The reinvention of a bestseller
The C-Class, Mercedes-Benz's best-selling passenger car series, enters its fifth year of production with extensive modifications. The predominant aesthetic elements of the restyling are located at the front of the vehicle, as well as in the configuration of the headlights and rear lights. A new structure of electronic equipment also celebrates its debut. The customer perceives these novelties in his contact with the product; for example, in the completely digital display of the instrument panel available as an option and in the multimedia systems with customized display and information possibilities. The driving assistance systems are now at the level of the S-Class. Added to this are the new diesel and gasoline engines.
The current generation C-Class was Mercedes-Benz's best-selling model during its fourth year of marketing. In 2017, more than 415.000 units of the sedan and Estate were sold worldwide. One of the secrets of the C-Class' success is the wide variety of models, which includes two sporty two-door versions. Both the coupé, introduced at the end of 2015, and the convertible, available since summer 2016, convince and excite in equal measure. The C-Class is manufactured in four plants, distributed across four continents. Along with the main factory in Bremen (Germany), there are plants in East London (South Africa), Tuscaloosa (USA) and Beijing (China). The latter houses the production of the long version of the C-Class Saloon, destined exclusively for the Chinese market. In 2017, the largest market for the C-Class was China.
Electrification continues: C 200 with EQ Boost
The new C-Class goes on sale equipped with a new generation of four-cylinder gasoline engines. At the same time, an additional 1,5-volt system with belt-driven starter-alternator is incorporated in the 200-liter variants - C 48.
- C200: 135 kW/184 HP, 280 Nm; additional power electric motor 10 kW, additional torque electric motor 160 Nm; (fuel consumption in the combined cycle 6,8-6,3 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in the combined cycle 154-144 g/km)2
The combination of the 48-volt system with EQ Boost creates the necessary prerequisites for implementing additional functions that contribute to once again reducing fuel consumption while increasing agility and driving comfort. When accelerating, the EQ Boost function can support the engine. 135 kW (184 hp) with 10 kW (14 HP), thus bridging the brief moments necessary until the turbocharger has reached its maximum boost pressure. The boost function assistance is also used to reach the desired engine speed as quickly as possible during gear changing processes. This shortens the duration of the automatic transmission's ratio changes. When decelerating, the starter alternator recovers kinetic energy and recharges the battery. The water pump has an electric drive and is controlled by means of a characteristic diagram. In this way it is possible to adapt the cooling power in the best possible way to the effective demand.
Other advantages are the gliding mode with engine off and energy recovery with intelligent engine stop while the vehicle continues driving without propulsion. The stop-start system operates in a particularly comfortable way thanks to the starter alternator, as the engine restarts very quickly, with low vibrations and almost without noise.
Measures to reduce friction inside the engine complete the strategy to increase the efficiency of the new four-cylinder engine. This includes the CONICSHAPE procedure® patented by Mercedes-Benz, called conical honing by development engineers. As a result of the specific honing of the liners, the inner section of the cylinders is enlarged downwards, thereby reducing friction on the outer coating of the pistons and, consequently, wear and consumption. Along with diesel engines, all gasoline engines destined for the European market are now also equipped with particulate filters.
The most modern version of a diesel: C 200 d and C 220 d
In the Spanish market, the renewed two-liter version OM 654 D20 (82 x 92,3 mm) will be offered with the C 200 d and C 220 d, which open new dimensions of efficiency.
- C 200 d with 9G-TRONIC (only for saloon and Estate): 110 kW/150 HP, 360 Nm; (fuel consumption in the combined cycle 5,0-4,8 l/100 km; CO emissions2 in the combined cycle: 132-126 g/km)2
- C 220 d: 143 kW/194 HP, 400 Nm; (fuel consumption in the combined cycle 5,1-4,8 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in the mixed cycle
136-126 g/km)² - C 220 d 4MATIC: 143 kW/194 HP, 400 Nm; (fuel consumption in the combined cycle 5,5 -5,3 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in the combined cycle 144 -139 g/km)²
This OM 654 engine also uses the combustion process with stepped-cavity pistons. The name refers to the shape of the piston in the combustion chamber. Other innovations include the combination of aluminum engine block and steel pistons, as well as the NANOSLIDE coating.® perfected cylinder liners.
