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The new C-Class
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is again a worthy bearer of the three-pointed star and offers its traditional values of class, innovative engineering and, of course, the necessary status...
Merc enthusiasts will just love the latest "Baby Benz" (while BMW and Audi fans will still loathe it).
It also features core Merc attributes such as cautious styling and luxury refinement.
DaimlerChrysler will launch the C-Class in South Africa in August and there is already a big demand for the new car with the waiting list gaining numbers rapidly.
Several petrol and diesel engine options are available, kicking off with the C180 Kompressor as the entry-level while the C350 tops the range. On the international launch in Spain, Wheels24 got to sample the C320CDI and C350 models.
Local prices won't be announced until later this year, but potential buyers can expect a 3-5% increase from the outgoing model's price tag.
Mercedes recently confirmed that estate models will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The highly-anticipated C63 AMG will probably also make its appearance later this year, with sales kicking off next year.
Also, despite previous denials, several Mercedes executives have now (at last) confirmed to Wheels24 that a new sports coupe model is on the cards too.
Classic Mercedes
At first glance the new C-Class doesn't appear to be as trendy as the 3 Series or A4. But, so what?
The great thing about the C-Class is that it doesn't try to be a 3 Series or an A4. It sort of does its own thing - bearing a three-pointed star is already a status symbol and evokes all the right emotions.
The C-Class now looks slightly more aggressive and has head-twisting appeal. It also strikes you about how compact the car now appears.
Despite being bigger all-round than its predecessor, the sedan looks smaller. This is thanks to the shorter front and rear overhangs, while the design is also more clean-cut.
Whereas the previous model's styling was quite a radical design departure for Merc, the newcomer's design is more subdued bringing it in line with other new generation Mercs.
It takes its design language from new generation Mercedes products such as the S-Class and CL-Class. Looking at the car from the front, you unmistakably see the S-Class genes and at the back the family resemblance to the CL is obvious.
Trim levels
Typical Mercedes it still looks classy rather than sporty although an optional AMG styling package can spice things up. Like before, the C-Class comes standard with Classic trim, while buyers can also opt for the Avantgarde, Elegance or AMG lines.
Perhaps the most radical design change for the new C-Class is the Avantgarde styling option, which ditches Merc's "stuffy" image. With this trim, which adds a sportier flair, the three-pointed star is incorporated into the grille giving the car a sleek appearance.
This grille trim applies for the AMG styling package, which beefs up the C-Class even further, too.
For traditionalists there are the Elegance models, where the three-pointed star is still sitting on top of the bonnet. It also gets the typical Merc frame-and-crossbar grille, whereas the Avantgarde/AMG versions' grille has three extended horizontal louvres.
The C-Class's interior room is also worth taking note of. Passenger room has increased quite a bit with rear occupants benefiting the most. Even with taller front passengers, those at the back don't have to sit with their kneecaps touching their chins.
On the inside the Avantgarde model has a sporty trim with an aluminium-like finish, while the Elegance versions come with classy wood inserts.
Although the car still feels comfortable and offers good ergonomics there is no major step-up in overall fit and finish.
However, there are some cool new gizmos such as a new generation Comand operating system, which is quite easy to use, as well as an impressive voice recognition feature. Other highlights are a good Harmon Kardon sound system as well as the neat pop-up screen for the sat-nav.
Innovation
There are several new high-tech features, several of them adopted from the S-Class. For example, the C-Class now comes with adaptive brakes as well as the (optional) PRE-SAFE package, which is an advanced preventative occupant protection system.
Six airbags and adaptive dampers are standard across the line-up. The C-Class also gets Agility Control, which basically means a better suspension setup and improved steering. An Advanced Agility Package is optional which offers speed-sensitive steering and two gearshifts programmes, Sport and Comfort.
The three diesel and five petrol engines are familiar from the outgoing range, but they have more power, torque and efficiency
Four-cylinder petrol engine options include the C180 and C200 Kompressors as well as the C230. Then there are two petrol V6 models, the C280 and C350.
(The C180K will only arrive in SA early next year while the C230 isn't destined for our market yet.)
In South Africa buyers will be able to choose between two turbodiesels, the C220 CDI and the impressive six-cylinder C320 CDI.
All four-cylinder models come standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while a 5-speed automatic transmission is optional. Merc's 7-speed 7G-TRONIC is standard on the V6s.
On the road
Extensive use of high-strength steels allows the new car to be a few kilos lighter resulting in better aerodynamics and more economical fuel consumption.
Although the standard suspension layout is more or less the same as before, it features some improvements. At the front there are coil springs with two-piece control arms and the rear gets a five-link setup.
On the international launch we spent most of the time with a C350 with standard suspension and a C320 CDI with the optional AMG sport suspension.
The turbodiesel is an impressive piece of machinery and is refined, rev-happy and has plenty of muscle.
Its power output is 165 kW at 3 800 r/min while torque is a whopping 510 Nm available between 1 600 to 2 800 r/min. Fitted with the seven-speed auto, the 320CDI goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds, which is only 0.5 seconds slower than the C350!
With this torquey engine it feels as if you could cruise around forever - it's such a nice driver's car. Put the car in sports mode and you can feel the C-Class stiffening up with better throttle response. The car is naturally more eager while the steering weights up with better feedback.
Fire up the C350 petrol and it welcomes you with a powerful V6 growl. This engine's V6 power is addictive - it shoves out 200 kW and 350 Nm - and the car is fast and confident. It takes you 6.3 seconds to get to 100 km/h and the C350 is very much at ease at high speeds.
But this engine is well-balanced and smooth, even in slower traffic conditions.
The C-Class's AMG sport suspension offers remarkable tarmac dynamics. There is noticeably less bodyroll and the road grip is good too. Yes, you do lose out on some driving comfort when you hit uneven surfaces, but this sport package empowers the car with some great fun.
Our overall impression is that the C-Class is smooth and refined, and it feels more mature.
The 7-speed transmission is well matched to the C320 CDI and C350, too. You will hardly notice the gear changes as it is smooth and quick. When you need instant acceleration it gears down without delay.
Verdict
The outgoing C-Class has been a big hit for Stuttgart. It also made Merc a serious player in the sport sedan segment and was quite at home at the top-end of the South African car sales chart.
There is no doubt that the new C-Class will continue the success story, but the rivalry is tougher than ever before.
The BMW 3 Series is a serious threat while Audi's new A4 is only a few months away too. Then there are other new entrants with good credentials such as the Lexus IS250.
Although the latest C-Class is better and sportier, only time will tell if it is a class-leader.
But the fourth-generation C-Class is a worthy contender and we reckon it has what it takes to be competitive.
It is also stylish and a showcase of new technology boosts the driving experience.
Merc also did a fine job of giving the car a sportier appeal with the attractive optional AMG package.
Just the initial reaction South African dealerships are apparently receiving proves that the new C-Class is to be another class-act for Mercedes. Although DaimlerChrysler won't confirm (or deny) already long waiting lists, rumour has it that orders are streaming in.
If you are not at the top of the C-Class waiting list, you can be assured that it will be worth the wait. The best news is that the new C-Class still feels like a Benz and captures the imagination - in a subtle way.