Μάθε τα πάντα για την Mercedes-Benz C-Class [w/video]

Η Mercedes-Benz έδωσε όλες τις λεπτομέρειες για τη νέα C-Class η οποία έκανε παγκόσμιο ντεμπούτο στην έκθεση του Detroit τον περασμένο Ιανουάριο, ενώ τη περασμένη εβδομάδα παρουσιάστηκε και στον Ευρωπαικό κοινό στο περιθώριο της έκθεση της Γενεύης.

Κύρια χαρακτηριστικά του νέου Γερμανικού οικογενειακού είναι το μειωμένο βάρος, τις μεγαλύτερες διαστάσεις, τους αποδοτικούς κινητήρες και την

πιο elegant σχεδίαση. Η C-Class W205 έχει μήκος 4.686 mm (+95 mm σε σχέση με την απερχόμενη γενιά), πλάτος 1.810 mm (+40 mm) και ύψος 1.442 mm. Το μεταξόνιο της έχει μεγαλώσει κατά 80 mm αγγίζοντας τα 2.840 mm, με τον χώρο αποσκευών να φτάνει τα 480 λίτρα. Με τις αυξημένες διαστάσεις η Mercedes-Benz θέλησε να κάνει σαφή την διαφοροποίηση της νέας C-Class σε σχέση με την CLA.

Η εξωτερική της σχεδίαση της είναι σύγχρονη, φρέσκια, νεανική, δίνοντας μια πολυτελή νότα και δανείζεται πολλά στοιχεία τόσο από την ανανεωμένη E-Class όσο και από την S-Class. Ο σχεδιασμός του εσωτερικού ακολουθεί τη σχεδιαστική φιλοσοφία των πρόσφατων αυτοκινήτων της Γερμανικής εταιρίας. Κυρίαρχη θέση έχει η μεγάλη COMAND εξωτερική οθόνη, διαθέσιμη σε 7″ και 8,4″, με την τελευταία να συνοδεύεται από pad αφής και head-up display.

Οι αεραγωγοί είναι κυκλικοί με το το σύστημα κλιματισμού να χρησιμοποιεί δεδομένα από το GPS, έτσι ώστε να κλείνει αυτόματα το κλαπέτο της ανακύκλωσης, όταν το αυτοκίνητο εισέρχεται μέσα σε τούνελ, για να μην μπαίνουν αναθυμιάσεις μέσα στη καμπίνα. Επίσης το κάθισμα του συνοδηγού διαθέτει αισθητήρα, ο οποίος απενεργοποιεί τον αερόσακο, μόλις κουμπώσει παιδικό κάθισμα πάνω του. Επίσης διαθέτει τριάκτινο τιμόνι, αναλογικό ρολόι, νέο πίνακα οργάνων, κρυφό φωτισμό, ξύλινες, μαύρες γυαλιστερές και αλουμινένιες επενδύσεις.

Είναι κατασκευασμένη πάνω στην ολοκαίνουργια πισωκίνητη πλατφόρμα MRA. Ζυγίζει 100 κιλά λιγότερα σε σχέση με την προηγούμενη γενιά, έχει χαμηλότερο κέντρο με τους κινητήρες της να καταναλώνουν 20% λιγότερο καύσιμο. Σε αυτό συμβάλει και η αεροδυναμική, στην οποία η Mercedes-Benz έχει ρίξει ιδιαίτερο βάρος.

Η νέα C-Class έχει αεροδυναμικό συντελεστή 0.24 Cd στην έκδοση C 220 BlueTEC ECO. Είναι το πρώτο αυτοκίνητο της κατηγορίας του που εξοπλίζεται με αερανάρτηση DIRECT CONTROL με τρεις λειτουργίες: comfort, comfort με σπορ χαρακτηριστικά και σπορ, με την τελευταία ρύθμιση να μειώνει την απόσταση από το έδαφος κατά 15 mm. Στον πρόσθετο εξοπλισμό συναντάμε και την αυτόματα συνεχώς μεταβαλλόμενης αερανάρτηση AIRMATIC η οποία διαθέτει πέντε ρυθμίσεις “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport”, “Sport+” και “Individual”. Η δομή της είναι κατασκευασμένη από 48% αλουμίνιο, με την μπροστά ανάρτηση να διαθέτει 4 συνδέσμους και την πίσω πέντε.

Από πλευράς κινητήρων. Κάτω από το μακρύ καπό της, η νέα C-Class είναι διαθέσιμη με 11 κινητήρια σύνολα, 6 βενζίνης και 5 πετρελαίου. Χαρακτηριστικά στην C-Class (W205) θα τοποθετηθούν οι εξής κινητήρες βενζίνης:

C180, 1.6-λίτρων με 156 ίππους και 250 Nm ροπή, κατανάλωση 5 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 116 γρ/χλμC200, 2-λιτρος με 183 ίππους και 300 Nm, κατανάλωση 5,3 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 120 γρ/χλμC200 4MATIC, 2-λιτρος με 183 ίππους και 300 Nm, κατανάλωση 6,4 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 150 γρ/χλμC250, 2-λιτρος με 210 ίππους και 350 Nm, κατανάλωση 5,6 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 130 γρ/χλμC300, 2-λιτρος με 238 ίππους και 370 Nm, κατανάλωση 6,3 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 143 γρ/χλμC 350 HYBRID Plug-In, 2-λιτρος με 211 ίππους και 350 Nm και ηλεκτρικό κινητήρα 67 ίππων, κατανάλωση 3 λίτρα/100 χλμC400 4MATIC, 3λιτρος εξακύλινδρος με 333 ίππους και 480 Nm ροπή, κατανάλωση 7,8 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 178 γρ/χλμ

Αντίστοιχα για τους πετρελαιοκινητήρες θα υπάρχουν:

