Mercedes recently renewed its C-Class sedan and station wagon duo, but also the adventurous All-Terrain version. An alternative to SUVs that could appeal to fans of the genre, with the Audi Allroad and Volvo CrossCountry in the sights.
Discover our notebook at the wheel of the Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain, in its 220d diesel version. Strengths, weaknesses, technical sheet…
What is it about ?
The designated rival of the Audi A4 Allroad, the Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain is the “baroudeur station wagon” version of the Etoile saloon renewed in 2021. It is available with two 48V micro-hybrid engines: 204 hp C200 petrol from €55,750 and 200 hp C220d diesel from €59,150.
Links to other tests of the same model:
Interior
Finishing : correct despite some hard plastics at the bottom of the console. Very good soundproofing despite non-laminated glazing.
Position and ergonomics: very good driving position thanks to the wide range of adjustments when the seats are electric and with memory. Central screen slightly turned towards the driver and in portrait format. On the other hand, disappointing ergonomics, especially for the all-touch controls: the buttons on the steering wheel, the ceiling light (lights and sunroof) or even the shortcuts under the touch screen are difficult to understand. It lacks haptic feedback and it’s not uncommon to push the volume up two notches instead of one.
Space on board: good knee and head space in the back.
Storage and trunk: rather limited storage spaces at the front, with storage bins for small bottles in the door trims and a small storage compartment closed by a flap on the center console, in place of the gear lever (placed behind the steering wheel as a wiper stalk). Trunk volume very close to that of an Audi A4 Allroad (495 to 1,495 litres) or a Volvo V60 Cross Country (519 to 1,431 litres).
Connectivity: 12.3-inch and 11.9-inch screens with impeccable definition. Lots of features stored in menus and submenus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are easily displayed on the central screen.
Comfort and pleasure
Amortization : very comfortable, you can hardly feel the deformations of the road and other potholes despite the absence of piloted suspension. On very smooth highways, you could even imagine yourself on a magic carpet!
Direction : little feeling, light and rather unremarkable steering, even in Sport or Individual mode.
Engine/transmission approval: smooth engine, good performance (0 to 100 km/h in 7.8 s) and lively pick-up. Neat acoustic comfort for a diesel, despite some surges during sharper acceleration. Responsive nine-speed automatic transmission despite a few jerks on start-up. Engine shutdown below 10 km/h during deceleration thanks to micro-hybridization.
Prix
Equipment: correct level of equipment at entry level (11.9-inch touch screen with Carplay and Android Auto, dual-zone air conditioning, keyless start) but still many options to add by leafing through the catalog: panoramic roof at €1,700, pack Premium at €3,750 with Digital Light matrix lights, augmented reality navigation, keyless access, active ambient lighting and electric and heated front seats.
Consumption : 6.5 liters on a mixed road-motorway-city trip, but a small 40-litre tank (compared to 66 liters for other engines)
Prizes and bonuses/penalties: Hefty bill (from €59,150) but within the competition spectrum: Audi A4 Allroad from €53,200, Volvo V60 Cross Country from €61,250
Our opinion
WE love
- Comfort and quiet operation
- Space on board
- Healthy driving…
We love less
- …but little dynamism
- Ergonomics could be improved
- Declining quality of finish
Verdict
Very comfort-oriented, the C-Class All-Terrain will appeal to lovers of the SUV look who prefer to drive low and want space on board. On the other hand, it will be necessary to get used to the complicated touch controls to apprehend…
Technical sheet
Model tested: Mercedes C220d All-Terrain 4Matic
Price (from): €59,150
Model tested (with options): €69,950
Average manufacturer consumption / during the test: 5.0 l/100 km / 6.5 l/100 km
Engine: 2.0 four-cylinder diesel
Transmission: all-wheel (4Matic), 9-speed automatic transmission
Power: 200 hp (+ 20 hp electric boost)
Couple : 440 Nm
Poids (kg) : 1 875
Length (m): 4.87
Chest for 5 / for 2 (l): 490 / 1,510
Photos : DR.
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