Mercedes Benz's recent product strategy was probably termed 'diversification' by the marketing people. But after the
360hp A-Class
four-door saloon coupe
GLA
, it's returning to the bread and butter products with the new C-Class.
S-Class influence clear from outside...
Looks like an S-Class, doesn't it? The latest 'sensual clarity' design language of Mercedes has now made its way to the smallest saloon, giving it a very mature look. The silver car seen here, most likely an 'Engineered by AMG' or similar, has hints of the CLA in its design also. There's nothing particularly surprising about the looks but it's cohesive and recognisably Mercedes. Probably quite sensitive to spec choice though.
This C-Class is larger than the last but also 100kg lighter too thanks to more aluminium in the body. An increase in overall length of 95mm comes predominantly through the 80mm longer wheelbase (now 2,840mm). Width is up 40mm too, and boot capacity is now at 480 litres.
That's all well and good for passengers, but what about the driver? Well the S-Class influence extends to the cabin also, with the new Comand controller and switchgear familiar. Mercedes is promising great interior refinement too, aided by a drag co-efficient as low as 0.24Cd.
From launch, there will be three engines. The 1.6-litre C180 makes 156hp and 184lb ft, enough for 62mph in 8.2 seconds plus 56.5mpg and 116g/km. The 184hp C200 is the second petrol option initially.
Of course in Britain the most popular C-Classes will be the diesels. The C220 Bluetec will fight for company car kudos with the 320d, and goes into battle slightly down on power (170hp plays 184) but ahead on those vital efficiency stats (103g/km and 70.6mpg against 120g/km and 61.4mpg).
Engines due to join the range later include are unsurprisingly focused on diesel; more powerful variants of the 2.2 will be offered, a 1.6 will be introduced and a diesel-electric C300 Bluetec hybrid promises 72mpg. A plug-in petrol hybrid will arrive eventually as well.
New C-Class 100kg lighter than old car
With configurability and individualisation key new car buzzwords right now, there are plenty of dynamic options to bemuse the prospective C-Class buyer. All models come as standard on steel springs, with three 'direct control' set-ups on the extras list. As well as a comfort and 15mm lower sports suspension, Mercedes will offer a 'lowered comfort suspension with a sportier character'. Overkill perhaps? Just in case that wasn't sufficient choice, the C-Class will be the first compact exec to have optional air suspension.
Mercifully, there's just the one steering option, an electromechanical 'Direct Steer' system with variable assistance and ratio. An 'agility select' switch allows the driver to toggle between Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes for the car.
When's the AMG coming then?
In case that all proves a little too distracting, a comprehensive roster of Mercedes 'Intelligent Drive' active safety kit features. As in the S-Class, there's a feast of of 'Assist' equipment for when the driver may find themselves gawping at the Comand screen (now 960x540 pixels and up to 8.4-inches FYI) rather than the road. There's Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Parking Assist... The list really does go on!
Bizarrely given how keen Mercedes appears to remove all responsibility from the driver, the new C-Class will still be available with a six-speed manual if desired. Of course Mercedes' seven-speed auto will be specced in the majority of cases, now further refined for its latest installation.
The C-Class will debut at Geneva, with UK pricing and spec to be announced in due course.