MERCEDES C-CLASS REVEALED
Mercedes-Benz has at last revealed its new midsized C-Class, primed to take on the still-fresh BMW 3 Series and Audi's updated A4.
The carmaker had previously detailed a number of key features that will debut with the new C-Class, but this latest release offers a first official look at the complete package.
On the styling front, the new 2014 C-Class bridges the styling of the smaller CLA sedan and the (much) larger S-Class, while likely previewing the next E-Class.
Depending on the engine and specification, the new C-Class will be offered with a number of styling kits, from the basic C 180 through to the top-shelf C 400.
In full AMG Sport trim, the new C-Class also gets deep ports and a lip spoiler in the front bumper, along with larger alloy wheels, a vented rear bumper and twin exhaust tips.
The Basics
The new C-Class measures 4686mm long and rides on a 2840mm wheelbase, making it 95mm longer overall than its predecessor, while stretching the wheels a further 76mm apart.
That growth gives rear passengers 25mm of extra leg room, and boot capacity in the sedan grows to 480 litres - up from 450.
Built on the new 'Mercedes Rear-drive Architecture' (MRA), Mercedes says the new C has the lightest body shell in the segment, with added rigidity over the outgoing model.
The new body is a ‘hybrid’ construction, using a combination of aluminium and high-strength steel.
This makes the body 70kg lighter than the conventional steel body of the outgoing C-Class, while contributing to an overall weight reduction of 100kg.
Mercedes says this has improved fuel consumption figures by as much as 20 percent.
Powertrains
The new C-Class will initially debut with three engine options in the European market, with more to follow as the line-up's global rollout begins.
The launch range kicks off with the 115kW 1.6 litre C 180 and 135kW 2.0 litre C 200 petrol models, and the 125kW 2.1 litre C 220 BlueTEC diesel.
For those three engines, Mercedes claims fuel consumption figrues of 5.0, 5.3 and 4.0 l/100km respectively.
The line-up will be fleshed out after launch with a new 1.6 turbodiesel developed with Renault, to be offered in 85kW and 100kW tunes.
More versions of the 2.1 litre diesel model will also be offered, with top variants delivering 150kW.
The A-Class hatch's M274 four-cylinder turbo engine will be flipped for rear-wheel-drive duty in the C-Class, where it will offer 175kW.
A six-cylinder turbo engine is also promised - following "in due course" - and Mercedes promises a hefty 245kW output for that model.
On the extra-green front will be the C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid, matching a 2.1 litre diesel with an electric motor. A plug-in petrol-electric version of the C 350 is also planned.
Two transmissions will be offered, including a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.
Merc's new nine-speed auto has also been rumoured for the new C-Class, although the carmaker has yet to confirm.
Rear-wheel-drive is standard across the range, but 4Matic all-wheel-drive models will be offered in Europe sometime after launch.
Underneath, the 2014 C-Class gets a new four-link front axle, which Merc says will make the new C-Class light-footed and agile while maintaining ride comfort.
Three versions of a steel suspension system with selective damping is standard, with AMG models getting a sports tune lowered by 15mm.
The new C-Class is also the first in its segment to accommodate Mercedes’ Airmatic air suspension. The optional system is electronically controlled and features continuous variable damping.
Steering assist across the range is through a speed-sensitive electro-mechanical system.
The Interior
In the cabin, the new C-Class debuts a classically-styled sports with SLS-inspired circular vents, a large standalone display screen and silver highlights throughout.
Various trim and highlight options will be offered, from various wood grains to aluminium, again depending on the model.
A key new feature in the cabin is a location-aware air-conditioning system. The system uses satellite navigation to determine when the vehicle enters a tunnel, and automatically switches from fresh to recirculated air.
Mercedes calls it the “Air Balance” package, and it’s a valuable trickle-down feature from the bigger and more upmarket S-Class. It also features fragrance control and ionisation.
Joining the touchpad is a head-up display, similar in execution to the technology now appearing with other brands, including BMW.
Mercedes says the display projects important information such as current speed, speed limits and navigation instructions in the driver’s field of view “like in a jet fighter”.
Benz also says the information appears to float over the bonnet, around two metres in front of the driver; and it’s fully adjustable.
The new C-Class will also be safer, with a new sensor which deactivates the front passenger airbag when a child seat is installed. Removing the child seat reactivates the system.
Australia
The new C-Class will make its global premiere at the Detroit Auto Show next month, with an Australian launch expected to occur around July.
