Often termed as the baby Benz, Mercedes-Benz C-Class has, in past, outgrown from its tag of an entry level sedan to a modern symbol of grandeur. Elated with the success of this car, the German auto giant has decided to refurbish its layout and display the car in a whole new avatar. Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the new model of C-Class and it will be premeiring worldwide in late 2015. The new revamped version of C-Class is believed to be a unique blend of lower level CLA-Class and the luxurious S-Class sedan. Codenamed W205, the C-Class is designed to be more elongated and slightly wider than the ongoing W204. In technicality, the new version is around 4 inches longer and 1.57 inches wider than the model it will replace. Also the wheelbase is extended by 3.14 inches and overall, the car is lighter by 100 kg than the outgoing version.
With exclusive interior and exterior features, the new C-Class attempts to redefine the glory of its segment. The styling is majorly borrowed from the opulent S-Class, providing the same regal and sober feeling as the high end sedan does. The new air balance system is included in the climate control which ionises the air inside and infuses the car with a sweet fragrance in between. A touch pad is propped on the central console enabling the passengers to chose from the options of phone control, handwriting recognition and other provisions. It is also the first car in its segment to feature different modes of airmatic system, namely Comfort, Eco, Sport and Sport plus.
Keeping in mind the security aspect of driver, Mercedes-Benz has installed superior safety measures, comprising Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Adaptive Brake Assist, Brake Assist System Plus and Distronic Plus with Steering Assist. Rather complicating, these system form a complete safety package that comes along with the vehicle. Along with, a smooth ride is ensured by the facilities of enhanced active lane-keeping assist, a 360 degree camera, active parking assist and traffic sign assist with wrong way alert. In any dreadful occurrence, new kinds of airbags are employed in the saloon, with a knee airbag for the driver and pelvis airbags on front seats.
Sources close to the development process have revealed that the new version of C-Class will be initially launched with three engine options, of which two will be petrol and one diesel. 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine for C180 that will develop a power of almost 155 bhp and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit for C200 producing 183 bhp. The diesel mill on the other hand will be equipped with a 2.2-litre turbo for C220 CDi churning out 168 bhp. Furthermore, all the models will be 4-wheel drive available with an exclusive option of 7-speed automatic transmission. Sources speculate that a rear-wheel drive option will also be added later, melded with AMG performance unit.
During the proclamation, Thomas Weber, Mercedes-Benz's Research Chief in Germany, said “Mercedes at its best - that's the new C-Class, which sets new standards for the midrange segment on many fronts. It is characterised by an emotional yet clear design which is continued in the high-quality and modern interior."
To conclude with, things are pretty clear that the German auto maker has made a desperate attempt to sacrifice the obsolete technology and make the new version of C-Class more rapid and agile. Although, after the launch, the car will face a stiff competition from the likes of Audi A4 and BMW 3 series, it is expected that the C-Class will smoothly steer ahead.
