Merc preps BMW-beater

Next-gen C-class set to whip 3-Series?

By PH Staff / Wednesday, 11 May 2005 / Loading comments

Mercedes C-class 2004

Mercedes is fighting back, following an annus horribilis. It's suffered losses at Smart, has plummeted down the JD Power quality survey, and had recently to make a recall of 1.3 million cars.

According to Autocar, the next C-class -- which competes with the dominant BMW 3-Series -- will look sharper, and offer better quality and higher production tolerances. It won't get Merc's Active Body Control or AirMatic suspension, both being too expensive, but it will get a direct injection, four-cylinder M271 engine. This will deliver higher output and lower fuel consumption from a 1.8-litre capacity, which will be offered in 150bhp, 170bhp and 190bhp turbocharged guises.

Higher up the range, the M272 V6 engine delivers 204bhp from 2.5-litres, and 231bhp and 272bhp from the 3.5-litre lumps. The AMG edition will top the range, boasting the current 5.4-litre V8 with power raised to 410bhp from today's 367bhp. There will also be arrange of diesels delivering up to 467lb-ft of torque from a turbocharged 3.0-litre engine.

Better quality materials inside and a long list of toys -- including a BMW iDrive equivalent -- are designed to entice buyers back to the three-pointed star.

Expect to see the car on sale in the UK in two years' time.