C180 BlueTEC, 1.6-λίτρων με 116 ίππους και 250 Nm, κατανάλωση 3,8 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 104 γρ/χλμC200 BlueTEC, 1.6-λίτρων με 136 ίππους και 300 Nm, κατανάλωση 3,8 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 104 γρ/χλμC220 BlueTEC, 2,2-λίτρων με 170 ίππους και 400 Nm ροπής, κατανάλωση 4 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 103 γρ/χλμC220 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 2,2-λίτρων με 170 ίππους και 400 Nm ροπής, κατανάλωση 4,9 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 103 γρ/χλμC250 BlueTEC, 2,2-λίτρων με 204 ίππους και 500 Nm ροπής, κατανάλωση 4,4 λίτρα/100 χλμC250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, 2,2-λίτρων με 204 ίππους και 500 Nm ροπής, κατανάλωση 4,9 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 136 γρ/χλμC300 BlueTEC HYBRID, 2,2-λίτρων με 204 ίππους και 500 Nm ροπής και ηλεκτρικό κινητήρα 27 ίππων, κατανάλωση 3,8 λίτρα/100 χλμ και εκπομπές CO2 κάτω από τα 100 γρ/χλμ

Όλοι οι κινητήρες συνδυάζονται είτε με ένα νέο 6-τάχυτο μηχανικό κιβώτιο, είτε με το επτατάχυτο αυτόματο κιβώτιο διπλού συμπλέκτη 7G-TRONIC PLUS. Στον πρόσθετο εξοπλισμό συναντάμε το σύστημα τετρακίνησης 4MATIC καθώς και μια πληθώρα συστημάτος ασφαλείας μεταξύ των οποίων υπάρχουν τα COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS, DISTRONIC PLUS με Steering Assist και Stop&Go Pilot, PRE-SAFE Brake, Brake Assist PLUS, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus και Traffic Sign Assist με Wrong-Way Alert.

Όλοι οι παραπάνω θα είναι διαθέσιμοι μέσα στο 2014, εκτός από το C300 BlueTEC HYBRID που θα κυκλοφορήσει από το επόμενο έτος. Τέλος, η AMG έκδοση της νέας C-Class θα βγει μέσα στο 2015 και κάτω από το καπό της θα φορά το νέο twin-turbo, 4,0-λιτρο V8 κινητήρα ο οποίος θα αποδίδει 450 και 500 άλογα (στην έκδοση Peformance Pack) και θα συνδυάζεται με το γνωστό 7G-MCT Speedshift αυτόματο κιβώτιο.

Στην Ελλάδα η C180 ξεκινά από τις 32.900 ευρώ (€31.470 με απόσυρση), η C200 από τις €38.900 (€36.100 με απόσυρση) και η C220 BlueTEC από τις €43.100.

Bonus! Δες και το πρώτο review της με τον Steve Sutcliffe του Αγγλικού Autocar να την δοκιμάζει και να μην μένει απόλυτα ευχαριστημένος από αυτή. Την βρίσκει καλύτερη από τη προηγούμενη γενιά, αλλά δεν ξέρω αν είναι το καλύτερο αυτοκίνητο της κατηγορίας του.

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[Πηγή: Mercedes-Benz]

Δελτίο Τύπου

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Sheer attraction

The all-new C-Class heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes-Benz success story and sets new standards in the premium medium-size category. Thanks to an intelligent lightweight-design concept boasting weight savings of up to 100 kilograms, excellent aerodynamics and new economical engines, the C-Class establishes new efficiency benchmarks in its segment. A host of new assistance systems offers safety of the highest standard, while a new optional air-sprung suspension provides for exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling. In terms of appearance the new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its high-class interior. Many other innovations and equipment features underscore the Saloon’s energising comfort and refined sportiness. In all, the high-class appeal of the new C-Class feels like an “upgrade to a higher class of vehicle”.

The new C-Class offers sensuous and clear design and a host of technical innovations as well as a comprehensive scope of standard equipment and exemplary emissions and fuel consumption figures. This all adds up to substantial added value and long-term savings on motor vehicle tax andat the filling station.

The C-Class has grown to take account of people’s increasing average height. With an 80-millimetre increase in the wheelbase (2840 millimetres) compared with the previous model, the vehicle is 95 millimetres longer (4686 milli­metres) and 40 millimetres wider (1810 millimetres). The result is a more spacious interior. At 480 litres the new C-Class also surpasses its predecessor in terms of boot capacity (in accordance with ISO 3832).

Sensuous clarity and purist forms

On a visual level, the new C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor. Its striking, dynamic design exudes sensuous clarity and arouses emotions. Modern aesthetics were the source of inspiration for the new Saloon’s sensuous lines and surfaces, whose harmony and dynamism directly touch everyone. The designers have created minimalist, purist forms for theC-Class which emphasise its intelligent technology and engineering. The clearly defined surfaces also deliberately display a degree of tension, lending them a modern and at the same time emotional character. Precise lines and sculptural surfaces create progressive light and shadow effects.

In the side view a long bonnet, a passenger compartment set well back and short overhangs define the C-Class’s classic, well-balanced Mercedes-Benz Saloon proportions.

There is a choice of two different fronts: sporty with a central star or – reserved solely for the EXCLUSIVE line – the classic Saloon radiator grille with the Mercedes star on the bonnet. This grille can close the louvres completely to optimise the Cd value, and with its overall appearance superbly emphasises the status of the refined Saloon.

The new C-Class comes with H7 halogen headlamps as standard. In addition to the standard-fit headlamps, two energy-saving LED variants are available: a static system and a dynamic version with the “LED Intelligent Light System”. The characteristic night design lends the new C-Class its very own distinctive look in the dark, too. The rear lamp and brake light in the tail lamps feature LED technology with all headlamp versions.

High-class interior with fine details

The Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level which is rarely encountered even in higher vehicle categories. This applies to the carefully chosen high-class materials and their pleasant touch and feel as well as to the precision of the finely crafted details. But also equally to a new design idiom which perfectly combines sensuousness and clarity with dynamic sportiness, and thus contributes to the high-class appeal of the interior.

The driver and front passenger enjoy a great deal of space and luxury in an unobtrusive, modern style on board the new C-Class. This gives rise to a feel-good atmosphere which is new to this category of vehicle – settling into your seat in the C-Class is akin to the uplifting feeling of being upgraded from economy to business class on an airliner.

The interior design demonstrates a bold new approach by Mercedes-Benz.Here the designers combine in accomplished style the architecture of the Mercedes-Benz sports cars with a totally new centre console featuring sporty flowing lines. In vehicles with automatic transmission, a large one-piece centre console panel performs an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest. These seamless, clear-cut lines create a sense of open space and convey a thrillingly purist and modern feel.

On vehicles with manual transmission, the centre console is slightly steeper and features two separate trim elements in order to create ample space for ergonomic operation of the shift lever.

A centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catching feature across the centre console – with a screen diagonal of 17.78 centimetres (7 inches), or 21.33 centimetres (8.4 inches) if COMAND Online is specified.

Five round air vents lend the instrument panel a sporty touch. With their metallic cool-touch effect they create a tangible contrast to the warm look of the other materials – such as the wood in the centre console or the ARTICO man-made leather on the instrument panel. The “upgrade” feel duly continues with the controls. All switches have a high-quality, three-dimensional design befitting a luxury vehicle and benefit from a clear layout.

The innovative touchpad developed by Mercedes-Benz in the handrest above the controller on the centre tunnel marks a further evolutionary step. As on a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures.The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language supported by Audio 20 or COMAND Online. The user receives clear tactile feedback when operating the touchpad’s control surface, which is highly conducive to genuine intuitive use.

A head-up display is also new to the C-Class. Like in a fighter jet, it displays important information directly in the driver’s field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing for clear legibility and less distraction from the road ahead. The system provides information on speed, posted speed limits, navigation instructions and messages from the DISTRONIC system.

Three different design and equipment lines for the exterior and interior each offer further scope for individualisation in addition to the standard equipment and appointments. The AVANTGARDE line showcases the C-Class as a sporty Saloon, the EXCLUSIVE line places the emphasis on an elevated status and modern luxury while the AMG Line lends the C-Class a decidedly sporty appearance.

Rigid body – lightly done

The body-in-white of the new C-Class provides an innovative basis for reduced weight, outstanding rigidity, including load introduction rigidity for excellent handling, combined with optimum noise and vibration characteristics and a high level of crash safety. Thanks to intelligent and innovative lightweight construction, the aluminium hybrid body is around 70 kg lighter than a conventional steel body. The vehicle’s overall weight is even reduced by up to 100 kilograms. As such, the new C-Class leads the “lightweight rankings” in its segment. This spawns numerous benefits: the lightweight construction of the new C-Class cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 percent without any loss of performance, while at the same time enabling a lower centre of gravity, which in turn gives rise to the vehicle’s noticeably sporty and agile handling.

Mercedes-Benz achieves this technological leap in lightweight construction by various measures, including a completely new design and an unusually high aluminium content for a vehicle built in large-scale series production. Compared with the successful predecessor, the aluminium content has increased from less than 10 percent to almost 50 percent.

In keeping with Mercedes-Benz traditions, the body shell is designed for exemplary crash safety. The Saloon not only meets all current national and international laws, but also all rating requirements as well as the more stringent internal Mercedes-Benz safety requirements, which are based on what actually happens in real-life accidents.

A high-strength passenger safety cell forms the core of this concept. It is surrounded by specifically computed and field-tested deformation zones, which ensure maximum safety for the occupants by virtue of optimised force paths and a combination of die-cast aluminium components and ultra-high-strength materials. An outer skin consisting almost completely of aluminium provides a protective shell for the body structure.

Leading the field in aerodynamics and quiet running

A low drag is crucial to achieving outstanding efficiency. From a speed of just under 70 km/h, aerodynamic drag exceeds the sum total of all other driving resistance factors. As such, drag constitutes a major leverage in efforts to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With a Cd value of 0.24 for theC 220 BlueTEC BlueEFFICIENCY Edition, the new C-Class Saloon sets a new benchmark in the medium-size category. The wind noise level, which was already very low in the preceding generation of the C-Class, has been lowered still further.

The engineers have also devoted painstaking attention to optimising other potential sources of disturbance that may have an adverse effect on the driver’s and passengers’ well-being and concentration, even though they may not consciously notice their effects. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is the technical term for such nuisance factors. The specialists have optimised the noise characteristics of the interior blower, the power windows, the seat adjustment functions and many other actuating and operating noises, for example. As a result, the new C-Class occupies a benchmark position in its segment in terms of NVH.

Outstanding CO2 values with new small diesel engine

Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, all equipped with the ECO start/stop function and complying with Euro 6 emissions standards, provide for lively performance and great fun at the wheel. They also cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared with the preceding model.

An innovation is a small diesel engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres. Reduced weight, compact design and low specific fuel consumption are among its special merits. Depending on its configuration, the single-stage turbocharged four-cylinder engine generates 85 or 100 kW (115 or 136 hp) of power from a displacement of 1598 cc and delivers 280 or 320 Nm of torque. This engine puts the new C-Class in a leading position within its segment in terms of CO2 emissions. Among other things, this was made possible by the first-ever use of steel pistons in a passenger car diesel engine.

In addition to this new small diesel engine, an advanced version of the proven 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is also available in several output variants. The diesel engines thus cover an output range from 85 kW (115 hp) to 150 kW (204 hp). The C 220 BlueTEC is optionally also available with an output of 120 kW (163 hp) as a BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. All diesel engines of the newC-Class are equipped with the established SCR technology (selective catalytic reduction) for particularly environment-friendly driving, and ensure that the C‑Class models with diesel engines attain at least efficiency class A, and in most cases even efficiency class A+. The only exceptions are the 4MATIC four-wheel-drive models which are rated as efficiency class B.

BlueDIRECT petrol engines with third-generation direct injection

Four-cylinder petrol engines with power outputs ranging from 115 to 180 kW (156 to 245 hp) will also be available. These include the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition special model, which qualifies for efficiency class A. A six-cylinder petrol engine rated at 245 kW (333 hp) will follow in due course.

The BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines of the C-Class combine spontaneous response and exemplary power delivery with high efficiencyand best-in-class emissions. To this end, Mercedes-Benz has transferred the BlueDIRECT technology from the V6 and V8 engines to the four-cylinder engine. The direct injection system with spray-guided combustion, first introduced into passenger-car series production by Mercedes-Benz, employsan electronically controlled precision multiple injection process. The third-generation direct injection technology is complemented by “fast multiple ignition”.

Hybrid with four-cylinder diesel and petrol engine

As in the S and E-Class, Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel engine combined with a hybrid module. The C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with four-cylinder diesel engine and compact electric motor generates an output of 150 + 20 kW (204 + 27 hp) and runs on only 3.6 litres of diesel per 100 km/h in NEDC combined mode (provisional figure). A further particularly economical hybrid model which is to follow at a later juncture will feature state-of-the-art plug-in technology.

