Mercedes-Benz has taken the wraps off the new 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, presenting fresh exterior styling, more in-car technology, more safety, and increased efficiency.
Starting with the design, the new C-Class borrows the smoother design language which is being applied to the company’s latest models, such as the new E-Class. The panel edges are more rounded and the headlights and taillights are perkier for better aerodynamics. In fact, the C 220 BlueTEC ECO variant offers a coefficient drag of just 0.24.
In terms of dimensions, 95mm has been added to the overall length for increased interior space, 80mm of which is found in the wheelbase, while 40mm has been added to the width. The overall height of 1442 remains unchanged from the outgoing model. Boot space is increased to 480 litres (up from 475 litres).
The updated styling not only looks the part, the body has been developed as a ‘hybrid aluminium’ setup which saves around 70kg over a conventional steel layout. It’s also more rigid and quieter thanks to various noise and vibration cancellation characteristics. Overall, the C-Class is around 100kg lighter than the outgoing model.
Open the door and you’ll find a completely updated interior. Mercedes-Benz says there has been considerable effort applied to using high-class materials to make up the cabin, usually only seen on higher end luxury cars.
The dash features the company’s latest trend of round-style air vents, a large one-piece centre console which sweeps down from the top of the dash fascia, while at the top of the dash sits a 7.0-inch multimedia interface or an optional 8.4-inch unit.
Mercedes has introduced head-up display for the new range, presenting important live details on speed and speed limits, navigation info, and messages from the Distronic radar cruise control.
Under the bonnet, Mercedes-Benz has revealed details on three powertrain options that will become available. These include the C 220 BlueTEC, the C 180, and the C 200.
The C 220 BlueTEC comes with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 125kW and 400Nm. It’s able to run from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds, while offering an incredibly low fuel economy average of just 4.0L/100km.
Stepping over to the C 180, it’s powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder producing 115kW and 250Nm. It’s able to cover 0-100km/h in 8.2 seconds, offering an economy average of 5.0L/100km.
Lastly, the C 200 comes with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder producing 135kW and 300Nm. It’s able to sprint from 0-100km/h in a reasonable 7.5 seconds, and offers a very respectable fuel economy average of 5.3L/100km.
Other variants will join the lineup down the track, including a 175kW petrol, and a C 300 BlueTEC hybrid diesel with 150kW. For the ultra fuel conscious, an entry-level 1.6 diesel will join the ranks too, with 85kW. Details on the monster AMG version are yet to be announced.
To enhance the C-Class’s handling and ride, new suspension has been developed, with a four-link front setup and a multi-link arrangement at the back. Mercedes says the revised setup is now more responsive to steering movements and offers sportier, agile dynamics. AIRMATIC air suspension will be available for the first time in this segment, while the standard steel setup will feature adaptive dampers with three driving modes.
As for the technology, Mercedes-Benz is reinforcing its ‘Intelligent Drive’ package for the C-Class. It incorporates almost all of the new assistance systems developed by the company, including Attention Assist to reduce driver drowsiness, Collision Prevention Assist Plus which is capable of automatically braking the car at speeds up to 200km/h, and Active Parking Assist and Traffic Sign Assist.
Other safety features include Distronic Plus radar cruise control with Steering Assist, as well as a new system called Stop Go Pilot which is able to offer semi-automatic driving during traffic jam conditions, braking and accelerating the car at speeds below 60km/h.
The new model is now on sale in some European markets and is expected to arrive in Australia next year. Prices and model grades for the local market are yet to be announced.
The car has really amazing design and features, I like the interior of the car as well as the specifications.