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The new C-Class is probably the most-anticipated car of 2007. It will arrive at South African dealerships in August. Wheels24 will also drive the newcomer in March at its world launch.
According to Mercedes the new C-Class features state-of-the-art technology and exceptional safety features.
This includes the newly developed AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection system.
There is also ADAPTIVE BRAKE, another new development in the area of running gear technology. This is based on the technology of the S-Class and provides additional support functions for more safety and comfort.
The newcomer will be available with three trim levels, AVANTGARDE, ELEGANCE and CLASSIC. There is also a sporty AMG package.
There is a choice of four and six-cylinder engines with up to 13 % more output than the preceding model, accompanied by up an to six percent lower fuel consumption.
With a length of 4 581 mm, the sedan is 55 mm longer than its predecessor.
The body width has increased by 42 mm to 1770 mm, and the wheelbase by 45 mm to 2 760 mm.
Desgin
The C-Class takes its design cues from other new Mercedes products such as the S-Class and new CL.
For the first time in a Mercedes-Benz sedan, the front grille is used as a distinguishing feature to position the model variants more clearly.
Three extended, horizontal louvres and a big centrally positioned Mercedes-Benz star characterise the AVANTGARDE model as a traditional design feature of sporty Mercedes-Benz models.
In the ELEGANCE model employs a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish to accentuate other brand-typical attributes such as comfort and luxury.
The CLASSIC model in the new C-Class is intentionally more restrained and traditional, but offers the same technical innovations as the other two model variants.
Engines
Mercedes says that engine power is 13% more and there is an increase of about 18% in torque.
Apparently Mercedes has paid particular attention to further development of the four-cylinder engines.
In the petrol range, the output of the entry-level C180 KOMPRESSOR has increased from the previous 105 kW to 115 kW, with maximum torque improved by 4.5% from 220 to 230 Nm, while the C200 KOMPRESSOR develops 15 kW more than before.
It has an output of 135 kW and generates its maximum torque of 250 Nm from 2800 r/min.
When accelerating from standstill to 100 km/h, the C 200 KOMPRESSOR is 0,5 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Further development of the four-cylinder unit was also the main focus for the diesel engines.
The engineers in Stuttgart have made further improvements to the engine, turbocharger and common-rail direct injection, modifying more than 90 components.
As a result of these measures the new C220 CDI develops a peak output of 125 kW (previously 110 kW), and generates a torque of 400 Nm from 2 000 r/min - about 18% more than before.
The V6 engines in the C-Class range remain unchanged, with a choice of three petrol units developing 150 kW, 170 kW and 200 kW.
The six-cylinder of the new C320 CDI has an output of 165 kW. With the exception of the C350, all models in the new C-Class are equipped with a six-speed transmission featuring AGILITY CONTROL gearshift as standard.
The top-of-the-range C350 has 7G-TRONIC, the world's only seven-speed automatic transmission, as standard equipment. This is also available for the other six-cylinder C-Class models on request.
