A touch of C-Class
The new C-Class four-door sedan features evolutionary styling with lots of E and S-Class DNA — and that's good. This new, fourth-generation C-Class has smoother lines and the styling has far more rake at the front and on the windscreens.
Since the introduction of the first C-Class in 1982, Mercedes-Benz has sold more than six million of these popular sized sedans.
Available in three different versions, the Avantegarde, Elegance and Classic lines provide an emphasis on either comfort or agility. There are subtle but significant styling differences between the performance-oriented Avantegarde and the luxury-oriented Elegance and Classic models.
Apart from the subtle front end and rear end styling, the most noticeable difference is the placement and size of the three-pointed star. On the Elegance and Classic models the familiar symbol sits proudly on the hood, whereas on the Avantegarde it becomes a styling statement dominating the front grille.
Both looks are impressive and with the differences in wheels and tires, the statement is made quickly — built for pace, or built for grace.
In Classic guise, the new C-Class bears the same styling features found on the Elegance, but is deliberately understated.
All the new C-Class models are slightly wider and longer, which provides additional front and rear seat passenger room.
Inside, the ergonomically well designed, two-tone dashboard consists of round gauges and a full-centre console. The colour display is integrated at the upper centre of the dashboard and can be covered or folded away as required, without switching off the radio, navigation system or other units linked to the display. All the infotainment systems feature a keypad for entering phone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface that wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the hands-free system. The new Comand APS multimedia system features a navigation system whose data is stored on a hard disc whilst the high-resolution maps are shown on a seven-inch colour display. In addition, Comand APS includes a four-gigabyte music server, a DVD player for audio and video files and a modified Linguatronic voice-operated control system: the driver no longer needs to spell out the names of countries, towns or roads, but is able to speak them as whole words.
All C-Class models feature M-B's Agility Control package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the Pre-Safe preventive occupant protection system.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the Agility Control suspension controls the shock absorber forces depending on the driving situation as well as ensuring ride comfort and optimal active safety. The direct Agility Control steering improves handing whilst the Agility Control gearshift reflects the sporty character of the C-Class by ensuring short shift travel and precise gear changing. Adaptive Braking is also part of the standard specification and among other things includes Start-Off Assist for uphill gradients, priming of the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions.
Safety has always been a M-B priority and the C-Class' occupant protection is first based on body shell design. Seventy percent of the shell consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel with an estimated 16% improvement in torsion resistance and 15% in bending.
Inside, this safety technology has been complemented with the very latest protection systems. Seven airbags are included as standard equipment: two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests and two large windowbags. The standard head restraints operate on the Neck Pro principle, which reduces the risk of whiplash injuries. M-B's anticipatory occupant protection system Pre-Safe is an optional extra.
The Intelligent Light System developed by Mercedes-Benz is also available in this vehicle class for the first time providing five different lighting functions depending on driving and weather conditions.
With its 52-48 weight balance the new C-Class will arrive in Canada in August with a choice of either the 228-hp 3.0-litre known as the C300 or the C350 powered by a 268-hp 3.5-litre V6 in regular or 4-Matic guise. More models will arrive later including an AMG version which arrives in Europe this fall.
The new C-Class will also be causing a sensation in the sporting world. The latest edition of the most successful race car in DTM history also celebrated its world premiere in Geneva and will be ready to race at the Hockenheimring on April 22. Beneath the new body are a whole host of modified components. The 4.0-litre V8 engine features four valves per cylinder and now develops around 350 kW/470 hp at 7500 rpm with a peak torque of 500 Nm. In the 106 DTM races that the C-Class has taken part in — in the mid-'90s and since 2004 — the C-Class has notched up 54 victories. And in the six seasons in which it has been involved in the past, it has achieved four title successes and twice been runner-up.
Norm Mort is a collector car enthusiast, old-car appraiser and member of AJAC
normmort@hotmail.com
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