Rear- and all-wheel-drive models are expected to be offered in Australia, and the diesel-electric C 300 hybrid is also on the cards for a local launch.
Watch for the wagon, coupe and new cabriolet models to appear in the coming months.
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25 Comments
THIS is another reason why holden had to stop manufacture I mean WHO would buy a holden calais[stupid name anyway] over this seeing they are almost the same coin :rolleyes: BTW they have done a exceptional job and ther base petrol engine is almost hybrid-like frugal Well done Benz looks like you have found your mojo again..:) LOTS of pain for the other brands now...
People that want a much larger car with a lot more power? Don't get me wrong this is an amazing car, but comparing it to a Calais...
Err, you know there's a VF Commodore now, right? VF Calais starts at $39,990 - and probably some damn good deals to be had right now.
Wow, way to ignore the fact that your exaggerating got corrected.
Calais is a coastal town in northern France. And I can't work out what the problem you have with naming a car after it is?
Well comparing Mercedes to Holden is like comparing Shit To Gold. Holden has never been a car that last long. It has never been well engineered. Though they think that they were doing engineering. They have been run by engineers that were selected to their skills in watching footy, that tells the whole story.
Fail Mercedes... It needs to be $19,990 drive away.
That's too much. $14,990 or it'll be an orphan just like the 3 Series, E Class and X5. No one buys any of them. Right CAZZO?
Visually, I think this is a winner, both inside and out. Can't wait to see the AMG
Awesome interior, rear end looks the goods in the AMG body kit guise but those initial engine packages are laughable. They need something comparable performance wise to the current 328i to snatch those potential buyers on the fence.
Maybe if they get rid of the leeches of tax payers money, yes I mean the Australia auto industry, there won't be an over paid industry to protect and just maybe, if pollies aren't so greedy, they will remove all the ridiculous taxs, and imported cars will drop I price.
Do you seriously believe the importers won't jack up their prices once Australian car manufacturing is gone? Compare the Australian prices of software, electronics and other gear with the US prices. In most cases we pay double. Extremely naive to think the auto sector won't do exactly the same.
I don’t think it’s overly naïve to believe that the auto industry won’t increase in price. There are a number of good arguments either side. The motor industry is very different to the other industries mentioned in that the value for money ratio is consider as a higher priority. Take latest release games and the whole $60US vs $100AU. If the next battlefield was released at $80 rather than $100 would it make it any better of game? If you were tossing up between the next COD and the next battlefield how high would value for money of initial purchase be? I certainly would still be buying whatever game I felt was the better game. Go to motor vehicles however and take almost any car and add 20% on to its price. Regardless of how good it was a shift in the value equation will turn that car into a less popular car. Most electronics conform to the former model as well particularly when it is not a premium item. So it wouldn’t surprise me if there was no correlation to those industries. Cars in our market end up being all about supply vs demand. There is also some comparison with competitors but less than the major markets. So if we were to stop all buying Holdens once they pulled out their manufacturing there would be higher supply for vehicles across the board. This is likely to increase prices but only by a small amount. What we won’t see is a particular vehicle or group of vehicles suddenly increase in price due to the lack of competition. Australia remains a highly competitive environment and most importantly the only really car that excelled in the Holden stable being the Commodore has no direct imported competitors (maybe 300c). The large car market will struggle significantly without the Falcon and Commodore and as such I couldn’t see the rest of the large car manufacturers increasing the price and scaring people to other sized vehicles. So I believe that prices will increase a slight amount < 5% but it could just as well reduce down with lowering import tariffs.
gIVE ME A NEW lEXUS is ANY DAY OF THE WEEK INSTEAD OF THIS...
My favourite part was when you used the shift key correctly, but hit "submit" anyway after it had all gone wrong.
You have NO idea how many comments we reject because they're typed entirely in caps. I let this one through, because clearly SOME effort had been made. Call it... the Christmas spirit. (or Festivus?)
Perhaps you could set up your browser to display in CAPS only then. Might help you understand what's going on.
Test drove CT200h and it was a fantastic upgraded Corolla with some good features. Service at Lexus was wonderful. Went to MB and test drove A250 and B200. Both vehicles superior to Lexus in every way and yet the same pricing. Service at MB was also excellent. Drove away in a B200 and have never regretted a day of driving it. Lexus really needs to review its pricing.
Engines-Only need one, the 250cdi-- It'll knock spots off everything.
Hey test drive please !