The new C-Class sets new standards in the premium medium-luxury market. The C offers segment leading efficiency levels thanks to an intelligent lightweight-design concept boasting weight savings of up to 100 kilograms, excellent aerodynamics and new economical engines. What’s more is that the new C incorporates many of Mercedes-Benzes impressive safety features which can be found on its flagship model, the S-Class, but more about that later, first lets focus on the new styling…
Striking, dynamic the design of the C-Class exudes sensuous clarity and arouses emotions and yes, it does look like a baby S-Class but that is not a bad thing as I tend to think that the S-Class looks rather good. Precise lines and sculptural surfaces create progressive light and shadow effects. In the side view a long bonnet, a passenger compartment set well back and short overhangs, define the C-Class’s classic, well-balanced Mercedes-Benz sedan proportions. There is a choice of two different fronts: sporty with a central star or – reserved solely for the EXCLUSIVE line – the classic sedan radiator grille with the Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet. The new C-Class comes with H7 halogen headlamps as standard. In addition to the standard-fit headlamps, two energy-saving LED variants are available: a static system and a dynamic version with the “LED Intelligent Light System”
The rear end is fluid and much like the front profile resembles that of the S-Class. The rear lights and brake light in the tail lamps feature LED technology with all headlamp versions.
Inside the new C-Class is where things get really impressive. I found the interior to be ahead of the competition with regards to design and overall appeal. The design idiom used perfectly combines sensuousness and clarity with dynamic sportiness, and thus contributes to the high-class appeal of the interior. The driver and front passenger enjoy a great deal of space and luxury in an unobtrusive, modern style in the new C-Class. This gives rise to a feel-good atmosphere which is new to this category of vehicle. A centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catching feature across the centre console. There is now a touchpad in the handrest above the controller on the centre tunnel. This provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language supported by Audio 20 or COMAND Online.
Mercedes-Benz has also developed a head-up display system which is also new to the C-Class. It displays important information directly in the driver’s field of vision on the front windscreen. The system provides information on speed, navigation instructions and messages from the DISTRONIC system. Keeping with the safety aspects of the car, the new C incorporates almost all of the new assistance systems which were only just recently introduced in the new S-Class and E-Class. The assistance systems, which are called “Intelligent Drive” by Mercedes-Benz, are fully integrated and enhance both comfort and safety
Three different design and equipment lines for the exterior and interior each offer further scope for individualisation in addition to the standard equipment and appointments. The AVANTGARDE line showcases the C-Class as a sporty sedan, the EXCLUSIVE line places the emphasis on an elevated status and modern luxury while the AMG Line lends the C-Class a decidedly sporty appearance.
The new C-Class is the first vehicle in its segment that can be optionally equipped with air suspension – AIRMATIC – on the front and rear axle. The driver can use a switch to choose between the various characteristics: “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. The additional “Individual” setting enables drivers to configure their vehicle according to their own preferences. AIRMATIC also features all-round self-levelling for optimum ride comfort.
At the local launch of the C-Class which took place in Gauteng four model derivatives were on offer with power output ranging from 115 to 155 kW. Three of these are petrol models and include the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, the C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and the C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY. The one diesel model that is available is the C 220 BlueTEC. Coming later in September 2014 will be the C 250 BlueTEC diesel with the C 300 BlueEFFICIENCY due in June 2015 and for the performance hungry customers, an all-new turbo charged V8 AMG version is also being developed.
The new C-Class is much improved over the model that it replaces. It has more room, more quality and more safety as well as the ability for customers to customize the car to their exact desire or budget. The AIRMATIC suspension aids in offering a comfortable driving experience and the advancements in safety features is a huge plus point for me. The C-Class is at the top of its game and in some regards, on top of its competitors to, however at a starting price of R415 900 for the C180 it is more expensive, and that’s before you’ve added extras.
