Mercedes-Benz have introduced the all-new C-Class saloon and, without a doubt, we can see that it borrows more than a few cues from the company flagship, the renowned S-Class. So, just what does the new C have to offer? The changes are numerous and span everything from materials used in construction to the drivelines and equipment levels.
First up, the new Mercedes-Benz is a larger car. It measures 4,686mm long, 1,810mm wide and runs a 2,840mm wheelbase: larger than its predecessor in every way. Then there’s the construction; while the body-shell of older car was made up of less than 10% aluminium, the new model takes that figure up to 50%. The body is 70 kg lighter, leading to an overall weight loss of about 100 kg for each model. It goes without saying that, coupled to the new engines, the new C-Class uses 20% less fuel.
On to the engines, Mercedes have a slew of new choices. In India , we can expect the petrol range to include the new C 180 powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder petrol engine making 156 PS and 250 Nm. The more powerful C 200 will have a larger 2.0-litre motor with 184 PS and 300 Nm. There’s another tuned up 2.0-litre four – the C 250 – with 211 PS and 350 Nm. While it may not make it to India, there’s also a C 350 with a 333 PS V6 in the pipeline.
On the diesel front, Mercedes-Benz are stated to have a new 1.6-litre motor, but going by fuel quality and company policies, the updated 2.2-litre four-cylinder motor looks set to continue unchanged technically, albeit cleaned up a little. Thus, we should have the C 220 CDI with 170 PS and 400 Nm and C 250 CDI with 204 PS and 500 Nm. There’s also the C 300 BLUETEC Hybrid, but that isn’t likely to come here either.
Mercedes-Benz have a 6-speed manual transmission on offer in Europe, with the US slated to get 4matic all-wheel drive standard on all models. However, we expect just the 7-speed DCT or the 7-GTronic Plus driving the rear wheels to be offered by Mercedes-Benz India.
Equipment levels are where the changes are more evident. The standard car has H7 halogen lights, but the LED Intelligent Light System is optional. While steel suspension is standard, it is available as standard with Comfort, Avantgarde or Sport choices. For the first time in the segment, AIRMATIC air suspension is on the options list. Agility Control is also offered as part of the package. More equipment in the form of the COMAND console, Attention Assist and BAS PLUS Brake Assist are offered. DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot adaptive cruise control is available, working at speeds of up to 60 km/h. This is further aided by the COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS and PRE-SAFE. For occupant, the AIRBALANCE PLUS auto-climate control system is on offer. Google Maps and DriveShow are part of the multimedia package, as are Bluetooth telephony, WLAN hotspot facility and LINGUATRONIC voice control.
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