has received a Facelift, called "Mopf" (Modellpflege) in German. Beside minor changes in the tail- and headlight units and the front spoiler, the major improvement is the interior section. Another change was that the standard trim, which has been known under the "Classic" name, has lost its name and usually is referred to as "standard" or "basis (basic".

In the pictures below, you can find a  Mercedes Benz C180 with the basic trim:

Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEFFICIENCY: €33.052,25

6-speed "Agility Control" manual gear box: €0

Standard trim: €0

Obsidian black metallic: €916,30

Standard 16-inch 7 spoke alloy wheels: €0
Cloth black: €0

Comfort Multifunction Steering wheel: €178,50

3-zone climate control "Thermotronic": €702,10

Heated front seats: €380,80

Through loading rear seats: €309,40

Becker® MAP PILOT: €892,50

LED daytime running lights: €351,05
USB-connection : €?

Total price: €36.782,90

Prices are for the German market, September 2012

Mercedes Benz C-class W204 Facelift

For more about the Mercedes Benz C-class W204 Facelift look here:

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Calcite white:

• For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde
• For more pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C180 Blue Efficiency Avantgarde
• For a full car review of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Car review Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde

Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Basic Black uni:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Blue Basic

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic Palladium Silver Metallic:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic
• For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic

Car review: Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde (W204 Facelift 2012)

Technical Data

Model (Code / Model Year): Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde Facelift (W204 / 2012)

Engine: M 271 DE 18 AL red (4-cylinder / petrol / turbocharged / 1796 cm³)
Transmission: 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission
Paintwork + Interior + interior trim + wheels: Calcite white non-metallic paint + Cloth / Artico artificial leather upholstery black + Trim brushed aluminium + 16-inch 5 twin-spoke alloy wheels

Optional Equipment:

• Avantgarde package: Three-louvre radiator grille with central star, Chrome accents, Agility Control sports suspension, B-pillar high-gloss black, Exterior lighting in the rear-view mirrors, 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels, Lighting package, Trim brushed aluminium, Attention Assist, Avantgarde-badgje below the automatic airconditioning, Multifunction 3-spoke steering wheel with a 11,4cm multi-function display in the instrument panel, Instrument panel with 3 analog instruments with chrome rings and a silver clock face
• Automatic package: Automatic Transmission 7G-TRONIC PLUS, Cruise control "Speedtronic"
• Other optional equipment: 2-Zone automatic airconditioning "Thermatic", Front seats heated, Through loading rear seats, Telephone pre-wiring with hands-free facility, Comfort Telephone, Becker® MAP PILOT, Parktronic, LED daytime running lights, Audio 20 and 6-disc CD changer, Media Interface including Consumer-Cable Kit (iPod-, USB- and Aux-cable)

Performance: 156hp (115kW) / 250nm
0 to 100km/h: 8,9sec
Top speed: 223km/h (140mp/h)
Fuel consumption in liter / 100km (U.S. miles per gallon): 7,9 liter / 100 kilometer (29,8mpg / US) (click the link for the fuel consumption test)
Price (Germany): €42.078,40
F10 engines driven: C180 BlueEfficiency, C200 CDI, C220 CDI

In 2007 Mercedes Benz launched its new C-class, internally called the `W204`. Assembly of the W204 takes place at a number of production facilities around the world, most notably in Bremen / Sindelfingen in Germany, Toluca Mexico, East Londen in South Africa, but also in Egypt, Brazil and a number of places in Asia. The new C-class completed an extensive test programme that included 24 million test kilometers, making it the most tested Mercedes Benz ever before the sales start (only to be overtaken by the new 2009 E-class that was tested for 36 million kilometers).

After having been a sales succes for a number of years (1.000.000 orders had been reached on August the 2nd 2010), Mercedes Benz released photos and details of the C-class facelift, which was available to the market early 2011. Updates of the C-class facelift included a 7G-tronic PLUS automatic gearbox for the smaller engines, LED daytime running lights and taillights. A major effort was spent to redesign the interior that in order to align its design with that of the E- and S-class. 

For a picture comparison between the pre-Facelift and Facelift C-class: Mercedes Benz C-class W204 Facelift comparison.

pre-Facelift C-class

Facelift C-class

 








1. Exterior

LED-technology is the most notable difference that sets the Facelift C-class apart from its predecessor. Optional LED-daytime running lights and standard LED-technology in the taillights and revised headlight units are among the noticable changes. 

If the Avantgarde-package is ordered, as is the case with this particular Mercedes Benz C180, the exterior comes with a three-louvre radiator grille with central star, chrome accents, the B-pillar in high-gloss black, 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheel. The Avantgarde-trim gives the C-class a more sporty and modern look, compared to the more conservative standard or Elegance-trim.

White has always been a color of controversy, this C180 has been ordered with Calcite white non-metallic paint. A major advantage of the color is that it comes with no extra charge opposed to the metallic colors and suits the Avantgarde-trim. Downside of the white color is that dirt is easily to spot while the color also may be subject to a lower resale value once its popularity drops. But for what its worth, it certainly is more exciting to look at then the standard black / grey / silver that roam the streets nowadays.

Basic trim

Avantgarde trim

2. Engine, transmission and handling

From late 2009 until April 2012 the C180 was powered by the  M 271 DE 18 AL turbocharged 1796 cm³ engine, that has been replaced by the M 274 DE 16 AL turbocharged 1595 cm³ engine, following the current trend of downsizing the engines in order to reduce emissions. Yet this particular C180 was still fitted with the 1796 cm³ engine, which this part is focussing on.

