Mercedes-Benz South Africa celebrated a milestone this week, when the first new-generation C-Class rolled off the assembly line in East London.
But there was more good news to follow, as the carmaker used the occasion to announce that an additional R3 billion would be invested in the local plant, this being in addition to the R10 billion investment that was announced back in 2018. The latter has resulted in significant upgrades to the Eastern Cape plant, including a new body shop, advanced new robots and three additional lines in the assembly shop.
“South Africa is an important location in our global Mercedes-Benz production network,” Mercedes board member Jörg Burzer said. “The team in East London made a remarkable contribution to the international ramp-up of the new C-Class that we produce through efficient, flexible, digital and sustainable operations. Thanks to the exceptional work of our colleagues in South Africa and all over the world and their first-class cooperation, our modern plants are able to produce outstanding vehicles like the new C-Class.”
Unveiled earlier this year, the new W206-generation Mercedes C-Class is the first to feature a fully-electrified line-up, with all variants sporting a 48V mild hybrid system that produces an extra 15 kW of boost. Engine choices include a 1,5-litre turbopetrol unit, which produces 125 kW (in the C180) and 150 kW in the C200 and a 2,0-litre turbopetrol that makes the C300 model good for 190 kW. There’s also a 2-litre turbodiesel that generates 147 kW in the C220d and 195 kW in the C300d. All of these outputs, of course, exclude the additional 15 kW boost provided by the EQ mild hybrid system. A range of plug-in hybrids will be launched further down the line.
The new C-Class is 65 mm longer and 10 mm wider than the current model, while the wheelbase has grown by 25 mm to procure more space for front and rear occupants. As with the new S-Class, the C-Class features the second-generation MBUX infotainment system, which includes a “more interactive and capable” voice assistant.
The South African line-up and pricing have yet to be announced, but watch this space for more info as it becomes available.
