Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new C-Class at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show today.
The C-Class is the biggest-selling model series from Mercedes-Benz. Sales of the preceding model, which was launched in 2007, total over 2.2 million. The new C-Class offers sensuous and clear design and a host of technical innovations as well as a comprehensive scope of standard equipment and exemplary emission and fuel consumption values. This all adds up to substantial added value and long-term savings on motor vehicle tax and at the filling station.
Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, all equipped with the ECO start/stop function and complying with the Euro 6 emissions standard, provide for lively performance and great driving enjoyment. They also cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared with the preceding model.
Three engine variants are available at the market launch – a diesel in the guise of the C 220 BlueTEC and the two petrol models, C 180 and C 200.
Soon after the market launch, Mercedes-Benz is already set to expand the range of engines substantially. A new small diesel engine with a displacement of 1.6 liters is to be added. Reduced weight, compact design and low specific fuel consumption are among its special merits.
As in the S-Class and E-Class, Mercedes-Benz will additionally be offering a diesel engine combined with a hybrid module. The C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with four-cylinder diesel engine and a compact electric motor generates an output of 150 + 20 kW (204 + 27 hp) and runs on only 3.9 liters of diesel per 100 km/h (60.3 mpg US) in NEDC combined mode (provisional figure). A further particularly economical hybrid model which is to follow at a later juncture will feature state-of-the-art plug-in technology.
The C-Class has grown to take account of people’s increasing average height. With an 80-millimetre increase in the wheelbase (2840 millimeters) compared with the previous model, the vehicle is 95 millimeters longer (4686 millimeters) and 40 millimeters wider (1810 millimeters). The resultant additional space benefits first and foremost the rear passengers, who now travel in even greater comfort. The new C-Class also outstrips its predecessor in terms of boot capacity, at 480 liters (in accordance with ISO 3832).
Thanks to intelligent and innovative lightweight construction, the aluminum hybrid body is around 70 kg lighter than a conventional steel body. The vehicle’s overall weight is even reduced by around 100 kilograms. As such, the new C-Class leads the “lightweight rankings” in its segment. This spawns numerous benefits: the lightweight construction of the new C-Class cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 percent without any loss of performance, while at the same time enabling a lower centre of gravity, which in turn gives rise to the vehicle’s noticeably sporty and agile handling.
The new C-Class comes with H7 halogen headlamps as standard. In addition to the standard-fit headlamps, two energy-saving LED variants are available: a static system and a dynamic version with “LED Intelligent Light System”. The characteristic night design lends the new C-Class its very own distinctive look in the dark, too. The rear lamp and brake light in the tail lights feature LED technology in all headlamp versions.
The Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level which is rarely encountered even in higher vehicle categories. This applies to the carefully chosen high-class materials and their pleasant touch and feel as well as the precision of the finely crafted details. The interior also embodies a new design idiom which combines sensuousness and clarity perfectly with dynamic sportiness and contributes to the quality feel of the interior.
The driver and front passenger enjoy plenty of space and luxury in a discreet, modern guise on board the new C-Class. This gives rise to a feel-good atmosphere which is new to this class of vehicle – settling into one’s seat in the C-Class is akin to the uplifting feeling of being upgraded from economy to business class on an aeroplane.
On vehicles with manual transmission the centre console is slightly steeper and features two separate trim elements in order to create ample space for ergonomic operation of the shift lever.
A centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catching feature across the centre console – with a screen diagonal of 17.78 centimeters (7 inches), or 21.33 centimeters (8.4 inches) if COMAND Online is specified.[wzslider height=”400″ lightbox=”true”]
