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Mod Note: BHPian Arnav612's Mercedes-Benz C200 (W205) Ownership Review has been taken live at this link. Please continue the discussion over on the new thread. Thanks!
Mercedes-Benz India has launched the 2015 C-Class (W205) at Rs 40.9 Lakh (Ex-Showroom Delhi).
The C 200 petrol AVANTGARDE is the only model available in India for now. It is powered by a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 bhp @ 5,500 rpm and 300 Nm of torque from 1200-1400 rpm. The power is directed to the rear wheels via a 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission.
Mercedes-Benz claims the C 200 will manage the 0-100 km/h sprint in 7.3 seconds. The top speed is 235 km/h and the claimed fuel economy is 14.74 km/l. The car also gets the "AGILITY SELECT " drive experience switch. This enables drivers to choose between Comfort, Economy, Sport, Sport+, or Individual drive modes.
The new C-Class features a completely new design that resembles the W222 S-Class. The interior has gone through a complete redesign as well. The feature list includes front power seats with the memory function, 3 zone automatic climate control, rear view camera, push button start and ambient lighting with 3 colour settings.
The C 200 AVANTGARDE also features a 13 speaker Burmester sound system, a touch pad to use the infotainment system and a panoramic sunroof. Safety features include 7 airbags, PRE-SAFE, attention assist, a tyre pressure monitoring system, hill start assist, ESP, ASR, BAS & ABS.
The new C-Class will be initially sold in India as a direct import. Local production is expected to begin around March 2015. Mercedes-Benz will launch the diesel variant around the same time. The 2015 C-Class will rival the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series in India.
40.9L ex-showroom is a staggering price for the C class that too C200 petrol.
After discount it is very easy to get a 320D for 41 lakhs on road. Infact the C class pricing is probably just a couple of lakhs lesser than the 520D. I wouldn't be surprised if you can get a 520d for the same price after discounts.
I understand the three star has badge value but the pricing is pretty stratospheric.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vid6639
(Post 3588281)
40.9L ex-showroom is a staggering price for the C class that too C200 petrol.
After discount it is very easy to get a 320D for 41 lakhs on road. Infact the C class pricing is probably just a couple of lakhs lesser than the 520D. I wouldn't be surprised if you can get a 520d for the same price after discounts.
I understand the three star has badge value but the pricing is pretty stratospheric.
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Well, 520d is still a little more distance away in pricing, but the E200 is even closer. logically, a C200 buyer will look at E200 and start negotiating for discounts. I expect the C to be on discounts very soon, or for them to launch some cheaper versions to move away from E
Mercedes is trying to set a price benchmark here and it won't be long before BMW and Audi follow suit. Expect a price rise for the competitor brands soon. However, interestingly, ours is a market where there are givers and takers. Even with the staggering price, the new C will sell. There will be continued takers for the all-new A4 and the 3 series at the new/increased prices.
The 1 series, the GLA, the A3, the Q3, the upcoming 2 series, the CLA are all there / will be there to fill the price void left by their bigger brothers.
Coming back to new C, it looks fabulous. I'm glad Mercedes has revamped its design language. So fresh and suave!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vid6639
(Post 3588281)
40.9L ex-showroom is a staggering price for the C class that too C200 petrol.
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Wow, the segment is now officially above 40 lakhs. Pretty steep even if its the fully loaded version, that too petrol. I was kind of expecting this because the recently launched GLA200 was priced at 36 lakhs, and the C would anyway command a premium over the smaller crossover.
The prices of these cars are staggering. A fully loaded Hyundai Santa Fe costs around 36.5 lakhs OTR in Bangalore. Which in itself is way too high for a brand like Hyundai.Looking at the ex-showroom price of the C200, it is very likely to be close to the 50 lakh mark (OTR) in Bangalore. Bizarre really!
Maybe prices will drop once the C-class are brought in through the CKD route. Currently they come in as CBU.
I still can't understand why this model couldn't provide a full size spare wheel when the previous C offered this. It is after all only bigger than the outgoing version, although very different design of course. Real bummer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Axe77
(Post 3588344)
I still can't understand why this model couldn't provide a full size spare wheel when the previous C offered this. It is after all only bigger than the outgoing version, although very different design of course. Real bummer.
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I believe the new C in International markets comes with runflat tyres, hence there is no provision.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fine69
(Post 3588369)
Is this going to be the import from South Africa? From the comments section of this article it looks like most folks aren't happy with the product quality coming out of South African plant.
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Current W205 imports into India are from Germany.
Do note cost before duties / taxes in only Rs. 11.88 lakhs compared to the launch price of Rs 40.90 lakhs i.e. almost 3.5 times.
Source:
https://www.zauba.com/import-mercedes-c200-hs-code.html
This is a brilliant package ! Pricing could have been better but not too bad given the level of kit it has. It does feel leagues ahead of the 3 series, even makes the E feel under equipped.
I hope they bring down the prices slightly when the CKD version is launched without removing features as they usually do.
If the Zauaba values are true, there is some serious under invoicing going on. The goverment should crack down on this. Earlier BMW was caught on the same but the news eventually fizzled out.
Quote:
Do note cost before duties / taxes in only Rs. 11.88 lakhs compared to the launch price of Rs 40.90 lakhs i.e. almost 3.5 times.
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Quote:
If the Zauaba values are true, there is some serious under invoicing going on. The goverment should crack down on this.
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Assessable values of Imports is based on Transfer Rates between Parent company & Indian branch & has not much to do with selling prices ( these are typically production cost prices without any overheads ) , this especially in Auto segment is a grey area , nowhere in world C Class is sold at Euro 15,000 that too with such high features . They are transferring these units at much lower rates to save on duties and taking off the profits from India by way of royalties instead of paying higher custom & excise duties . New transfer pricing laws are under review under which prices will have to be based on arms length computation, expect prices of CBU's to rise even further :(
Could it be that premium players are trying to position their earlier entry level sedans (Mercedes C class, BMW 3 series and Audi A4) a bit higher in price with launch of other smaller models siting below 40 lakhs.
Would be keen to hear out the thoughts of other members.
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