The latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class has gone on sale in Australia, only weeks after being launched in Europe. This is not an all-new model, but there are so many changes that it almost deserves to be regarded as one. Something like 2000 components have either been replaced or modified.
On the road during our review organised by Mercedes-Benz we found the small-medium C-Class even more sophisticated in its handling and overall comfort than the superseded model. Indeed, it doesn’t lag far behind its big brothers the Mercedes E-Class and even the S-Class in the way if feels. Obviously the extra space inside the larger Mercs gives them an edge in the luxury-travel stakes, but they don’t have a price list starting at a mere $58,900 (unchanged from the superseded model).
Changes to the front and rear styling are significant. The radiator has a more upright stance and in standard and Avantgarde guise the frontal look follows the latest Mercedes design theme loosely based on that of the SLS Gullwing supercar. Just look at that big grille with the central three-pointed star to see what we mean.
The rear end has a reshaped bumper and rear lights as well as a brighter look due to extra chrome plating.
The Benz C-Class in Elegance format has a more refined, less sporting look in its grille than the others and has its star sitting on the top of the bonnet in the traditional Mercedes manner.
Inside, the design changes give the car a completely different look. The dash area is better integrated than in the superseded model, particularly in the way the upper surface of the main instrument binnacle now extends over the centre stack.
While the redesign of the three-dial instrument layout will be familiar to longtime Mercedes owners it will also appeal to newcomers to the marque who will appreciate the high-tech look.
The reshaped bonnet and the front guards are made from aluminium to cut down vehicle mass as part of the drive to trim fuel consumption and emissions. Aerodynamics are also important and the C-Class has a drag coefficient of just 0.26, an excellent figure for a car of this size.
The Mercedes C-Class engines not only reduce consumption and emissions but also give more power and torque. New engines comprise four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units.
Part of the fuel saving is due to the use of a seven-speed automatic transmission. Incidentally, this is the first time this advanced auto has been installed behind a four-cylinder engine. Automatics will be fitted in all models imported to Australia. The automatic is an excellent unit with smooth but fast changes and is quick to understand the needs of the driver and the road conditions.
We have sampled a number of these new Mercedes powertrains both here in Australia and at the international launch in March this year. All are smooth and responsive in their actions and are pleasant to sit behind. In particular, we drove the Mercedes-Benz C-Class C250 CDI turbo-diesel. With 150 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque it pulls like a sportscar, with acceleration from zero to 100 in just six seconds. Or more use in the real world is the ability to overtake while spending a minimum of time on the wrong side of the road.
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At this time only the sedan and estate wagon variants of the C-Class have been launched in Australia. A two-door coupe is due here in during the third quarter, with the red hot AMG sports versions due to be shipped in towards the end of 2011.
With a price list ranging from $58,900 to $94,400 there is plenty of choice in the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class range. You get a lot of prestigious automobile for your money and we can see the C-Class exceeding its already good Australian sales figures with ease. |
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