Imagine you had 2 choices:

1. Fully loaded 2021 C300 (Existing/old body style W205).
2. Bare bones base model 2022 C300 (new body style W206).

Hypothetical considerations:

- Price is the same.
- Drivability almost identical.


Which would you choose?

 

Neither unless you are purchasing the C300 because of fuel savings. If you are going to take every options on the C300, you may take a base C43 AMG.

 

Did you test drive both, can you share with us your opinion first? Curious since we haven't got the W206 here in Canada yet (or North America in general). So I would be more biased on the W205.

 

I test drove both the C300, C450/C43 AMG.

The C300 is fuel based efficient, with a very smooth ride and peppy when you want that passing speed. The bass sound system lacks performance so that would be a needed upgrade. If you start adding all the AMG and Outer Performance AMG looks, you are pushing the car to a price that will be closer to a Base C43 AMG. Base meaning that you will not add Distronic Plus to your package or the clock or the back window screen.

 

My bad I should had mentioned I was asking op but thanks for your comments, I appreciate it. I have several pfl and fl C300 loaners while my pfl C43 was being serviced.
Yup, C300 being a 4 cylinder and not performance oriented, it makes sense to be focusing on fuel economy.
As for options, I totally agree and as such applies to the C63 as well, a loaded C43 can get you a base C63.
While we are talking, do you like the facelift C43 over the pfl (you didn't mention which one pfl or fl you test drove so I am not sure), did you get a chance to test drive one? The facelift had a softer suspension compared to pfl so it is much closer to the C300 than the pfl but being sport tuned, it is still less comfortable than the C300.

 

I realize my original post might have not been clear enough. I’ve just updated it with more info!

Solely looking compare the new C300 (w206) vs old C300 (w205).

Curious to see how many would choose a base w206 VS loaded w205

 

I see then it really comes down to if you like technology, everything is capacitive touch on the W206 so there is a lot to get used to and they don't always work. (ie. the pfl E-Class steering wheel worked much better than the facelift E-Class' steering wheel's capacitive touch as it doesn't register all the time especially when driving)

W206 is a new gen as you mentioned so there might be some glitches and stuff that needs to be sorted out over the model years. I don't recommend getting first model year cars from any car company as there is a chance that there may be problems. If you are just into the newest technology and not too concerned about needing to visit the dealership more frequently than if you bought something that reached the end of the generation or a car of which that is facelifted (so mid way through its lifecycle)

 

I would pick the w206 soley for look of the interior. Not digging the exterior. CLA rearend looks so much better.

 

Thanks! I personally fall into the group of people that wants to avoid spending time at the dealership ironing out the initial issues. Unless MB wants to give me something for being a “beta tester”

Same here, the exterior doesn’t do nearly as much for me as the interior.

I was looking at the MB Germany configurator and looking at the new base 2022 and boy oh boy… I really hope they don’t send those to North America

 

I'm a really big fan of the styling of the W205 both interior and exterior. If you can get a fully optioned out 2021 C300 at a reasonable price, I would do that over the W206.

 

Please define base. A/C, power windows, power mirrors, rims or wheel covers? Fake exhaust tips? Do you have a picture of the subject W206. I choose W206 but dont give me ugly rims, wheel covers, or fake exhaust tips. I need more information about this W206 I need a picture. I saw the interior its beautiful all digital.

 

Get ready for this beauty...

It is the absolute base C300 available on the German MB site. I highly doubt it would make it to the US market, but who knows. Seems to have the essential creature comforts (A/C, power windows, etc).

 

I don't live in the US I live in Lebanon. Our exclusive dealer imports from Germany only. I am little reluctant and I feel why you made this thread. The exterior of this W206 is average the interior is nice. Is the C300 AMG line?

 

Seems like Germany has:

- Standard (photos above)
- Avantgarde
- AMG Line

Looking at your regional market website, it seems like you will only have the Avantgarde or AMG Line: https://www.mercedes-benz-mena.com/e...cg.module.html

I think most markets would probably have the Avantgarde package as their base offering along with some regional adjustments like usual. For example, Germany has the sunroof as optional, but it has been a standard feature in the US market for a long time now.

But yes, to your question... this comparison for me is really thinking between a fully loaded w205 C300 (AMG Line, Premium, Parking, Panoramic Roof, etc.) VS a very basic w206 C300 (Standard package in Germany or the very base available in your country).

