Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and Estate.
Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new C-Class, which is available with a lineup of electrified drivetrains.
PURITY IN DESIGN
The new car sports dynamic proportions, thanks to a long wheelbase and short overhangs, and the windscreen and passenger cell have been moved rearwards. Additional emphasis on the long bonnet design is achieved via the new power domes.
Like its larger E-Class sibling, the headlights and grille are now more angular, and the tail-lights are now a two-piece design. Mercedes’ Digital Light with projection function (first seen on the latest S-Class) is also available as an option on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
This system can make driving safer by projecting guide lines, symbols and animations onto the road.
The new car gets a “cab-backward” design, as well as clean profiles.
Three new paint finishes – spectral blue, high-tech silver and opalite white – have been added to the colour range.
NEW DRIVER-ORIENTED CABIN
Inside, the dashboard now sports a distinct upper and lower section. The new air-conditioning vents take their inspiration from aircraft engine nacelles, while the dashboard and central display are now tilted towards the driver by six degrees.
Speaking of which, the free-standing driver’s display is available in either 10.25-inch or a 12.3-inch size. A 9.5-inch centre display comes standard, but buyers can specify a larger 11.9-inch version.
The lower section of the dashboard and centre console are one visually uninterrupted piece.
Like the new S-Class, the new C-Class is equipped with the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz User Experience. The new system not only supports voice command activation, but can also stream music via Mercedes’ “Online Music” service.
A colour head-up display can be ordered as optional equipment.
MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS: SYSTEMIC ELECTRIFICATION
The engine lineup of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is currently comprised of only 4-cylinder units from Mercedes’s Family of Modular Engines. All petrol and diesel engines now also utilise a 48-volt mild hybrid system for greater fuel savings.
The M254 petrol engine also has a second-generation starter-generator, which has an additional output of up to 20bhp and 200Nm more torque. A new twin-scroll turbocharger not only offers increased efficiency, but an additional 27bhp on overboost in the 2-litre C300 as well.
All 4-cylinder engines are now equipped with mild-hybrid technology.
Power outputs stand at 168bhp, 201bhp, and 255bhp for the C180, C200, and C300 respectively. The peak torque figures are 250Nm, 300Nm, and 400Nm. Both the C180 and C200 will utilise turbocharged 1.5-litre engines.
All engines are paired with a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission as standard.
COMFORT AND AGILITY
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class utilises a new four-link axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear. Continuously adjustable damping and a sport suspension is optionally available.
Rear-axle steering is also now available as an option. When equipped the car’s turning radius is reduced by 215mm to 5.32 metres.
The new C-Class will reach Singapore in the fourth quarter this year.
Read about the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class here!
Or read our review of the C-Class’ larger sibling, the E-Class, here!
Click here to discover the Mercedes-Benz range
