Happenings

Mercedes-Benz Launches The New C Class

BY Burnpavement

Bristling with youthful energy, it's clear where this car's soul is.

The C Class is the best-selling model for Mercedes-Benz. With over one million units of the current W204 model sold worldwide, the four-year old model gets new styling to keep up with the competition. The front and rear sections feature a more striking design, with more expressive and dynamic contours that signifies Mercedes's new design language. The new CLS-like headlights, radiator grille, V-shaped side sections on the bumper and the side air inlets gives the car a more aggressive road-hugging look.

Together with the optional high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior. The restyled dashboard features an enhanced trim concept and a new instrument cluster featuring an integral display, which is in colour with the optional 12-button steering wheel.

Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from Attention Assist drowsiness detection to Distronic Plus proximity control are now available for this model. Other helpful features include Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Speed Limit Assist, Parktronic parking guidance, Pre-Safe brakes, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.

The new C Class also receives a new multimedia system. Called Comand Online, it provides in-car internet access. Apart from receiving up-to-date information, Google Maps integration allows drivers to download routes that they have saved on Google Maps. The navigation system also features a 3D building display, route recording and can display four alternative routes, with one route determined to be the most economical.

Engine wise, the new car claims to have a lower fuel consumption, thanks to new engine variants, an improved 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine that pumps out 306 hp and 370 Nm of torque, at a fuel-sipping 14.7km/l - 31 percent less than the previous model. And, there's the 457 hp C 63 AMG for those who love burning pavements.

Dr Dieter Zetsche, Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars had this to say about to the new C-Class, “For us the new-generation C Class with more than 2000 new parts is a facelift — others would speak of a new car.”