Thank you to everyone who has replied thus far!

 

I don't mind that base look actually, it looks better than the base C300 W205 without amg line oh and base to the point of having those halogen lights (imo) although got to admit the amg line does make the car look better. I also appreciate having a "second screen" for the climate controls incase the main infotainment screen fails but since they are probably connected to the same system, if one fails I guess the other will fail as well. Oh, and I prefer the steering wheel on the base vehicle compared to the amg line one. Those wheels however, if that isn't a crime I don't know what is. (imo)

 

To answer your question on which one do we suggest you should go for, I would need some help from you by answering the previous question : Do you like technology, screens and capacitive touch interfaces or you like old school buttons? Another thing is if you are willing to wait. Since you said you are in North America, the wait is going to be quite a long one, at least till spring next year. Not to mention, chip shortage will impact the available options on the car (W206) (I am sure you would at least option something and not completely base, ie. an upgraded colour although chip shortage wouldn't affect that)

 

Fair enough, that is a very reasonable request given the amount of money spent on these cars.

 

Thanks for your take on it! I also wholeheartedly agree with the wheels... I really hope we don't get those here

Thanks, I really appreciate you trying to help! Too late for me, since I already went the route of getting a well equipped 2021 C300. Price was good considering the market and I couldn't wait until next year.

So it was really 2 options for me:

• 2021 C300 4Matic W205 (AMG Line, Panoramic Roof, Premium Package, etc)
  • Great discount (over 15%).
• 2022 C300 4Matic W206 - Most likely the base (whatever that ends up being in North America)
  • MSRP or most likely higher considering current market conditions.

In my case, the choice of the older model was somewhat easy since I got a really good deal (considering the current market) and I also needed the car now.

Mostly curious to see if others are in the same boat and which direction you went or are planning on going.

 

No problem and congratulations on your purchase! Honestly, you couldn't ever go wrong with a W205 but like I said, I am biased because that is what I have and I haven't seen a W206 yet in real life. The fact that you are getting discounts and not paying over sticker is such a good deal like you said!

For me, personally I am thinking of getting an E450 though as I test driven one and love it, I would miss the sound my car makes though. The C43 successor haven't been announced yet so not too sure when it even comes to North America, so the wait will be quite a long one for me. The pre-facelift E450 has the same engine as my pfl C43.

 

I know you have already decided. I would never buy a base model.

 

Thanks! No regrets so far, but like you, I haven't seen a w206 in real life yet so my regret might come later when I'm sitting behind one in traffic I'll just have to live with it until 2023.
Congrats on your C43! That is certainly a tough choice there. Even with the same engine, I can imagine it must be a wildly different experience, especially sound wise! I floated the idea of a C43 here at home, but I wasn't able to get approval from the boss

 

As I have said, I would never buy a base model. Based on your logic, loading up a C43, may as well buy a base c63. The AMG models are different cars. The driving experience is not the same. I loaded up my car. I had no interest in an AMG model. No need for the extra HP or the stiffer ride.

 

Thank you : ) I love it and had it new since 2017 that is why I am looking at the E450 xD as I am looking forward to a change but it is mostly smiles every time I drive the C43 making me undecided on if I should get rid of it for something else.

The facelift E450 has the inline 6 which is yet another great engine, considering that as well.

Good luck with the delivery of your new car : ) post pictures!

 

The 206 is a bit better looking. But if the 206 is optionless I would still take the fully optioned 205. I like my 205. If the cla was rwd I would have switched last year to a cla35.
people the us dont seem to realise but a 3liter engine is a serieus tax punishment here in the eu, not to mention a 4liter v8

 

Congrats on the 205! The 15% discount is unheard of but I suppose there are still cars that are not as in-demand. Come to think of it, I ended up with the C350e because no dealer would sell me a Prius Prime at MSRP. There's no way I would spend $40K+ out the door for a Prius. A little curious PHEV research led me to good bargains in certified BMW 330e and MB C350es!!

I love my new to me C350E. I have put almost a 1000 miles on it in a month since getting it. In fact, I look forward to long drives these days because it's so comfortable and smooth in the 205. With the air suspension it really reminds me of old Benzes wafty ride especially when most new cars have gone with the more popular "sporty" ride.