New Mercedes-Benz C-Class sets segment benchmark for comfort and agility

For the first time in a Mercedes salon, the radiator grille is used as a distinguishing feature to position the model variants more clearly. Three extended, horizontal louvres and a big centrally positioned Mercedes star characterise the AVANTGARDE model as a traditional design feature of sporty Mercedes models. Together with the sporty, high-quality appointments, this feature emphasises the youthful, agile appearance of this C-Class. This sporty presence can be enhanced even further with the AMG sports package.

In the ELEGANCE model Mercedes-Benz employs a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish to accentuate other brand-typical attributes such as comfort and luxury.

The CLASSIC model in the new C-Class is intentionally more restrained and traditional, but offers the same technical innovations as the other two model variants.

"This 'product-in-product' concept enables Mercedes customers to accentuate individual choices and configure the C-Class to suit their personal taste and lifestyle even more emphatically than before," said Johannes Fritz, Director, Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group, Middle East

All model variants share the latest, state-of-the-art technology that includes the newly developed AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions, PRE-SAFE® preventive occupant protection system and central colour display that is part of the new control and display concept the new C-Class has adopted from luxury-class Mercedes models.

With a length of 4581 millimetres, the Saloon is 55 millimetres longer than its predecessor. The body width has increased by 42 mm to 1770 millimetres, and the wheelbase by 45 mm to 2760 millimetres. These dimensions create a generously sized interior, and therefore more comfort.

The new C-Class sets new standards in its market segment with AGILITY CONTROL that improves both comfort and agility. This standard package includes AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which adapts the shock absorber forces according to the driving situation. When driving normally with low shock absorber impulses, the damping forces are automatically reduced for a noticeable improvement in ride comfort but without any compromise in handling safety. When driving more dynamically, the maximum damping forces are set and the car is effectively stabilised.

Mercedes-Benz has also developed the ADVANCED AGILITY package with a sporty driving mode, which will become optionally available from autumn 2007. This offers the driver a choice of two gearshift programmes, Sport and Comfort. Within these programmes the shock absorber for each wheel has infinitely variable electronic control.

With a remarkable boost in output by up to 13 percent and an increase of around 18 percent in torque, the engines also do more than their bit to create the lively nature of the new C-Class. The four and six-cylinder units not only excel with powerful responsiveness, but also contribute to the excellent ride comfort of the Saloon with their improved smoothness.

The output of the entry-level C 180 KOMPRESSOR has increased from the previous 143 hp to 156 hp, with maximum torque improved by 4.5 percent from 220 to 230 newton metres, while the C 200 KOMPRESSOR develops 20 hp more than before. It has an output of 184 hp and generates its maximum torque of 250 newton metres from 2800 rpm.

The modern V6-engines in the C-Class range remain unchanged, with a choice of three petrol units developing 204 hp, 231 hp and 272 hp. With the exception of the C 350, all models in the new C-Class are equipped with a six-speed transmission featuring AGILITY CONTROL gearshift as standard. The top-of-the-range C 350 has 7G-TRONIC, the world's only seven-speed automatic transmission, as standard equipment. This is also available for the other six-cylinder C-Class models on request.

When developing the cockpit, Mercedes designers took their lead from the sporty sector and included clearly laid-out dial instruments such as may be found in roadsters or coupés.

Silver-coloured bezels, black dial faces, white markings and glowing orange needles perfectly combine form with function for a high value impression and easy legibility.

Equally clearly laid out and well-arranged, the two-tone dashboard and centre console of the new C-Class form a harmonious unit in line with the 'design cast from a single mould' principle. The same applies to the integration of the colour display at the upper centre of the dashboard. This is perfectly positioned within the driver's line of vision, but can also be covered or folded away as required, without switching off the radio, navigation system or other units linked to the display.

The major advantage of the new central colour display is rapid access to frequently used functions. All the control and display elements necessary and important during a journey are located in the cockpit, i.e. in immediate proximity to the driver.

In the same way, linking the standard multifunction steering wheel with the instrument cluster is an important precondition for rapid access to a wide range of information and functions in the driver's direct line of vision.
Other functions such as infotainment are shown by the display at the centre of the dashboard. The driver and front passenger are able to control the radio, navigation system or telephone by using a controller on the centre console, or access the main menus using direct selection keys.

The Audio 20 and COMAND APS systems are a range of newly developed, optional infotainment units for C-Class passengers.

They all feature a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the hands-free system. An integral 6-CD changer and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system are available on request.
Functions of the COMAND APS include a music server with a four-gigabyte memory, a DVD-player for video and audio, and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system.