2011
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The new generation C-ClassThe new C-Class being launched in spring 2011 is a comprehensive modernisation. The front and rear sections of this bestselling model have a more striking design. Together with the optional high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior.
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Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 31 percent.
Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC
PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function. Ten new driving
assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to
DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control are now available for this model series.
The new-generation telematics include internet access and a 3D navigation
display with plastic city views. "The drive system and safety systems in
the new-generation C-Class offer the comfort, efficiency and safety of our
luxury vehicles. The new telematics generation connects the C-Class with
the internet. Plus, with many significant details in the interior, the vehicle
calls to mind the new CLS and sets totally new standards in its segment where
value and quality impression are concerned", remarks Dr Joachim Schmidt,
Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars Management responsible for Sales and Marketing.
This modernisation of the interior is rounded off by the new telematics
generation, which not only includes totally reworked displays; it also
facilitates in-car internet access. A total of more than 2000 new components
distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its
predecessor. The European market launch is taking place from March 2011.
In addition to the standard appointments – which now include a leather
steering wheel – the two design and equipment lines ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE
are the basis for the individualisation range for the C-Class. The two lines
are now more readily distinguishable from each other. The C-Class is the
highest-selling model series, and therefore of particular importance for
Mercedes-Benz. The current series has found well over one million buyers
worldwide since its launch in March 2007. Since the market launch of the
first C-Class in 1982 (then known as the 190 model), Mercedes-Benz has sold
more than 8.5 million vehicles in total in this segment. In 2010, too, the
C-Class was repeatedly topping the registration statistics. Since 2008 the
saloon has been the unbeaten world market leader in its segment. It has also
positioned itself right at the head of the field in quality inspections in
Europe (ADAC (German automobile association) breakdown statistics) and in
the USA (J. D. Power study).
The front bumper has a more expressive and dynamic
contour, the front section being brought closer to the brand's new design
idiom. As a central element at the front, the shape of the radiator grille
is more prominently supported by the bumper. The central air intake opens
out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille.
Pronounced side sections on the bumper extend from the sporty V-shape at
the centre. These sections (beneath the headlamps) blend into the feature
lines along the vehicle flanks, creating a link with the sides. The side
air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more
road-hugging appearance. The saloon and estate now have a new aluminium bonnet,
which contributes to weight reduction and therefore fuel efficiency. Other
aluminium features include the front wings and the door modules. The contour
of the bonnet in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille emphasises
the V-shape of the front section more heavily than before. In conjunction
with the newly designed headlamps, this renders the front section significantly
more striking. The shape of the clear-lens headlamps has been modified to
create a more dynamic and resolute impression, and to act together with the
bonnet, radiator grille and bumper to emphasise the V-shape of the front
section. This impression is reinforced by both the exterior form of the headlamps
and the interior of the housings. The headlamps show their modernity by precision
and an interplay between matt and high-sheen areas. The halogen headlamps
are arranged in the classic way, with low beam on the outside, main beam
on the inside and the indicators neatly arranged in the outer corner formed
with the front wing. If the optional bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent
Light System (ILS) are ordered, the impression of depth is reinforced by
a row of lighting modules. A position light with a distinctive C-shape emphasises
the night design. Behind it is a cornering light extending to the main headlamp
module on the outside. A visual base in the lower section of the headlamp
is formed by a horizontal broadband LED indicator unit. The horizontal LED
daytime running lamps in the bumper also make the C-Class unmistakable from
a distance. In the case of the rear bumper, the light-catching contours and
dividing lines have been modified to emphasise the width of the saloon and
estate even more strongly. This change is particularly obvious in the more
steeply rising course of the side light-catching contours towards the tail
lights. A continuous light-catching contour at the upper end of the rear
bumper extends into the flanks to connect the tail end with the sides to
emphasise the sporty character of the rear aspect. In the facelifted model,
the tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the tail end by a continuous
covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of
the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series. The particular impression
of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears
to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands with their more
deeply set LEDs. The tail lights have a particularly high recognition factor
in the dark. The aerodynamics of the C-Class are the mark of the bodyshell's
efficiency. With a Cd figure of 0.26 it not only sets the benchmark in its
class, but also glides through the wind better than most compact and even
small cars with its drag area of Cd x A = 0.57 sq. m.