It's sleeker than ever, yet more elegant. More substantial in size, space
and safety, yet lighter and more nimble. From the Star in its grille to
the sculpture of its taillamps, it's a shape that says there's a new
benchmark for luxury sport sedans. And in both luxury and sportiness,
the experience upholds everything its style promises.The C-Class is the bread-and-butter model of the Mercedes-Benz
lineup. All new for the latest model year, the C stands out thanks to a
fluid design, more generous dimensions and a wide array of high-tech
features gleaned from the S-Class flagship.The fourth-generation C-Class is 3.7 inches longer and 1.5-inches wider
than the outgoing model, modifications that Mercedes explains are
necessary because the average height of passengers is growing each year.
In spite of its larger dimensions, the C is up to 221 pounds lighter
than its predecessor thanks to a new body structure made from a
combination of aluminum, high-strength steel and various composite
materials. Increased rigidity and improved safety are some of the other
by-products of the new architecture.
As before, the C is available with two front end treatments called
Luxury and Sport, respectively. Heavily inspired by the S, the Luxury
model wears an elegant three-slat grille with a small Mercedes
three-pointed star that protrudes from the hood. The Sport variant
falls in line with the front-wheel drive CLA-Class and the S-Class Coupe
thanks to a more aggressive two-slat grille adorned by a large Mercedes
emblem. Both variants are fitted with specific bumpers on both ends.
Life Aboard
Mercedes has moved the C up a notch on the market in order to
differentiate it from the similarly-sized CLA. The C's dashboard is
more evocative than before and the cockpit is packed with high-tech
features borrowed directly from the S-Class
An innovative smartphone-like touch pad located on the center console
lets the passengers control the optional COMAND Online infotainment
system with simple finger gestures. Occupants can also use the touchpad
to enter an address in the navigation system (if equipped) or to add a
contact to the phone book. Alternatively, COMAND Online can be
navigated via a controller knob located under the touch pad, voice
commands or buttons on the center stack.
The added length provides more space for both the front and the rear
passengers, and trunk space checks in at 16.9 cubic feet. An electric
parking brake, an electromechanical power steering system and Bluetooth
connectivity come standard on all models.
Model Lineup
Mercedes offers two versions of the C-Class respectively called C300 and C400.
The C300 is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
that generates 241 horsepower at 5,550 rpms and 229 lb-ft. of torque at
6,500 rpms. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed
automatic transmission, and buyers who need all-wheel drive can order
the C300 with Mercedes' time-tested 4Matic system at an extra cost.
Offered exclusively with all-wheel drive, the C400 packs a
twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine rated at 329 horsepower and a
healthy 354 lb-ft. of torque. The six-cylinder is linked to a
seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Trim Level Breakdown
The C300 comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped by all-season
tires, a temporary spare tire, keyless entry, a universal garage door
opener, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, power heated door mirrors,
rain-sensing wipers, automatic halogen headlights, perimeter lighting, a
leather-wrapped steering wheel, power front seats, automatic dual-zone
climate control, an eight-speaker sound system, tinted windows, cruise
control and power windows.
The C400 adds 18-inch alloy wheels, real wood trim on the center console
and the door panels, heated front seats, a 13-speaker sound system with
SiriusXM satellite radio, a first aid kit, a remote trunk release and
tiedown hooks in the trunk.
Equipment
Highlights from the long list of options include a GPS-sensitive climate
control unit can detect tunnels and switch to an air recirculation mode
in order to prevent fumes from entering the cabin, an AIR-BALANCE
system that discreetly dispenses perfume to dispel unwanted odors, a
class-exclusive air suspension on both axles, a panoramic sunroof, front
and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, keyless entry, heated
seats, Sirius XM Satellite radio and a power-closing trunk lid.
Buyers can also choose from numerous electronic driving aids including
Distronic Plus with Steer Assist, a semi-autonomous system that takes
control of the car in a traffic jam.
Safety
The C-Class benefits from Mercedes' vast expertise in the field of
safety. In addition to expected features like ABS and ESP, the C boasts
front and side airbags, a kneebag for the driver, pelvisbags for the
front passengers, a newly-developed windowbag and available side airbags
for the rear passengers.
Also standard is an "ATTENTION ASSIST" system that can alert the driver
to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000
accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart
software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile
during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the
system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they
begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning and a "Time for a
Rest?" message with a coffee cup icon in the TFT screen that is
integrated into the instrument cluster.
Optional safety equipment includes the Lane Keeping Assist system, which
alerts the driver by simulating a rumble strip vibration in the
steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals
on. Part of Driver Assistance package, it operates at speeds above 37
mph via a system that recognizes lane markings, thanks to a small camera
in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the video images.
The Driver Assistance package also includes Blind Spot Assist, which
monitors both blind spots behind and to the side of the vehicle.
Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot,
the driver gets visual and audible warnings.
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