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Vigorous: major design update for the saloon and
estate
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Extended: ten new assistance systems for more safety
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Efficient: new engines with up to 31 percent lower fuel consumption
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Experience: new generation of telematics with internet access
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Successful: more than one million units of the current model series
sold since March 2007
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).
Dynamic, resolute, self-assured: the
exterior
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.
Sporty, high-quality interior
A main focus of the design work in the interior was the restyling of the
dashboard, with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and high-quality look.
This redesigning also involved enhancing the trim concept. The surfaces of
the control elements are more finely detailed and galvanised. The stepped
extension to the instrument cluster now also accommodates the central display.
The instrument cluster and a discreet light-catching contour continue into
the front-passenger side. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round
vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised trim.The large
section of trim is an important part of the newly designed dashboard. This
extends from the centre air vents across the front-passenger side to the
outer air vent, making the interior appear significantly wider. The upper
dashboard section with a new surface grain continues into the beltlines of
the door panels. The control panel of the new-generation communication and
information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts. The combination
of matt keys, high-gloss areas and a new knurled wheel design accentuates
the higher perceived value of the interior. Together with the new telematics
generation, the facelifted C-Class also comes complete with a new instrument
cluster featuring an integral display which is also available as a
colour display in conjunction with the optional 12-button steering wheel.
Directed towards the driver are three tube-style surrounds with a galvanised
surface, openly demonstrating the C-Classs sporting ambitions. The
premium character of the interior is underlined by the new three-spoke steering
wheel generation, which was introduced with the new CLS and is now available
in the sporty AVANTGARDE line for the C-Class. The steering wheel with its
chromed central spoke stylishly accentuates the sporty atmosphere in the
C-Class. In the base version and with ELEGANCE a newly designed four-spoke
steering wheel is fitted, and in ELEGANCE guise it comes with chromed trim
panels.The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines are more readily distinguishable
from each other. This has been partly achieved by new trim in brown ash wood
or dark burr walnut wood (ELEGANCE), or brushed aluminium/high-gloss black
ash wood (AVANTGARDE). Standard features in the ELEGANCE line include luxury
head restraints whose side bolsters can be adjusted as required.
More power, lower consumption: the engines
A reduction in fuel consumption of up to 31 percent has been achieved. All
the C-Class models will be equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard
from market launch (with the exception of the C 300 CDI 4MATIC). All the
engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, showing that they
are particularly efficient and environmentally compatible in their use of
fuel. In future all automatic versions with the exception of the C 300 CDI
4MATIC will feature the further-developed 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic
transmission (introduction in the C 250 CDI 4MATIC in June 2011). In addition,
the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimised for fuel
economy. All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection.
One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with
its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350
BlueEFFICIENCY. The quantum leap in efficiency is particularly well illustrated
by the six-cylinder unit: power has increased considerably, the C 350
BlueEFFICIENCY delivering 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm (C 350
previously 200 kW/272 hp and 350 Nm). Fuel consumption has been
significantly reduced, however: the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY has a mean consumption
of 6.8 litres per 100 km 3.1 litres or 31 percent less than the preceding
C 350 model. The four-cylinder petrol engines, which made a great evolutionary
leap forward in 2009 and all feature direct injection and turbocharging,
excel with high performance and exemplary economy.
All C-Class petrol models at a glance
BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, *figures for manual transmission, automatic transmission
in brackets; **figures for automatic transmission
The most economical model in the Mercedes C-Class has also become even more
frugal: the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the manual six-speed transmission
and the standard-specification ECO start/stop function has a mean diesel
consumption of 4.4 litres per 100 km 0.4 litres less than before.
This corresponds to 117 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In
conjunction with the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the
ECO start/stop function included as standard, the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
and C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY both deliver top-class figures with a combined
diesel consumption of just 4.8 litres per 100 km. This corresponds to
CO2 emissions of 125 grams per kilometre.
All C-Class diesel models at a
glance2
BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, *figures for automatic transmission, manual transmission
in brackets; **figures for automatic transmission
Warning and intervening: the new driving assistance
systems
With a total of ten new driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION
ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, the C-Class
reaches a new level in safety. The assistance systems are based on the latest
radar, camera and sensor technology, and cover frequent accident causes such
as driving too closely, fatigue and darkness.
The new assistance systems, some of which only
warn and some which actively intervene in hazardous situations, at a
glance:
More operating comfort, better connectivity:
new-generation telematics
The new C-Class also sees the debut of a new telematics generation which
will gradually be introduced in other model series too. Major new features
include greater operating convenience, larger displays, phone book transfer,
display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a
USB interface now accommodated in the centre armrest. The multimedia system
COMAND Online now provides internet access for the first time. When the car
is stationary, customers are able to browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz
Online service whose pages load particularly rapidly and are also easy to
use while on the move. The integral services include weather information
and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading
a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and
sent to the car. The navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions.
New features include a 3D display with plastic city views. Also new: routes
covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations
can be imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed
on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation. As
a first in the C-Class, the Becker® MAP PILOT makes a low-cost
navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level
Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integral
operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed
location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal. |