Optimised powertrain

Depending on the installed output ratings, Mercedes-Benz offers a new 6-speed manual transmission for the four-cylinder engines in the new C-Class, which stands apart first and foremost by virtue of its enhanced ease of shifting coupled with increased shifting precision and a harmonious gear change sequence. Smooth automatic gear shifting is provided by the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has undergone further development at Mercedes-Benz in the interests of enhanced environment-friendliness and driving pleasure.

The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system, which will be available starting in September 2014, serves to improve traction and driving stability in the C-Class while additionally underscoring the vehicle’s refined sportiness.

Suspension – sporty yet comfortable

The suspension on the new C-Class is a totally new development. It provides for nimble and agile handling that makes driving a great pleasure on winding roads while also offering the highest standard of ride comfort in the segment.

A newly designed 4-link front axle plays a major part in the agile handling characteristics. Thanks to the 4-link principle, the wheel suspension is fully decoupled from the spring strut. The resultant favourable axle kinematics allow more grip and higher cornering forces. As a result, the suspension responds more sensitively to steering movements and allows a sporty, agile driving style. An optimised multi-link independent rear suspension with 5‑links ensures unsurpassed wheel location qualities and supreme straight-line stability.

The new C-Class Saloon is fitted as standard with a steel suspension. Three DIRECT CONTROL suspensions with selective damping system are available in conjunction with this suspension:

a comfort suspensiona comfortable Avantgarde suspension lowered by 15 millimetresa sports suspension lowered by 15 millimetres

First air suspension in this category

The new C-Class is the first vehicle in its segment that can be fitted with an optional air suspension (AIRMATIC) on the front and rear axle. Thanks to electronically controlled, continuously variable damping at the front and rear, it offers outstanding road roar and tyre vibration characteristics even with the vehicle loaded. The driver can use a switch to choose between the various characteristics: “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. The additional “Individual” setting enables drivers to configure their vehicle according to their own preferences. AIRMATIC also features all-round self-levelling for optimum ride comfort even with the vehicle loaded.

The new C-Class also comes with an electric parking brake as standard. This brake is released automatically when the driver ends parking mode with the aim of moving off.

Steering with a sporty character

All models of the C-Class family will feature an electromechanical Direct-Steer system as standard from now on. This combines road-speed-dependent power assistance from the speed-sensitive power steering system with a steering ratio that varies with the given steering angle. The power steering assistance provided by the rack-and-pinion steering gear is controlled as needed, thereby contributing towards efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive: the intelligent car

It is the declared aim of Mercedes-Benz to make the highest standard of safety available to everyone. To this end, the new C-Class incorporates almost all of the new assistance systems with a host of enhanced functions which celebrated their world premiere in the S-Class and E-Class only a few months ago. The assistance systems enhance both comfort and safety. Mercedes-Benz calls this Intelligent Drive.

The new C-Class offers numerous innovative safety and assistance systems. It is equipped as standard with ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and fatigue. On motorways the COMAND Online navigation function offers nearby break options as stopovers, providing the system has been specified in the vehicle. The ATTENTION ASSIST function offers an adjustable level of sensitivity and can inform drivers in a separate view in the instrument cluster about their level of drowsiness and how long they have been driving since their last break.

In addition to Adaptive Brake Assist, which offers protection from collisions from speeds as low as 7 km/h, standard-fit COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS also features an additional function: when the risk of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.

In addition, new assistance systems and existing assistance systems with significantly enhanced functions from the new S-Class and E-Class are also optionally available, combining data from various sensor technologies as part of the Intelligent Drive concept to substantially enhance comfort and safety:

DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and integrated Stop&Go Pilot is a semi-autonomous Stop-and-Go assist system, which in addition to using the lane markings is able to follow the vehicle ahead at speeds below 60 km/h, thus providing a safe and convenient means of following the flow of traffic.BAS PLUS Brake Assist can now also detect crossing traffic and boost the braking force if the driver fails to apply the brakes sufficiently; the PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect stationary vehicles and even pedestrians, brake autonomously if the driver fails to react and thus prevent accidents at speeds of up 50 km/h and mitigate the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 72 km/h. In flowing traffic the PRE-SAFE® Brake provides assistance according to the same mode of operation throughout the speed range from 7 to 200 km/h.Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist can now also prevent the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of lane by applying the brakes on one side when the lane markings are broken and there is a risk of collision, e.g. as a result of vehicles overtaking at high speed, parallel traffic or even oncoming traffic.

The numerous assistance systems also include

Active Parking Assist, which enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention in both parallel and end-on parking spaces,a 360° camera, which is able to show the vehicle and its surroundings from various perspectives, including a virtual bird’s-eye view,Traffic Sign Assist with wrong-way warning function, which warns of speed limits and alerts the driver to no-overtaking zones and no-entry signs, as well asAdaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, which allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the light cone of the high-beam headlamps.

Airbags for safety

In addition to 3-point safety belts with pyrotechnical belt tensioning and belt-force limitation for driver, front passenger and those in the outer rear seats, numerous airbags serve to protect the vehicle’s occupants in an accident. These include:

combined thorax/pelvis sidebags for driver and front passengera newly developed windowbagsidebags for the outer rear seats (optional)a kneebag for the driver

The front passenger seat can additionally be fitted with automatic child seat recognition, which dispenses with the previous transponder in favour of a weight mat. This enables any child seat to be used. The airbag is automatically deactivated when a child seat is fitted and reactivated once it has been removed.

Air conditioning: signals from space

Mercedes-Benz has systematically advanced and substantially improved the air conditioning system in the new C-Class. This applies in particular to the control quality, performance, efficiency and air quality. The new C-Class is also the only vehicle in the segment to offer tunnel detection via satellite navigation. It uses map data from the navigation system and the GPS location data to close the air-recirculation flap automatically when the vehicle enters a tunnel, subsequently re-opening it when the vehicle emerges from the tunnel.

Another highlight contributing to a feel-good atmosphere is the AIR-BALANCE package with active fragrancing, air ionisation and more efficient filtration than is available on the base model.

Vibrant infotainment

A completely new multimedia generation offers intuitive operation in the new C-Class, featuring elaborate animations and visual effects which present all the functions in a clear and highly attractive manner. Furthermore the new C-Class is equipped with the unique Frontbass system. This avant-garde acoustic system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the woofers. The result is a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall. A Burmester® surround sound system is optionally available.

