Mercedes-Benz has revealed the new all-new C-Class, which “sets new standards in the premium mid-range class”. Key features include an updated sensuous design, reduced weight and drag and a veritable smorgasbord of technology. With all the assistance packages, this car practically drives itself – and, since you’ll feel like you’re travelling in business class, you’ll certainly enjoy the ride.
The C-Class series sells the most units of all the Mercedes-Benz models, totalling 2.4 million since its 2007 launch. The new model was revealed today ahead of its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January. UK spec and prices have yet to be confirmed, but here’s the general gist…
Exterior: “clear yet emotional design”
The new C-Class is 100kg lighter than its predecessor, thanks to an aluminium hybrid body. With a larger wheelbase, the car is 95mm longer and 40mm wider too. Aesthetically, it looks quite different – it’s bold, muscular, sensuous and striking. It has a long bonnet, short overhang and large wheels, and LED headlamps are available. It certainly has more than a hint of the popular S-Class model.
Gordon Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG, says: “Progressive and emotional highlights underscore the ground-breaking design style of the new C-Class and demonstrate sensual clarity.”
Interior: “embodies a new design idiom”
There is abundant space in the new C-Class, for rear passengers as well as the driver, and within the 480-litre boot. The cabin of the car features:
- An all-new centre console, designed specifically for the transmission chosen
- A free-standing central display with 7” screen (8.4” with COMAND Online)
- Five round air vents, wood in the centre console and leather on the dashboard
- Innovative touchpad in the armrest, which is highly intuitive to use
- Head-up display
- Opportunities for individualisation, with three design and equipment lines to choose from.
Additionally, noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) or ‘nuisance factors’ have been addressed in every detail of the car’s design, from the blower to the electric windows.
The air conditioning system has been upgraded to address control quality, performance, efficiency and air quality. The new C-Class even offers tunnel detection (cleverly utilising GPS and map information to close the air recirculation flap upon tunnel entry) and an AIR-BALANCE package for active fragrancing, air ionisation and more efficient filtration. Pretty fancy.
The new multimedia system offers a unique Frontbass system for an enhanced listening experience, and the optional Burmester surround system. The Audio 20 system can be connected to the internet with a Blueteooth-capable mobile phone; while COMAND Online can provide hostpot functionality, tailback avoidance and LINGUATRONIC voice control. Of course, you can also make and take calls via Bluetooth.
The touchpad centre console, similar to those featured in new BMW and Audi models.
Driving: “outstanding efficiency, nimble handling”
The available engines are powerful and efficient (cutting fuel consumption by 20%), and efficiency is also maximised thanks to the reduced weight and very low drag.
All three engines come with ECO Start/Stop functionality, and the diesel engines all have SCR (selective catalytic reduction) technology as standard.
| Model | Engine | Displacement CC | hp | Torque (Nm) | 0-62mph | mpg | CO2 (g/km) | Efficiency Class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C 220 BlueTEC | Diesel | 2143 | 170 | 400 | 8.1s | 70.6 | 103 | A+ |
| C 180 | Petrol | 1595 | 156 | 250 | 8.2s | 56.5 | 116 | A |
| C 200 | Petrol | 1919 | 184 | 300 | 7.5s | 53.3 | 123 | B |
Further engines – including a small 1.6L diesel engine and a 2.2L 4-cylinder diesel engine – will become available after launch, and BlueDIRECT direct injection engines and a hybrid option (C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, offering 72.4 mpg) will also be presented. A further petrol hybrid option with plug-in technology is in the pipeline.
Two types of six-speed manual transmission are available, as well as 7G-TRONC PLUS automatic transmission, offering smooth gear shifting and increased precision.
The suspension of the C-Class has been improved to respond more sensitively to steering movements, for an agile driving style and excellent straight-line stability. Three DIRECT CONTROL suspension options are available: comfort, lowered comfort, and sports (lowered by 15mm). This is the first vehicle in its class that can be fitted with AIRMATIC air suspension, providing “outstanding road roar and tyre vibration characteristics”, a range of selectable driving styles with AGILITY SELECT and all-round self-levelling for unrivalled ride comfort.
An electric parking brake comes as standard, as does the electromechanical Direct Steer system.
Technology & Safety: Intelligent Drive
We can barely count the number of assistance packages available to drivers of the very helpful new C-Class.
- ATTENTION ASSIST: warns the driver if they become drowsy or inattentive
- ADAPTIVE BRAKE ASSIST
- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS
Optional
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop Go Pilot (traffic jam assistant)
- BAS PLUS Brake Assist System with PRE-SAFE BRAKE
- Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist
- Active Parking Assist
- 360 degree camera
- Traffic Sign Assist
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus
The body of the car is designed for exemplary crash safety, complying not only with legislation but with rating requirements, including Mercedes-Benz's own stringent internal standards. There’s a high-strength passenger compartment, specifically configured deformation zones and a protective shell; inside, 3-point seatbelts with pyrotechnical belt tensioning and belt force limitation for most passengers protect the occupants, as does a range of airbags: pelvisbags, windowbag, sidebag and a kneebag for the driver. The front seat can be fitted with automatic child seat recognition for enhanced safety. This is one safe, luxury vehicle.
The new C-Class will probably be slightly pricier than the current model, and is expected to appear in UK showrooms around June next year. We'll be sure to keep you updated; for now, you can view our full range of new and used Mercedes-Benz cars or speak to a member of staff at one of our Mercedes-Benz dealerships.