The 2021 Mercedes Benz C-Class packs some serious features, sitting alongside its bigger brother the S-Class, the 2021 C-class looks like a baby S-Class. But is that all?

The longer wheelbase and the new headlight, tail light assembly design make for a new sharp C-Class we have never seen before. Like never before, the C-Class will also come with hybrid versions and it is official that there will be no V6 or V8 configuration for the C-Class.

But how does the 2021 Mercedes Benz C-Class do against the competition? Does its bigger brother share all of his great features with this generation C-Class?

Related: The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Is Longer, Wider And Truly Shines On The Inside

C-Class History

W220_Same_as_W203

The story begins with the W201, greatly known as the 190D. Mercedes-Benz opted to target a different type of buyer as their W124 and W123 proved to be bulletproof but not compact sedans. Mercedes had nothing to compete against the BMW 3 Series and Audi's growing A4. Mercedes entered in what would be one of their best-selling models, the C generation. The compact sedan saw great sales in Europe and dominated the US market with the release of newer models.

The second-generation C-Class was also very successful and was known as the most reliable C-Class money could buy. The third-gen W203 and W204 are where Mercedes saw great sales numbers in the U.S, and the  W205 has been a successful and great compact sedan as well. But with the release of the W206, it looks like all that we have seen from the C-Class history will now change. None of the previous Mercedes Benz C-Class models had rear heated seats or came with a hybrid model, and most importantly each C-Class gives buyers a budget entry to the Mercedes Benz family.

The S-Class is the flagship sedan Mercedes makes and the most luxurious one you could ever buy. It always gets the longest wheelbase and spacious interior packed with all the latest names of technology. Now, the C-Class will share some of the high-end options of the S-Class but optimized to fit their smaller wheelbase.

Related: Battle Of The Luxury Crown: Mercedes-Benz S Class Vs Lexus LS

S-Class Baby Shark

Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-2022
Via: netcarshow.com

Mercedes has already released the W223 and it’s out on the roads. If we take a deep dive into it and into what Mercedes has done to the C-Class we would come up to the conclusion that the C is just a shrunk S-Class paired with a 4-cylinder.

Inside the 2021 Mercedes C-Class, you can see the redesigned interior. What brings the most changes is the elegant center console which blends with the huge touchscreen infotainment system. This is the same design you would find at the S-Class and they both use the same Mercedes software, with the exception that the S-Class gets to enjoy some more quirks and features like disco ambient lighting while the C-Class buyers have to pay an extra to get the 64 ambient lighting colors.

The interior of the car gives the same feeling and premium touch of an S-Class, the steering wheel is the same and features the same buttons and functionalities. The digital dashboard and Mercedes Voice assistant are as amenable as they were designed to be. Furthermore, the C-Class now features full massage seats for the driver and passenger and rear heated seats, an option we had never seen before on the C-Class. Other honorable mentions that make the W206 a baby-shark S-Class are the taillights and headlights, which all come in standard LED with one beam for the C-Class, two for the E-Class and three for the S-Class. 

But enough of comparison with the S-Class and let's dive into some more details that make the 2022 C-Class the best luxury compact sedan.

Related: 10 Of The Best Luxury Cars On The Market Right Now

2022: More Features And Special Design Against The Competition

BmwVsCClass
Via: bmwblog.com

The compact-sedan race back in the 2000s was totally different as Mercedes was only competing against BMW and Audi, other automakers like Honda and Toyota didn’t bring something interesting to the table unless buyers would go and buy their luxury models like the Acura and Lexus. Design and innovation have now changed and each automaker is competing tightly in this market segment, as it is one of the most successful luxury segments worldwide.

The 2022 C-Class now features a longer wheelbase which makes for more passenger legroom and headroom.  The designers have reduced lines to a minimum, which accentuates the so-called catwalk line or shoulder line even more. Other features producing the sporty, superior appearance include the wide track and the flush 17- to 19-inch wheels in modern designs. Fake exhaust tips are trending and you find them in the 2022 C-Class. The front-end for the Avantgarde models features a more aggressive front bumper and there are additional decorative elements in the louvers, while the radiator grille and front apron feature chrome surround.

Related: Ranking The 10 Best BMW "M" Models To Buy Used

Engines And First Time Seen Diesel With An Integrated Starter-Generator

Mercedes-Benz-C-Class-2022-engines-ISG
Via: netcarshow.com

As mentioned, Mercedes decided to take away V6 and V8 engines for the C-Class and integrate hybrid powertrains for the C-Class. All powertrains will come standard with a 9-speed Automatic transmission and top of the line engine will be the C300.

All engines are planned to come as nothing but electrified and turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, based on M 254 for gas engines and M654 for diesel-powered engines. Both will come with an integrated starter generator (ISG)  that makes 22HP and will be responsible for driving up to speeds of 80 mph. Output measures for the C300 are 255 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,000 rpm and 3,200 rpm and acceleration time of 0-60 mph is 5.9 seconds.

Based on Mercedes Benz the new ISG will integrate to the 9-speed auto to increase fuel efficiency, assists propulsion at low speeds, boosts maximum power when accelerating hard, and allows the engine to shut off for extended periods when coasting down hills or approaching a stop at an intersection.

With all these quirks and features, the 2022 C-Class will be the cheapest doorway to ultimate luxury and unmatched features in the segment, making the C-Class the best entry-level luxury sedan in the market.

Next: The Truth About EVs: They Aren't As Good For The Environment As You Might Think