The navigation system presents its contents in interactive mode. Its features include an animated compass, a “Drive Show” with information for passengers similar to the on-screen presentations on board airliners and Google Maps displayed on the head unit. COMAND Online is now also able to provide more accurate real-time information about the situation on the roads when it receives its traffic data via the internet by means of the “Live Traffic Information” service.

Internet and diverse data sources already available in the basic version

A Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone with data option is all it takes to make the Audio 20 system internet-capable. This enables surfing the internet without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary.

Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Weather, GoogleTM Local Search with StreetView and Panoramio, destination/route download and Facebook can be used while on the move in conjunction with COMAND Online. Audio and video playback is possible from various sources, for example, via Bluetooth®, from an Apple iPod or iPhone®, from an SD card, USB stick or CD/DVD (with Audio 20 CD or higher and with COMAND Online).

COMAND Online with hotspot functionality

COMAND Online not only offers a larger display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and a special bonded glass cover such as is familiar from consumer devices like the iPhone® or iPad. It also enables digital TV / radio reception, for example, and offers a host of other features including fast hard-disc navigation, automatic tailback avoidance via up-to-date and accurate “Live Traffic Information” traffic data, integrated WLAN hotspot functionality and the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system.

Telephony via Bluetooth® as standard

The basic system Audio 20, the Audio 20 CD and COMAND Online all come with a basic telephony feature as standard, which connects the mobile phone with the vehicle via a standardised Bluetooth® interface.

Model range

The new C-Class – one class higher

With the all-new C-Class Mercedes-Benz is defining new benchmarks in the premium medium-size category. A sensuous, clear design, a sporty interior with high-class appeal and a generous sense of space, the lightest body shell in the segment, economical and lively engines, efficiency benchmarks, extensive safety features, a new agile and comfortable suspension as well as a host of other innovations create the impressionof an upgrade to a higher class of vehicle.

The new C-Class has a sensuous and clear design and offers a host of technical innovations as well as a comprehensive scope of standard equipment, and exemplary emissions and fuel consumption figures. This all adds up to substantial added value and long-term savings on motor vehicle tax andat the filling station.

Production of the new C-Class starts in four locations and on four continents within the span of four months: in Bremen (Germany), East London (South Africa), Beijing (China) and for the first time also in Tuscaloosa (Alabama, USA).

New dimensions

The new C-Class offers new dimensions with regard to technology, ecology, comfort, high-class appeal and fun at the wheel – and equally regarding the sense of space. The C-Class has grown to take account of people’s increasing average height. With an 80-millimetre increase in the wheelbase (2840 milli­metres) compared with the previous model, the vehicle is 95 millimetres longer (4686 millimetres) and 40 millimetres wider (1810 millimetres). The resulting increase in space benefits the rear-seat passengers, who now travel in even more comfort, and creates room for the new front axle and future hybrid components. At 480 litres the new C-Class also surpasses its predecessor in terms of boot capacity (in accordance with ISO 3832).

In some measurements the new C-Class even approaches or surpasses the E‑Class model series that made design history in 1995 with its distinctive four-headlamp look. Wheelbase, track and width are actually larger while many interior dimensions are on about the same level. This growth spurt benefits first and foremost comfort. What is more, the bare figures substantiate that the new C-Class Saloon also provides the measurable and not purely subjective benefits of an “upgrade to a higher class of vehicle” thanks to high-quality appointments and innovative technology.

Comparison of measurements

C-Class predecessor(W 204)The newC-Class(W 205)1995 E-Class(W 210)Wheelbase mm276028402833Track front/rear mm1547/15471588/15701542/1536Length mm459146864795Width mm177018101799Height mm144714421433Elbow room front mm144014541452Elbow room rear mm146214621472

The new C-Class sets visual highlights with a striking, dynamic design that exudes sensuous clarity while arousing emotions at the same time. Customers can choose from two fronts – sporty with a central star or – reserved solely for the EXCLUSIVE line – the classic Saloon grille with the Mercedes star on the bonnet, which puts particular emphasis on the status and reputation of the Saloon. The interior spaciously and stylishly showcases straightforward sportiness and aesthetic elegance with high-quality materials and finely crafted details worthy of the luxury class with surprising new design ideas. In addition to the base model, there are also three distinct design and equipment lines each for the exterior and interior.

With regard to technical features the new C-Class surpasses its successful predecessor in many areas and sets a multitude of new benchmarks in its segment besides. With an aluminium content of 48 percent and up to 100 kilograms lighter the Saloon is the lightweight-design leader in its segment. Other benchmarks: 99 grammes of CO2 emissions for theC 180 BlueTEC and the C 200 BlueTEC (preliminary figures); for the C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID 94 grammes of CO2 emissions as well as a Cd value of 0.24.

Among the outstanding characteristics of the new C-Class are also the best ride comfort – especially with first-ever AIRMATIC air suspension in this segment – the best NVH figures (noise, vibration, harshness) for comfort and driver-fitness safety, the best wind noise index, the most advanced and extensive assistance systems, innovative technology with multifunctional touchpad, head-up display, and GPS-controlled climate comfort. The outstanding safety substantiates the high standards which Mercedes-Benz as a safety pioneer also satisfies in the new C-Class – it not only garners benchmarks in all national ratings around the world, but also meets the even more demanding Mercedes in-house requirements, which even more precisely reflect what actually happens in real-life accidents.

C-Class customers will have a choice of three versions of the standard-specification steel suspension, which also includes a very sporty set-up. As an alternative Mercedes-Benz for the first time offers an air suspension in this segment. The AIRMATIC air suspension manages to bridge the gap between a high level of ride comfort and dynamic-agile handling.

Efficient and lively engines

Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, all equipped with the ECO start/stop function and complying with Euro 6 emissions standards, provide for lively performance and great fun at the wheel. They are also a factor in cutting fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared with the preceding model. Among them is also a new small four-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres. Low weight, compact design and low specific fuel consumption are among its special merits.

Five four-cylinder petrol engines with power outputs ranging from 115 to 180 kW (156 to 245 hp) will initially be available for the new C-Class. There is also the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Edition special model, which with ECO Technology package qualifies for efficiency class A. A six-cylinder petrol engine rated at 245 kW (333 hp) and the four-cylinder C 350 HYBRID with plug-in technology and a power output of 150 + 20 kW (204 + 27 hp) will follow in due course.

