Happenings

Orders For Mercedes-Benz C-Class Now Open

BY Azfar Hashim

We are very sure some of you have been waiting eagerly - well, here it is now!

Boasting intelligent lightweight design with weight savings of up to 100 kilograms, class-leading aerodynamics and new engines, the C-Class is finally here in Singapore to take back the title of 'Singapore's favourite junior executive sedan'.

The new C-Class has grown in terms of size: with an 80 mm, 95 mm and 40 mm increase in wheelbase, length and width respectively over its predecessor (the W204), the new car (W205) now offers a more spacious interior. Even the boot capacity has increased to 480-litres (previously 475-litres).

A head-up display is new to the C-Class. Like in a fighter jet, it displays important information directly in the driver's field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing clear legibility and less distraction from the road ahead. The system provides information on speed, posted speed limits, navigation instructions and messages from the Distronic system. A large one-piece centre console panel performs an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest; this particular seamless, clear-cut lines create a sense of open space. A free-standing 8.4 by 7-inch central display screen is the main eye-catching feature across the centre console.

Thanks to the intelligent and innovative lightweight construction, the aluminium hybrid body is around 70 kg lighter than a conventional steel body; the C-Class\'s overall weight is even reduced by up to 100 kgs. Compared to the previous C-Class, the aluminium content has increased from less than 10 percent to now almost 50 percent. The benefits? Fuel consumption is cut by 20 percent without any loss of performance, while at the same time, enabling a lower centre of gravity.

There is a choice of two different fronts: sporty with a central star or the classic radiator grille with the Mercedes star on the bonnet (only for Exclusive line). For the latter, the grille can close the louvres completely to optimise the Cd value.

For the local market, three engine options are available: C 180, C 200 and C 250. All are powered by four-cylinder petrol engines with power outputs ranging from 156 bhp/250 Nm, 184 bhp/300 Nm and 211 bhp/350 Nm. This is unconfirmed at time of launch, but a 333 bhp 6-cylinder petrol engine might follow in due course. Automatic gear shifting is provided by the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission, which has undergone further development at Mercedes-Benz in the interest of enhanced environment-friendliness and driving pleasure.

The new C-Class is also the first vehicle in its segment that features an optional AIRMATIC air suspension on the front and rear axles. The driver can use a switch to choose between the various characteristics: 'Comfort', 'Eco', 'Sport' and 'Sport+'. The additional 'Individual' setting enables drivers to configure their vehicle according to their own preference. AIRMATIC also features all-round self-levelling for optimum ride comfort even with the vehicle loaded.

Equipped as standard is 'Attention Assist', which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and fatigue. 'Collision Prevention Assist Plus' is also present - when the risk of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at up to 40 km/h.

Three different design and equipment lines are available: The Avantgarde showcases the C-Class as a sporty saloon, the Exclusive as a 'modern luxury' saloon while the AMG Line as the sportiest in the line-up (if you ask us, this will be the version to get).

Prices starts from $189,888 for the C 180 Avantgarde all the way to $242,888 for the C 250 AMG Line. All prices includes COE.