The extraordinary display of power is the result, on the one hand, of improved air conduction on the intake and exhaust sides, and on the other, of the fourth generation common rail injection with a pressure of up to 2.050 bars and a reduction in internal friction by approximately 25%. In addition, the new engine is more compact than its predecessor. All components relevant to reducing emissions are mounted directly next to the engine. Thanks to the arrangement close to the engine, the exhaust gas aftertreatment system quickly reaches the working temperature after a cold start and presents lower thermal losses and, therefore, outstanding operating conditions.
Mercedes-AMG: more features for the C 43 4MATIC
The V6 biturbo engine of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC is distinguished by its enormous power and, at the same time, by its low consumption and emissions levels. The two turbochargers are mounted next to the engine and are distinguished by their particularly spontaneous response. For its incorporation into the new C-Class, AMG development engineers have increased 17 kW (23 HP) the power of the 6 liter V3,0 engine, which now amounts to 287 kW (390 HP). The maximum torque of 520 Nm is available from 2.500 to 5.000 rpm.
- C 43 4MATIC: 287kW/390 hp, 520 Nm; (fuel consumption in the combined cycle 9,8-9,3 l/100 km, CO emissions2 in the mixed cycle
223-213 g/km)²
This package makes possible more than convincing performance. The new C 43 4MATIC Saloon completes the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4,7 seconds, and the Estate in 4,8 seconds. The speed is limited electronically when reaching 250 km/h.
The engine is linked to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, optimized by the Mercedes-AMG development team to convey a highly dynamic driving experience. Thanks to specific shift management software, very short transitions between the different gears are achieved.
4MATIC all-wheel drive: high traction, even when driving on bad roads
The C 220 d is available with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive, so it offers greater grip and more driving stability, especially if driving on poor road conditions. The sizing of the 4MATIC all-wheel drive favors dynamism, with an allocation of 45% of the torque to the front axle and 55% to the rear axle. As before, the combination of the ESP stability control system® With the 4ETS electronic traction system, conventional differential locks can be dispensed with. This saves weight and significantly increases driving safety and comfort.
In the Mercedes-AMG C 43 models, all-wheel drive is part of the standard equipment and is distinguished by the distribution of torque with priority to the rear axle: 31% at the front and 69% at the rear.
Exterior: headlights with new interior design
The new exterior presence of the C-Class is characterized by its symbiosis of sportiness, emotion and intelligence. The predominant aesthetic elements are located at the front of the vehicle, as well as in the configuration of the headlights and rear lights.
As of the restyling, the sedan and Estate models with the optional AMG Line include the diamond effect grille. In addition, the front bumpers feature a new design on all equipment lines. These elements accentuate the expressiveness of the saloon and Estate with EXCLUSIVE Exterior line and the dynamism of the models with AVANTGARDE Exterior line (standard in Spain).
The C-Class (in all its bodies) is equipped as standard in Spain with High Performance LED headlights, which are distinguished by a particularly striking interior design. Additionally, and for the first time in this series, MULTIBEAM LED headlights with ULTRA RANGE high beams are offered (more details on this equipment are provided below).
Intelligent Drive: the latest in active safety
The new C-Class has the most modern generation of Mercedes-Benz driver assistance systems. These equipment provide assistance and interact with the driver to offer a higher level of active safety than in the predecessor model. The C-Class can drive semi-autonomously in more situations than before.
At the same time, the C-Class uses road map and navigation data for assistance functions. Thanks to these data, the DISTRONIC active distance assistant which is part of the driving assistance package can assist the driver in numerous situations and adapt the speed of the vehicle – for example, when approaching curves, junctions or roundabouts – depending on the layout of the planned route. To this are added new functions of the active assistant director. For example, and among others, a active lane change assist intuitive operation and active emergency stop assistant.