The diesel models of the new C-Class are powered by the further enhanced four-cylinder or the new small four-cylinder engine, which as BlueTEC models are all equipped with SCR technology (selective catalytic reduction). They cover an output range from 85 kW (115 hp) to 150 kW (204 hp). The C 220 BlueTEC is optionally also available with an output of 120 kW (163 hp) as a special model with ECO Technology package.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel engine combined with a hybrid module. The C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with four-cylinder diesel engine and compact electric motor generates an output of 150 + 20 kW (204 + 27 hp) and despite its high power output runs on just 3.6 litres of diesel per 100 km/h in NEDC combined mode (equivalent to 94 grammes of CO2).

As is customary, the new C-Class will also be available with a modern 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system starting in September 2014.

All diesel-powered C-Class models are classified at least as efficiency class A, most of them even as efficiency class A+. The only exceptions are the 4MATIC models C 220 BlueTEC 4MATIC and C 250 BlueTEC 4MATIC, which are classified as efficiency class B.

HIGHLIGHTS

Striking, dynamic design exudes sensuous clarity and arouses emotions at the same time.Longer wheelbase, increased length, more width – this means more room in the interiorTechnology leap with intelligent lightweight design and high aluminium content. Up to 100 kilograms lighter. This makes the new C-Class the “lightweight construction leader” in its segment.Sporty-agile suspension with new 4-link front axleFirst-ever air suspension with continuous damper adjustmentin this segmentBest-in-class aerodynamics: Cd value 0.24.Progressive, emotional exterior – choice of the sporty radiator grille with integral Mercedes star and the classic radiator grille with the Mercedes star on the bonnetHigh-quality, authentic materials and trim elements characterise the sporty interior that exudes modern luxuryModern operating convenience with rotary/push controller, touchpad, head-up display and internet-capable navigation and entertainment system with large colour display above the centre consoleHigh level of safety with virtually all new driving assistance systems from the E and S-ClassSophisticated crash management meets all national requirements worldwideBenchmark for NVH (noise, vibration, harshness)Unique Frontbass system for concert hall atmosphereClimate comfort with automatic air recirculation via GPSNewly developed economical 4-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 1.6 litresAll engines already comply with EURO 6 emissions standardsAll engines with ECO start/stop functionHigh energy efficiency of ancillaries such as air conditioning system, clutch and refrigerant compressorSpecial models (BlueEFFICIENCY Editions)Available as a mild hybrid (C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID)New six-speed manual transmission with high shift comfort7G-TRONIC PLUS with dynamic response and reduced consumptionControlled radiator shutters for less dragOptional full-LED headlamps

QUOTES

Dr Dieter Zetsche, CEO of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The C-Class is a best seller that has always been a trendsetter in the premium medium-size category. This is true for the new C-Class as well. It comes to the starting line with qualities usually reserved for higher-class automobiles – ecologically, technically and also with regard to comfort and driving pleasure. It embodies what we understand modern automotive luxury made by Mercedes-Benz to be and has all the prerequisites to be a huge success.”

Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: “Mercedes at its best – that’s the new C-Class, which sets new standards for the medium-size category on many fronts. It is characterised by an emotional and at the same time clear design which is continued in the high-quality, modern interior and combines avant-garde with modern luxury. Its efficient and high-performance engineering provides the basis for a high standard of driving pleasure.”

Ola Källenius, Member of the Mercedes-Benz Cars Divisional Board, responsible for Sales: “The new C-Class embodies Mercedes-Benz’s claim ‘The best or nothing’ in uncompromising style. This is immediately apparent when you encounter our new Saloon for the first time, as it creates the impression that you are sitting in a higher class of automobile. I am sure that the new C‑Class will delight our customers with its high-class appeal and agility.”

Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG: “The new C-Class showcases automotive passion by way of a contemporary design idiom. Progressive and emotional highlights underscore the ground-breaking design style of the new C-Class and demonstrate sensuous clarity. The new C‑Class interprets a new standard of modern luxury”.

Design

Sensuous clarity and purist forms

On a visual level, the new C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor. Its emotional, sensuous surface geometry deliberately displays a degree of tension and as a result appears muscular and full of character. At the same time the design showcases the high-tech character in a purist, clear and exciting fashion.

Intelligence and emotion – these two polar opposites define the design of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The design of the new C-Class is a statement of this current Mercedes-Benz style of design. On the one hand, modern aesthetics were the source of inspiration for the new Saloon’s sensuous lines and surfaces, whose harmony and dynamic spirit touch everyone directly. On the other, the designers have created minimalist, purist forms for the C-Class which emphasise its intelligent technology and engineering. Consequently, progressive and emotional highlights underscore the ground-breaking design style of the new C-Class and demonstrate sensuous clarity.

A long bonnet, a passenger compartment sitting far back and short overhangs characterise the classic, balanced Mercedes-Benz Saloon proportions of the C‑Class. The distance from the front wheel arch to the door opening, which is a measure of comfort, is unusually large for this segment in the case of the new C-Class. Large wheels emphasise the rear end and create the impression of stylish sportiness. Visually the car has a powerful road stance.

Muscular and sensuous

The clearly defined surfaces also deliberately display a degree of tension, lending them a modern and at the same time emotional character. A strong indent in the C-pillar forms a powerful shoulder, which is distinctly sculpted and gives the impression of an athletic muscle. It is emphasised by a soft edge that trails off in the tail lamp. All in all the vehicle body appears powerful but defined by engineering, and conveys dynamic sportiness.

Precise lines and sculptural surfaces create lively light and shadow effects. Viewed from the side, the dropping line highlights the vehicle’s proportions as a hallmark Mercedes signature. In tandem with a counter-line rising in the lower part of the vehicle from the front wheel, it creates a formal sense of tension. The counter-line makes the vehicle appear longer, encompasses the rear and ultimately flows over the sides and into the bumper creating a sense of balance.

A high, tense beltline serves as the third side line and visually reduces the height of the side windows. A non-continuous trim strip in the area of the rear window with a consequently high-quality appeal emphasises the C-pillar. The AVANTGARDE and EXCLUSIVE lines are upgraded in addition with a trim strip above the door that tapers off towards the front.

A large selection of light-alloy wheels with diameters between 40.6 cm (16 inches) and 48.3 cm (19 inches) underscores the stylish sportiness of the new C-Class.

