The new Mercedes-Benz C-class has been revealed in full at the Detroit motor show ahead of a planned arrival in UK showrooms in June. Prices are set to rise marginally over the outgoing model.
The new model, Mercedes’ global best-seller, has a dramatic new look inside and out, a 100kg weight reduction and a more efficient engine line-up that includes a model with sub-100g/km CO2 emissions for the first time in the fiercely contested compact premium saloon segment.
Other features of the new W205-generation C-class include the option of air suspension (another segment first), a more agile chassis, greater use of aluminium in its structure and a whole suite of advanced driver-assistance systems shared with the recently-launched new Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Underpinning the C-class is the new lightweight modular rear-drive MRA (Mercedes Rear-drive Architecture) platform that will underpin all core rear-drive models from the C-class and above, including saloons and SUVs.
This new platform will be rolled out across a C-class line-up that will extend to include estate, coupé and AMG variants as well as a new cabriolet version and 4Matic all-wheel-drive models that will be sold in the UK for the first time from the end of next year.
The new C-class is 4686mm long, 1810mm wide and 1442mm high, the length and width growing by 95mm and 40mm respectively over the current car and the height reducing by 5mm. The wheelbase is up by 80mm to 2840mm.
The increase in size is due to the recent arrival in Mercedes’s line-up of the Mercedes-Benz CLA, a model that closely matches the current C-class in length. The fifth-generation C-class has thus grown longer and wider to distance itself from the CLA.
Visually, the new C-class shows a clear family resemblance to the latest S-class and recently revised Mercedes-Benz E-Class, as well as the smaller A-class family. Following Mercedes’ ‘sensual purity’ design theme, the fundamental classic rear-drive saloon proportions, including a long bonnet and set-back cabin, remain, but the Mercedes design team, headed by Gorden Wagener, have reduced the overhangs, raised the beltline, narrowed the glasshouse and added sculpted, flowing lines and surfaces that taper back to give a more classic profile inspired by the Streamliner models from the 1920s and 1930s.
This ‘soft’ treatment, which includes front and rear ends that avoid sharp edges and creases by curving into the car’s sides, contributes to the C-class’s class-best drag coefficient of 0.24.
The overall result is a more modern-looking C-class that Mercedes hopes will appeal to a much younger audience without alienating the more traditional C-class buyer.
The new look for the modern, luxurious interior is bolder still than that of the exterior. Its ‘wraparound’ dashboard design is derived from that found in the A-class family and the new S-class and features three central circular air vents, greatly reduced switchgear on the centre console and improved overall fit and finish.
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Definitively the nicest Mercedes Benz available now !
The new C-Class...
Reality check
As for the mention of the superiority of the D4 Volvo diesel by one poster - this delusional post is likely occasioned by overconsumption of black pudding.
The comparison of a Mercedes diesel in terms of refinement (I had a drive of a friend's 2.1 litre diesel engined C-class last week) with a Massey Ferguson diesel only indicates to me that the poster has never piloted a Massey Ferguson tractor of any vintage - I note that I have.
I await the estate version of the C-class as In my view, Mercedes estates have historically been 'better lookers' than the equivalent
sedans (I note that I am a former E-class estate owner) and rear seat legroom of the new C-class will be adequate for my purposes.
John O'Groats wrote: As for
Volvos with the new D4 Drive-E turbo diesel engine are available to order in the UK now. The 179bhp two-litre unit is being offered in the S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 ranges with either a manual or an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
In the S60, and in versions of the V60 with wheel sizes of up to 17", the D4 uses fuel at the official rate of 74.3mpg and has a CO2 rating of 99g/km
Can you please tell me which Mercedes or BMW engine matches these figures?
Thanks, when you do, I will email you my address for you to send me more black pudding, or is it Haggis?
John O'Groats wrote: The
Never owned a MF, but I have a Fordson.
Just look at what WC have just written about the current C class tractor:
I did 55,000 miles behind the dog rough OM651 in an E220. Merc will have had to do some NVH magic on it to make the new C Class worth consideration (unless you are deaf, in which case it will be fine).