As with many 4-cylinder engines nowadays, cylinders and engine displacement is downgraded but the power is increased by using a turbocharger. This makes up for the lack of torque from a small petrol engine, giving the C180 the boost needed to navigate fast through the traffic in most everyday situations. However, at higher speeds (most notably on the highway) the engines loses some of its spirit and becomes somewhat sluggish. Another drawback of turbocharged engines is that when ones uses the power and the turbocharger runs, the fuel consumption increases exponentially.

Another new feature that has been introduced with the facelift is the new 7G-tronic Plus automatic transmission, that replaces the older 5-speed automatic transmission in the lower end models. The extra gears enable lower revs at normal cruising speeds, thus reducing the fuel consumption more. As with the 6-cylinder models, the 7G-tronic Plus also works perfectly in the C180, probably being one of the best transmissions currently out there.

With the Avantgarde-package, the C-class is fitted with an Agility Control sports suspension. 
Agility Control sports suspension. Normally the C-class is more trimmed towards comfort, but the sports suspension makes the ride firmer. However it is not as "aggressive" in its handling like an Audi or BMW.

3. Interior, multimedia and communication

pre-Facelift C-class

Facelift C-class

As can be seen from the pictures above, the interior received a major upgrade in order to align the C-class more with the current design of the E-class and other recent Mercedes Benz models. The screen of the satnav has been integrated in a fixed position in the center dash, while more chrome accents and other buttons had been have been fitted into the center dash. Although plastic materials are still used in the dashboard, it now feels more upscale and modern then the pre-Facelift model. Another nice feature is the new sports steering wheel, apart from the modern impression due to the chrome accents it also feels very nice in your hands.

Another new feature is the Becker® MAP PILOT that has replaced the previous APS 50 navigation system. The hardware of the Becker Map Pilot has been integrated into the car, but altough the navi can be controlled with the cars controlled, yet the software seems to be a standalone system. Controlling this system is less intuitive as controlling the other systems and the interface seems to be somewhat outdated. What I  miss is the extra information on traffic jams etc., and the graphics are also quite basic. 
On the other hand, the system is a major improvement compared to after-market systems (like a TomTom) that cannot be controlled through the cars controllers, while it does its primary function of navigating to the destination moderately well. Compared to the more expensive COMAND-system this Becker Map Pilot is a good trade-off between quality and price, as it is much cheaper then comparable built-in systems. 

APS 50 Navigation System

COMAND Online Navigation System

Becker Map Pilot Navigation System

Other features included the Bluetooth-connection of both the phone and music on the phone, a USB-connection which also can be used to connect a music device, and a MultiMedia-connection that enables the phone to be charged. Compared to other car brands these options perform their job just as well, and they increase the comfort for the driver enough to deem them essential when ordering a in this class.


4.Optional Equipment

This section discusses (part of) the optional equipment available on the F01. Ranking from 1 (definitely a yes), 2 (nice to have, but not a minimum requirement) to 3 (not worth the money).

• Avantgarde package: Compromises of both exterior and interior features, giving the standard C-class a significant upgrade for a decent price. Ranking 1
• Automatic package: The 7G-tronic Plus is an excellent automatic gearbox, but if its of any use depends up to driver preference. Ranking 2
• 2-Zone automatic airconditioning "Thermatic": Increases comfort if there is a regular second passenger. Ranking 2
• Front seats heated: Helps to heat up cold seats rapidly and greatly increases driver comfort for a small price. Ranking 1
• Through loading rear seats: Greatly enhances the transportation capability of the car, but if regular use is required the C-class Estate might be a better option. Ranking 2
• Telephone pre-wiring with hands-free facility: Apart from the fact that hands-free calling is much safer, many countries also impose heavy fines when caught. Using the hands-free facility therefore is a wise move. Ranking 1
• Becker® MAP PILOT: If you do not want to pay for the expensive COMAND Navigation System but still require navigation, the Becker Map Pilot is a good trade-off between a basic built-in system for a small price. Ranking 1
• Parktronic: Small obstacles are easy to miss, the Parktronic helps to evade minor damages to the car. Ranking 1
• LED daytime running lights: Gives the car a more modern appearance, yet might be standard in some countries / equipment levels. Ranking 1
• Audio 20 and 6-disc CD changer: If the Media Interface is ordered a 6-disc CD changer becomes obsolete. Ranking 3
• Media Interface including Consumer-Cable Kit (iPod-, USB- and Aux-cable): Allows for a range of possibilities to connect different types of music players to the car. Ranking 1

Final thoughts:

One of the main drawbacks of the pre-Facelift C-class was its interior design, it was too overloaded with plastic that did not match the premium feel one might expect from Mercedes Benz. However Mercedes has implemented a change in strategy, also in its slogan "Das beste oder nichts" (the best or nothing), which is reflected in its current generation of cars. Not only has the premium feel of the C-class improved, it also now has a more modern look to it.

This particular C180 Avantgarde has the smallest engine and was not overloaded with options, yet it does not feel as a "starters" car. With the options it does have, it is an excellent trade-off between price and luxury. It still has an acceptable level of luxury and comfort for a car in this class, while it does not cost as much as a fully loaded V6.

The Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde is a good car and certainly worth the money.

Mercedes Benz C-class W204 Facelift media:

Mercedes Benz C180 Avantgarde Calcite white:

• For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Avantgarde
• For more pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C180 Blue Efficiency Avantgarde

Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Basic Black uni:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C200 CDI Blue Basic

Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic Palladium Silver Metallic:

• For pictures of this Mercedes Benz C-class: Picture update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic
• For videos of this particular Mercedes Benz C-class: Video update Mercedes Benz C220 CDI Basic