The next Geneva International Motor Show will be the place chosen for the world presentation of the C-Class saloon and Estate, which will feature numerous technological advances. The new C-Class will offer a completely digital instrument panel, semi-autonomous driving systems, MULTIBEAM LED headlights or wireless phone charging. All of these optional systems come from the higher ranges. In the mechanical section, new diesel and gasoline engines are introduced, as well as plug-in hybrid technology.
The current generation of the C-Class, in its fourth year on sale, was Mercedes-Benz's best-selling model in 2017, with sales reaching 415.000 vehicles worldwide. The C-Class is produced in four plants on four continents: the main one in Bremen (Germany) plus East London (South Africa), Tuscaloosa (USA) and Beijing (China). The long version of the C-Class saloon is also manufactured exclusively at the Beijing plant, intended only for the Chinese market. China has been the place where the most C-Classes have been sold in 2017.
Exterior: new designs for the front, rear and headlights
The new C-Class introduces more sporty lines in the design of the front and rear. The inclusion of the diamond effect grille in combination with the optional AMG Line finish stands out. Likewise, the High Performance LED headlights (standard for the Spanish market) have been redesigned with a particularly purist finish. For the first time, MULTIBEAM LED headlights with ULTRA RANGE high beam are available as an option in this range (see details below).
The color range is also expanded with two new finishes: metallic Mojave silver and metallic emerald green.
Interior Design
The elegant flowing line of the center console can be optionally ordered with open-pore wood trim in brown walnut or anthracite oak. Optional upholstery is included: magma grey/black and equestrian brown for the AMG Line interior finish.
Another novelty is the inclusion as standard equipment of the KEYLESS-GO keyless start button, with a new turbine effect design. The key also receives a new design available in three finishes: black with shiny chrome, white with shiny chrome or shiny white with matte chrome.
Also included as a new feature is the optional multi-contour seating package. The side supports and lumbar support consist of air chambers that are inflated using an electrical control. These seats include a massage function in the lumbar area using waves created by the inflation and deflation of the air chambers. Seat functions are adjusted using the multimedia system.
New digital instrument panel available as an option
The C-Class incorporates the concept of the S-Class instrument panel, with a customizable digital display in three styles: “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”.
Screen options:
Instrument panel: The basic model includes the classic frame made up of two analog dials. Between the dials, there is a 5,5-inch color screen (resolution: 383 x 600 pixels).
As an option, the completely digital instrument panel is offered, consisting of a 12,3-inch diagonal screen and a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. The avant-garde design of this display offers three different display styles to choose from according to the driver's desires: “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”. Among others, it offers the possibility of displaying navigation, consumption data or an ECO menu in the dashboard, which encourages efficient driving.
Center screen: It is available in two sizes. As standard, with Audio 20, it has a size of 7 inches and a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. Optionally and for the first time with the Audio 20 equipment, a 10,25-inch diagonal screen in 16:9 format (resolution 1920×720 pixels) is offered. This display is standard in combination with the optional COMAND Online system and also offers the possibility of configuring it with the three display styles.
Two touch controls are also incorporated on the steering wheel that respond to the swiping movements of the thumb like a smartphone screen. These new buttons allow the driver to control both the central screen and the instrument panel menus without removing their hands from the steering wheel. Management of the multimedia system can also be done through the standard touch controller (touchpad), which includes haptic feedback as a novelty. Optionally, it is possible to use the LINGUATRONIC voice control, which now allows you to regulate functions such as seat heating.
Intelligent Drive: the most advanced systems in active safety
The C-Class incorporates the latest in driving assistance systems, thus increasing active safety compared to the predecessor model. The C-Class is now capable of semi-autonomous driving in certain situations. To do this, it monitors the traffic situation using improved radar and camera systems, which allow it to “see” up to 500 meters in front of the vehicle. The surroundings of the vehicle are scanned by the radars with a range of 250 m in front, 40 m on the sides and 80 m behind. The camera has a forward range of 500 m, including the first 90 m in 3D. The C-Class also relies on navigation data for driving assistance functions, automatically reducing speed when approaching a curve, junction or roundabout.
As standard, this range has been equipped with an improved version of the Active Emergency Brake Servo. Depending on the situation, it helps mitigate the consequences of a rear-end collision with preceding vehicles (moving or stopped) and even with pedestrians and cyclists crossing, potentially avoiding the collision.
MULTIBEAM LED headlights: optimal visibility in all conditions
The optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights are new to the new C-Class. Each headlight has 84 individually controlled LEDs. This allows extremely fast and precise adjustment of the light beam to the traffic situation in real time. New functions are also included compared to the previous LED Intelligent Light System: light for intersections, roundabouts, city and adverse weather conditions.
By activating the high beams, Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus provides continuous long-distance illumination without dazzling oncoming vehicles. When the presence of any other road user is not detected, on straight sections and driving at more than 40 km/h, the URTRA RANGE high beam function is activated. This produces the maximum luminous intensity allowed by law, resulting in a luminosity whose value only decays by 1 lux at distances of more than 650 m. When detecting vehicles approaching or driving ahead, the LED module is partially turned off to generate a U-shaped shadow area and avoid glare. The rest of the road areas continue to be illuminated with high beam (partial high beam). The ULTRA RANGE high beams only remain on permanently when the high beams are activated manually.
ENERGIZING comfort control: for greater well-being
ENERGIZING comfort control (optional) synchronizes various vehicle comfort systems: climate control (including fragrance, optional), seat ventilation, seat massage or heating, interior lighting and music styles. Combining these elements in a personalized way provides an environment according to the customer's wishes and mood, which has a positive impact on well-being and driving.
Six programs can be selected with a duration of ten minutes each. They are displayed graphically and with different colors in the central telematics unit, with appropriate musical accompaniment. Initially, five songs are stored per program. The "Vitality" program, for example, is characterized by fast music with many beats per minute. If you have your own music, e.g. For example, through the Media Interface, it is automatically analyzed in the background and assigned to one program or another based on the number of beats per minute (bpm). It is possible to delete certain functions from each of the programs.
The ENERGIZING comfort control also integrates 64-color ambient lighting (optional), perfectly adapted to the different screen designs.
Multimedia systems: information and music on demand
The C-Class is equipped as standard with the Audio 20 system equipped with two USB ports, SD card reader, Bluetooth and interface for external multimedia devices.
The latest generation of the COMAND Online System (optional) features fast 3D navigation with topographic maps, realistic 3D building graphics and 3D rotations. It includes real-time information on traffic status as well as, for example, Car-to-X warning messages, weather, gas stations including fuel prices and free parking.
With the new personal advisor on points of interest en route (service available under subscription), Mercedes me connect customers can make use of numerous personalized services: from reserving a table in a restaurant, advice on tourist routes, information and reservation of cultural and sporting events, to sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.
Mobile phones can be recharged without the need for cables. The wireless charging system works with all mobile devices compatible with the Qi standard. The cargo area is integrated into the front compartment located above the center console. This system also includes multifunction telephony, which additionally pairs the telephone with the vehicle's external antenna, thus allowing the best possible signal reception and data transfer.
A new sound system is incorporated as an option that has nine speakers and a power of 225 W (2 x Frontbass of 50 W plus five channels of 25 W each). This new sound system is positioned between the standard equipment and the optional Burmester® surround sound system.
