Now in its fifth year of production, the C-Class is the most successful model series from Mercedes-Benz and boasts a wealth of enhancements. In terms of looks, the focus of the redesign work was on the front of the vehicle as well as the design of the headlamps and tail lamps. The electronic architecture is completely new.
The customer benefits from a user experience with an optionally fully digital instrument display and multimedia systems with tailor-made information and music. The assistance systems are now at the level of the S‑Class. There are also new petrol engines.
Drive system: New four-cylinder engines. 1.5-litre petrol engines with a 48 volt onboard electrical system (EQ Boost) that is unique in this segment, for sporty driving pleasure with high efficiency:
- C 200: 184 hp, 280 Nm; add. output of electric motor 10 kW, add. torque of electric motor 160 Nm
- C 200 4MATIC: 184 hp, 280 Nm; add. output of electric motor 10 kW, add. torque of electric motor 160 Nm
The combination of a 48 volt on-board network and EQ Boost creates the conditions for additional functions that help to reduce fuel consumption even further while improving agility and comfort characteristics. When accelerating, EQ Boost can assist the 184 hp engine with an additional 14 hp, bridging the brief moment until the turbocharger has built up its full charge pressure. This boosting is also used to reach the engine’s ideal rpm as quickly as possible during gearshifts.
The shift time of the automatic transmission is shortened as a result. During deceleration, the starter/alternator recuperates kinetic energy and charges the battery. The water pump is electrically driven and actuated by a characteristic map. This optimally adapts the cooling output to the current need.
Other advantages include the gliding mode with the engine switched off, and the recuperative braking with intelligent engine stop when the vehicle is coasting. The start/stop system operates particularly comfortably thanks to the belt-driven starter/alternator, as the engine restarts almost silently, with low vibrations and very rapidly.
The two-litre variant in the C 300 is likewise new:
- C 300: 258 hp, 370 Nm
Basic petrol models (initially with 9G-TRONIC):
- C 160: 129 hp, 210 Nm
- C 180: 156 hp, 250 Nm
The top Mercedes-Benz engine variant is the C 400 4MATIC:
- C 400 4MATIC: 333 hp, 480 Nm
The V6 biturbo engine of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC excels with a powerful output together with low consumption and emissions. Installed close to the engine, the two turbochargers are especially spontaneous in their response. For the new C-Class, the AMG development engineers have increased the output of the 3.0-litre V6 engine by 23 hp to 390 hp. The peak torque of 520 Nm is available from 2500 to 5000 rpm.
Plus the sports models from Mercedes-AMG:
- Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC: 390 hp, 520 Nm
Design: Advancement of the sporty design in particular at the front and tail end, new light-alloy wheels, new colours
Interior: Digital cockpit (31.2 cm/12.3 inches), larger media display (26 cm/10.25 inches), new multifunction steering wheel with touch control buttons.
Many opportunities for individualisation, e.g. through new open-pore trim elements. Lounge atmosphere thanks to ambience lighting now with 64 colours and ENERGIZING comfort control to enhance well-being and fitness
Infotainment: Additional sound system with nine loudspeakers and an output of 225 W as a new optional extra between the standard sound system and the Burmester® surround sound system
Active safety: With the driving assistance packages, the C‑Class has the latest driving assistance systems for cooperative driver support. Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC and Active Steering Assist now provide even more comfortable support for the driver in steering and keeping a safe distance. The speed is now adjusted automatically ahead of bends, junctions or roundabouts. Also on board are e.g. Active Emergency Stop Assist and intuitively understandable Active Lane Change Assist.
Lights: LED High-Performance headlamps with new design (standard for Coupé and Cabriolet) or optional MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with ULTRA RANGE high beam
Suspension: Individually configurable driving experience with new DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL suspension including damping characteristics adjustable in three stages and Sports Direct-Steer system or AIR BODY CONTROL suspension