Two new fronts to choose from

Depending on the exterior design and equipment line, customers can choose from different front-end designs – with a striking, wide sports grille and central star or with a classic radiator grille with the star on the bonnet.

The standard equipment and AVANTGARDE design and equipment line include the sports grille with twin louvres, which emphasises the long bonnet and therefore the vehicle’s power and dynamic nature.The classic radiator grille, which is reserved solely for the EXCLUSIVE line, stands for status, refinement and modern luxury. Its sightly taller radiator grille, in which three horizontal louvres and one vertical louvre appear to float, is framed by a three-dimensional chrome surround. The commanding Mercedes star on the bonnet underscores the effortless superiority.

Large air intakes in the bumper hint at the high air flow requirements of the performance engines and underscore the sense of width and sportiness of the front end.

Clearly drawn headlamp contours round off the strong character of the trademark front of the new C-Class. The LED daytime running lamps are integrated into the headlamp in the modern torch design of Mercedes-Benz, giving this element the effect of an eyebrow that lends the new C-Class an energetic, confident “gaze”.

The new C-Class comes with H7 halogen headlamps as standard. Two energy-saving LED headlamp variants are optionally available: a static and a dynamic version with “LED Intelligent Light System” and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, which for the first time makes driving with permanent high-beam possible by masking detected road users in the cone of light. Their characteristic night design lends the new C-Class its very own distinctive look in the dark, too.

Rear end with powerful shoulders

The clear design emphasising width and the powerful shoulders give the new C-Class a decidedly athletic appearance from the rear. A soft edge which merges into the tail lights accentuates the indent in the C-pillar which is essential for the powerful shoulder. A strongly vaulted spoiler lip on the boot lid has a positive effect on the Cd value, and also characterises the appearance.

The horizontally oriented tail lights are precisely embedded in the side wall and the bumper and wrap around the edges of the vehicle’s rear end.As a result they visually emphasise the width of the vehicle. The brake lamp is positioned between the rear reflector and the tail lamp. Its light intensity varies between daytime and night-time within legally permissible limits. The two-beam-look of the night design is very distinctive and gives the rear end an unmistakable identity in the dark as well. The tail lamps are available with partial or full LED technology.

A horizontal chrome strip as a styling element emphasises the licence plate recess positioned between the tail lamps in hallmark Mercedes fashion. Three-dimensional tailpipes integrated flush into the bumper have a high-value and sporty appeal, and add the finishing visual touches to the vehicle. Together with the lower wing they form a single unit and thus create a special effect, making the rear end a true eye catcher.

Interior

Upgrade inside

The cockpit and passenger compartment come across as clear, sensuous and with a host of new unusual styling details. Clarity stands for visible high-tech attributes and straightforward sportiness – purism in the best sense of the word. Sensuousness stands for design ideas with exciting flowing shapes and high-grade materials – a reinterpretation of contemporary luxury.

The Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level which is rarely found even in higher vehicle categories. This applies to the painstaking choice of select, high-class materials and their pleasant touch and feel as well as the precision of the finely crafted details. The interior also embodies a new design idiom which perfectly combines sensuousness and clarity with dynamic sportiness and contributes to the extraordinary high-class appeal of the interior.

Courage to embrace the new

The designers pick up key traits of the exterior inside the vehicle in order to achieve this overall objective. This applies above all to the scintillating play of contrasts between the clearly sculpted lines and surfaces which grow organically from them. The hallmark contemporary Mercedes-Benz design idiom of the dropping line sloping to the rear is, for instance, picked up in the doors. At the same time, the style-defining new interior of the new C-Class meets the most discerning design expectations which are today characterised by devices such as high-end smartphones and tablets.

Thus the driver and passengers in the new C-Class enjoy a generous sense of space and unobtrusive, modern luxury whose clear-cut style fits in with contemporary tastes. The upshot is a new feel-good character in this category – take a seat in the new C-Class and the sensation is something akin to an upgrade from economy to business class on an airliner.

Mercedes-Benz not only raises the character and perceived value of the interior to a new level for this category with the new C-Class. At the same time, the premium brand also consciously demonstrates through the interior styling the courage to embrace the new in many respects, to adopt a forward-looking vision, thus making an almost radical break with the previous norms in this hitherto rather rational category.

A sweeping centre console as from a single mould

The interior skilfully combines the architecture of the Mercedes-Benz sports cars with a newly interpreted, sporty and flowing centre console design. As a DIRECT SELECT selector lever handles gear selection on vehicles with automatic transmissions, a large, one-piece centre console panel sweeps elegantly from the centre air outlets to the equally new touchpad in the handrest above the controller on the centre tunnel. These continuous clear-cut lines create an open sense of space, conveying an unrivalled sense of simple and purist modernity.

The large solitary component is available in numerous material finishes – such as with contemporary wood surfaces, precisely bordered by a chrome surround, or with an exclusive piano-lacquer look – and characterises the interior’s unique ambience with its avant-garde yet sensuous character. The three-dimensional shape of the genuine wood veneers in the centre console conveys modernity and fine craftsmanship. The cover of the stowage compartment, for example, is precisely cut from the veneer of the centre console with virtually no material waste to ensure the individual wood grain continues in the cover without a visual break – the surface of the centre console consists in fact of a single piece of wood veneer.

On vehicles with manual transmission the centre console is slightly steeper and features two separate trim elements in order to create ample space for ergonomic operation of the shift lever.

The progressively styled centre console provides an extremely fluid transition to the instrument panel and beyond into the doors. As a result, visually soft volumes ensconce the passengers and equally convey a sense of security and sportiness.

A wing-like trim element separates the upper and lower section of the sporty designed, broad instrument panel. Its design makes it seem to be floating in the air. Skilfully staged ambience lighting further emphasises this floating effect. The visual separation makes it furthermore possible to choose different material and colour combinations for an individual feel-good atmosphere.

Elevated sportiness and high-value appeal

A centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catching feature above the centre console – with a screen diagonal of 17.78 centimetres (7 inches), or 21.33 centimetres (8.4 inches) if COMAND Online is specified. Both versions float in the best ergonomic position above the centre console and are connected to it elegantly with a slim horizontal trim piece. Thanks to its ergonomic positioning, the eye easily adapts to the central display. Its surface is completely protected by a glass cover for the first time and is bordered by a galvanised silver shadow frame. Visualisations and animations on the central display enhance the operating convenience and make the functions of driver assistance and communications systems tangible.

