What you see here is the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It first debuted well over a year ago. But due to the challenges cooked by the pandemic, the carmaker’s Indian branch couldn’t bring the model in question anytime sooner. The new C-Class has arrived in three guises – C 200 (petrol), C 220d and C 300d (both diesel). While the former two are available in the Avantgarde spec, the last one comes in AMG Line. Here’s the price list:

• C 200 – INR 55 lakh
• C 220d – INR 56 lakh
• C 300d – INR 61 lakh

Let’s round up the mechanical stuff first. The only petrol variant comes with a 1.5-litre turbocharged heart that pumps out 201bhp/300Nm. Moving to the diesel derivatives, they both have the same basic engine – a turbocharged 2.0-litre unit. But, where it produces 197bhp/440Nm in the C 220d version, it puts out 261bhp/550Nm in the range-topping C 300d. No matter which powerplant you settle for, it’ll come with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. That aids the internal combustion engine with an extra 15bhp/200Nm. And yes, as before, the drive goes to the back.

Both C 200 and C 220d variants can hit 100kmph from nothing in 7.3 seconds, whereas the C 300d needs just 5.7 seconds. Top speed? Well, the most powerful of the lot can clock 250kmph. The C 200, on the other hand, can hit 246kmph. That’s just 1kmph more than what the C 220d can manage. However, the mileage section is where the C 220d comes on top. With a claimed 23kmpl, it can deliver 2.63kmpl more than the C 300d and a whopping 6.10kmpl extra over the C 200.

With the numbers game over, let’s now focus on the list of features. It includes a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, an 11.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless mobile charging, a panoramic sunroof and powered front seats with memory function. Other features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two-zone automatic climate control, connected-car tech, fingerprint sensor for driver profiles, and a 360-degree camera are also available.

So, there you go. The all-new C-Class has really taken the game to a whole new level, especially in terms of features and engines. It renews the rivalry with the Jaguar XE, Volvo S60, BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4. Out of the lot, which one would you take home?