Just jaunched Mercedes C200 Or the 3-year old BMW 330e?

Yes, the 2019 BMW 330e (which is still on sale for RM269k) still commands a lot of attention on the road and offers very good power delivery as it is a plug-in hybrid. This means it has a petrol engine and an electric motor working together to deliver impressive mid-range torque and sensible fuel consumption ONLY when drivers charge up their battery system and use as much battery power when in heavy traffic conditions (up to 61 kilometers is possible when new).

Meanwhile, here comes an all-new recently launched 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class to shake up the sales numbers of the BMW 330e. This new C-Class has a larger footprint, with a length of 4751 mm and a width of 1820 mm, this new C-Class is now considerably larger than its predecessor and also the BMW 330e. The wheelbase has increased by 25 mm to 2865 mm. Both the front and rear passengers in the new C-Class benefit from the increased exterior dimensions.

Like the new Mercedes S-Class, this latest C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The vehicle interior becomes even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides.

Also Read: 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Variants explained

Brilliant images on the LCD screens make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions. The driver display and media display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience. Meanwhile, the 330e still carries the aging dashboard and look which needs a total to revamp soon.

This latest C200 Avantgarde Line makes ownership very easy with a 1,496cc engine that delivers 204hp and 300Nm of torque. It will accelerate from a standstill to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 246km/h (where permitted). Its selling price is just RM288,334 right now.

Meanwhile, the 330e with its 2.0cc petrol engine and battery system delivers 292hp and 420Nm of torque (which is some 30 percent more power as there is an electric motor and petrol engine working together when fully charged) to give the driver a possible 5.9 seconds acceleration time from standstill to 100km/h and a top speed of just 230km/h. However, if the battery is not charged, then these figures will be lower.

Now, as we already know from the numerous Facebook page mentions, plug-in hybrids have maintenance issues after a few years on the road and their resale values are very low after the manufacturer's warranty (5 years) has ended. It is not the hybrid battery system that gives constant issues, but all the other electronics that work between the hybrid battery system and the petrol engine.

This is why right now simple petrol sipping turbocharged engine still makes more sense or go with a full-electric drive. The PHEV system is an ‘in-between’ solution and just adds more weight to the vehicle as it needs to carry the battery system, the electric motor, and a petrol engine to work.

So, the final decision lies with you after a test drive of both vehicles on the same day to get a better understanding of what you are getting for your money.

Also Read: New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon: Key highlights