Mercedes-Benz is making some big changes to its C-Class sedan lineup in India. They’re replacing the current top-tier C 300d model with a new one called the C 300 petrol.
This switch is happening in the second quarter of 2024 because more people are choosing petrol cars over diesel ones, especially in the luxury sedan market.
The new C 300 petrol will have a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine. It’s expected to launch sometime in the second quarter of 2024. Mercedes-Benz India’s CEO, Santosh Iyer, says that people are preferring petrol cars more now, especially in cities like Delhi-NCR. He thinks it’s because of fear, not really for any logical reason. Iyer also mentioned that about 70 percent of sedan buyers prefer petrol, while for SUVs, it’s about 60 percent who choose diesel.
Before this change, the fifth-gen C-Class had three variants: two diesel and one petrol. But now, with the C-Class lineup reshuffling, there will be two petrol variants and only one diesel. The new C 300 petrol will have a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology. It’ll come with a 9-speed automatic gearbox, offering 258hp and 400Nm of torque. Mercedes says it can go from 0 to 100kph in just 6 seconds. The outgoing C 300d had a diesel engine with slightly more power and a faster acceleration time.
One of the issues with the C-Class was its low ground clearance. But the new C 300 petrol will have a raised suspension to fix that problem, likely making the ride more comfortable too. It’s expected to be available in a single, fully-loaded AMG Line trim, just like the outgoing C 300d. The price is estimated to be around Rs 62 lakh. In India, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class competes with the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine. The new C 300 petrol will address the low ground clearance problem and provide a comfortable ride with its raised suspension and softening.