A Revised Mercedes C-Class will be arriving soon out of Europe to keep the BMW 3 series sales shrinking. The front and rear sections of the best-selling model have a more striking design. There is now a high-resolution color display screen in the instrument cluster as well as an elegant new dashboard with grained surface. Fuel consumption has been improved by up to 31 per cent. Efficiency-enhancing measures including new engines, the improved 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and the Eco start/stop function. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from the standard Attention Assist drowsiness detection system to the optional Distronic Plus proximity control system are also now available for this model for the first time.
More than 2000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. The C-Class is the highest-selling model series for Mercedes-Benz. The current series has found well over one million buyers worldwide since its launch in March 2007. The Sedan and Wagon now have a new aluminum hood, which contributes to weight reduction and therefore fuel efficiency. Its contour in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille emphasizes the V-shape of the front section more than before. In conjunction with the new headlamps, this gives the front section a more resolute impression. The aerodynamics of the C-Class are a 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 cars with its drag area of Cd x A = 0.57sqm.
The main focus of the interior restyling is on the dashboard with its integrated screen and new surface grain. The touch surfaces of the controls are now also more finely detailed and galvanized. A 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 while the central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanized trim. In conjunction with the new generation telematics generation, the C-Class is now available with a high-resolution color display in the instrument cluster.
With its new engines, an improvement of up to 31 per cent has been achieved in fuel consumption, and all European C-Class launch models will feature the Eco start/stop function as standard. 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 will feature the further-developed 7G-TronicPlus seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimized for better fuel economy. All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 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 306hp (previously 292 hp). The most economical model in the Mercedes C-Class range has also become even more frugal: the C 220 CDI BlueEfficiency with the manual six-speed transmission and the standard Eco start/stop function.
The new C-Class also sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will also be gradually introduced in other model series. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, telephone directory 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 (via the customers data-enabled phone). 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 integrated 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 has further added functions.
