Although it’s only scheduled to be unveiled international at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Michigan in January 2014, Mercedes-Benz today revealed its much-anticipated, new generation (W205) C-Class.
Mercedes claims that the all-new C-Class will set new benchmarks in the compact executive segment through its blend of lightweight construction (weight savings of up to 100 kg), aerodynamics, advanced safety systems and new engines. It certainly has high expectations to live up to, because the outgoing W204 C-Class sold 2,4 million models worldwide since its introduction in 2007.
“The new C-Class embodies Mercedes-Benz’s claim ‘The best or nothing’ in uncompromising style. This is immediately apparent when encountering our new saloon for the first time, as it creates the impression that one is sitting in a higher class of automobile. I am sure that our customers will be delighted by the high-class appeal and agility of the new C-Class,” says executive vice president of sales and marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars, Ola Källenius.
The W205 has grown to compensate for the increasing average height of the human population, which means that the wheelbase has been stretched by 80 mm, making the new C-Class 95 mm longer and 40 mm wider than its predecessor – the main beneficiaries of which are the rear seat passengers. But that doesn’t mean the new car is heavier – because the extensive use of aluminium (50 per cent, from less than 10 per cent in its predecessor) means that the W205 is significantly lighter.
Inside, the Mercedes-Benz designers have opted for high quality materials that convey greater sense of perceived quality through the way they feel, while a new centre console has been constructed to ensure that drivers who opt either for manual or automatic transmissions will be comfortable operating their W205.
Infotainment is taken care of by a new 17,78 cm central display (a 21,33 cm unit comes with the optional COMAND Online system), which can be manipulated by an innovative touchpad in the centre tunnel that allows for letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language. Another display is the head-up unit that relays information such as speed, speed limits and navigational instructions via Distronic Plus.
Perhaps the biggest development is the option of the firm’s AirMatic air suspension for the first time in the C-Class’s history. This system is linked to a drivetrain management system that can be toggled from ‘Comfort’ to the most aggressive ‘Sport +’ setting. Thise system calibrates the suspension firmness, throttle input and weighting of the electrically powered, speed-adaptive, steering system.
Three engine options will be available when the C-Class goes on sale internationally early in 2014, a diesel C 220 BlueTec (125 kW/400 N.m) and petrol C 180 (115 kW/250 N.m) and C 200 ( 135/300 N.m).
Among the new tech featured in the new C-Class are DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and integrated Stop Go Pilot for heavy traffic cruising, Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist which prevents the vehicle from drifting out of a driving, Active Parking Assist which enable automated parking through active steering and brake intervention and Traffic Sign Assist with Wrong Way Alert that warns of speed limits and alerts the driver to no-overtaking zones and no-entry signs.
The W205 C-Class makes its international debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), which takes place from 13-26 January, 2014.