The new C-Class is equipped as standard with a active brake assist with expanded functions. If the situation demands it, this equipment can make an important contribution to avoiding a rear-end collision with vehicles in front that are traveling at a slower speed or that are stopped, and even with pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road, or at least to reduce the consequences. of an accident.
MULTIBEAM LED headlights: a excellent visibility in any situation
The range of optional equipment for the C-Class now includes MULTIBEAM LED headlights. Compared to the LED Intelligent Light System available to date, new functions have been added such as intersection light, roundabout light, city light and rain light.
In high beam mode, the automatic high beam Plus allows you to permanently illuminate a larger area of the road without dazzling other drivers. If no other road user is detected, the road layout is straight and the vehicle speed is greater than 40 km/h, the ULTRA RANGE high beam lights are automatically switched on. If vehicles preceding or traveling in the opposite direction are detected, some LEDs of the high beam modules are partially disconnected, generating a U-shaped notch in the light cone.
Operating and display concept: fully digital instrument cluster display as an option
The C-Class uses a new display concept, which optionally includes a fully digital instrument cluster with three different styles, "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive".
The visualization possibilities, in summary:
Instrument panel: The basic model is equipped with a classic two-tube instrument panel. Between the tubes is a 5,5-inch color display (resolution: 383 x 600 pixels). In this case, the display style is “Classic”.
A fully digital display for the instrument panel is offered as optional equipment. The screen measures 12,3 inches diagonal and displays content in high resolution, with 1.920 x 720 pixels. The modern display design is available in three very different styles, "Classic", "Sport" and "Progressive".
Media viewer: The multimedia screen located above the center console is also available in two sizes. In combination with Audio 20 it has a 7-inch diagonal and a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. In this case, the display style is “Classic”. Optionally, a high-resolution media display with 20 inches diagonal and 10,25 x 1.920 pixels is offered in combination with Audio 720 for the first time.
The C-Class is equipped with Touch Control elements on the steering wheel. These components react to finger swiping movements like a smartphone screen. Another novelty is the possibility of activating the DISTRONIC and Tempomat systems using control elements integrated into the steering wheel. The infotainment system can also be operated using the touch panel with controller (new: with haptic confirmation) located on the center console or using the LINGUATRONIC voice control system. The optional Head-up-Display now offers a wider range of adjustment.
ENERGIZING comfort control: greater well-being
The ENERGIZING comfort control (optional equipment) connects different vehicle comfort systems together. It selectively combines air conditioning (including ambience) and seat functions (heating, ventilation and, in the saloon and Estate, also massage), as well as different lighting and musical effects, enabling a specially adapted wellness setting. to the client's mood or personal preferences. This favors greater concentration and well-being on board.
Depending on the vehicle's equipment, up to six programs are available (freshness, vitality, heat, well-being, pleasant atmosphere, training). Each program lasts ten minutes. They are displayed graphically in the media viewer, with appropriate musical accompaniment.
Multimedia systems: tailor-made information and music offering
The C-Class is equipped as standard with the Audio 20 multimedia system with two USB connections, an SD card reader, Bluetooth connection® and Media Interface.
The latest generation COMAND Online system available as optional equipment offers, among other things, fast 3D hard disk navigation with topographic representation, three-dimensional photorealistic view of buildings and three-dimensional map rotations. Numerous additional information is displayed on the navigation map. By subscribing to the personal point of interest advisor on the route, Mercedes me connect customers can make use of numerous personalized services.
Anti-theft alarm: recognizes damage to the parked vehicle and sends a warning
Another novelty is the automatic warning in case the parked vehicle is towed or suffers damage caused by another vehicle, or in case someone tries to force the lock. The sensors of the optional equipment “anti-theft alarm (EDW)” can recognize such a situation and immediately send a warning to the Mercedes me App via “push notification”. Optional equipment includes the new sensors and corresponding software.