A high-quality analogue clock is optionally integrated into the centre console below the upper control panel – an indication of exclusivity and craftsmanship.

The touchpad in the brand-characterising handrest of the central controller in new C-Class was developed by Mercedes-Benz and marks an evolutionary step. As on a smartphone, all the head-unit functions can be operated using finger gestures.

Five round air vents with central adjustment knobs and horizontal louvre insert lend the instrument panel a sporty touch. The five ventilation outlets in silver shadow with their metallic ‘cool-touch’ effect contrast with the warm look of the other materials – such as the wood in the centre console or the leather on the dashboard.

Three-dimensional trim elements emphasise their high-value appeal – as does the carefully crafted topstitching, for example on the upper section of the instrument panel, the door centre panels and the upper body edge at window level. The door panelling has also been redesigned and is characterised by high-grade materials as well as a striking surface grain and eye-catching curves.

The driver sits behind a wheel that comes in different designs depending on the selected design and equipment line. While each variant features a leather-trimmed 3-spoke steering wheel with 12 function keys, their distinct colours and materials boost the character of the respective design and equipment lines. The leather-trimmed steering wheel of the new AMG Line has a flat bottom. In this way the interior makes extensive differentiation between the polar opposites of “tangible contemporary luxury” and “sensuous clarity” possible.

All switches feature a three-dimensional design befitting a luxury vehicle. High-gloss black, genuine metal and galvanised surfaces, as well as effect paintwork matching the interior appointments colours form a key element of the high-value appeal. Surfaces with uniform styling and a minimal number of switches provide a serene, reassured sense of space. Another example of the attention to detail is provided by the loudspeaker covers. Their delicate structures are elaborately photo etched and bordered by a surround made from genuine stainless steel.

Attractive and sporty seats with seat cushion length adjustment

Already the standard-fit sporty front seats underscore the sporty character of the new C-Class. They offer more comfort in the shoulder area and their special shape is a factor in the expanded legroom for the rear passengers. Their height adjustment range increased by ten millimetres compared with the preceding model series. The head restraints can be moved fore and aft and their height can be adjusted by about 55 millimetres via four detents.

“Cobra-look” front seats with an organic, sporty design and integral head restraint are available for the AVANTGARDE, EXCLUSIVE and AMG Line design and equipment lines. For the first time the front seats can also be ordered with a seat cushion whose length can be adjusted by 60 millimetres, which offers even more options of finding the perfect seating position.

A large selection of seat covers with a variety of materials (e. g. fabric, fabric/Artico, Artico, leather) and refined colour combinations help C-Class customers to configure their vehicles to best suit their individual preferences.

High-strength steels and intelligent lightweight construction are the technical distinguishing marks of the sturdy rear seats. Their newly designed seat cushions furthermore enhance the comfort for the rear-seat passengers who also enjoy considerably more legroom and knee room.

The backrest of the rear seat can be folded with a 40/20/40 split. A folding armrest is integrated in the middle. Compared with the predecessor it offers more stowage space and a larger cupholder. The three height-adjustable head restraints also provide improved rearward visibility.

The following optional extras are available independent of the selected design and equipment line:

Seat Comfort package with 4-way lumbar support, manual seat cushion length adjustment and electric seat cushion angle adjustmentFully electric 12-way seat adjustment with Memory packageThree-stage seat heating with automatic intensity reduction/deactivation for seat cushion and backrestSeat climate control with seat ventilation and reversible air flow, as well as seat occupancy and child seat recognition in the front passenger seat

The automatic child seat recognition system omits the previous transponder and uses a weight mat instead. This enables any child seat to be used. The airbag is automatically deactivated in this case and reactivated once the child seat has been removed.

Interior lighting with LED technology

The interior lighting uses primarily long-lived and energy-saving LED technology. This also applies to the optionally available ambience lighting in the three colours solar (amber), polar (ice blue) and neutral (white), which are selected via a menu item on the head unit and can be set to five brightness levels. In addition to the lighting elements in the dashboard console panel and on the door trim, the ambience lighting also includes illuminated outer door sill panels, for example.

Stowage concept for even more interior space

A sophisticated stowage concept with extensive stowage options unrivalled in this segment contributes to carefree travelling. The stowage volume in standard specification increased from 19.3 litres for the predecessor to now 29.0 litres (manual gearbox) and 30.2 litres with automatic transmission. More space – this principle also applies to the stowage facilities in the front doors, for example. Compared with the predecessor their volume on each side increased from 1.4 to 4.6 litres.

Touchpad

Commands with finger-tip control

The touchpad in the new C-Class developed by Mercedes-Benz marks an evolutionary step. As on a smartphone, all the head-unit functions can be operated using finger gestures.

The 65 x 45 millimetre control surface of the new touchpad made out of scratch-resistant material is built into the handrest on the central control panel and bordered by a high-quality metal support – a design feature with a high-tech feel which exudes luxury at the same time.

While other solutions with a touch-sensitive surface only support selected operating steps, the driver and front passenger can use the touchpad in the new C-Class to control all the functions in the central infotainment control panel using the kind of single and multi-touch finger gestures familiar from smartphones and tablet PCs. Slow and fast gestures are possible. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language supported by Audio 20 or COMAND Online. The user receives clear tactile feedback when operating the touchpad control surface. Characters entered using the handwriting function can also be read aloud by the system, thus supporting blind operation. The acoustic output also ensures that drivers do not need to take their eyes off the road, keeping distraction to an absolute minimum.

Users can input commands reliably with their hand sitting firmly on the ergonomic handrest without any need for hovering fingers. A new handrest detection feature also increases operating safety and helps prevent incorrect inputs. To this end the system analyses a sensor signal in three dimensions, thus detecting whether the hand is simply being placed on the handrest or is actually inputting data. The icons on the control surface are illuminated in the dark to help the user locate the various functions.

Three touch-sensitive buttons are arranged behind the touchpad which can be used to operate key functions quickly and directly (back function, switch to favourites menu, audio quick menu). The touchpad in the C-Class thus offers an additional, fully fledged and innovative input option to complement the existing controller and the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system. Users can choose at any time which input method they prefer.

Design and equipment lines

In addition to the standard specification, the new C-Class offers new design and equipment lines. There is a choice of:

The AVANTGARDE line – it features contemporary, dynamic characteristics that define the C-Class as a sporty Saloon.The E