Mercedes-Benz swaps diesel for petrol in India, introducing the C 300 petrol to replace the C 300d.
Mercedes-Benz India is shaking up the C-Class sedan lineup. They’re replacing the top-of-the-line C 300d diesel with a new C 300 petrol option in the second quarter of 2024. This shift reflects a growing preference for petrol engines in the luxury sedan market.
“We’re seeing a decline in demand for diesel cars, particularly in major cities like Delhi,” said Santosh Iyer, CEO of Mercedes-Benz India, during a recent interview with Autocar India. “While I believe the reasons may be more perception-based than practical, there’s a clear shift towards petrol engines among our customers.”
Iyer further elaborated that this preference for petrol is especially strong in the sedan market, where “nearly 70% of our sales are petrol models.” However, he highlights a contrasting trend for SUVs, where “diesel still holds the majority at 60%.” This suggests consumer choices vary depending on the vehicle type.
Reflecting this shift, Mercedes-Benz India is revamping the C-Class lineup. Initially offered with two diesel options (C 220d and C 300d) and one petrol (C 200), the lineup will now feature two petrol variants and just a single diesel option.
Under the hood of the C 300, you’ll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a mild-hybrid system. This combo delivers 258 horsepower, with the mild hybrid adding an extra 23hp. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission and promises a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 6 seconds.
Keep in mind that the outgoing C 300d diesel offered slightly more power (265hp) and torque (440Nm) and could achieve 0-100 km/h in a swifter 5.7 seconds
Addressing a common complaint about the C-Class, the C 300 petrol will boast a raised suspension for improved ground clearance. This tweak is likely to soften the ride for enhanced comfort.
Similar to the outgoing C 300d, the new petrol variant is expected to be offered in a single, fully loaded AMG Line trim. Considering the current C-Class price range (Rs 60.85 lakh – Rs 62.70 lakh) and the outgoing C 300d’s price (Rs 62.70 lakh), we can expect the new C 300 petrol to fall around the Rs 62 lakh mark.
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In the Indian market, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class squares off against the petrol-powered Audi A4 (priced between Rs 45.34 lakh and Rs 53.77 lakh) and the BMW 3 Series Gran Limousine (ranging from Rs 60.60 lakh to Rs 62.00 lakh).
