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Smart New Mercedes C-Class On Its Way

Topics: Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Smart New Mercedes C-Class On Its Way

Geoff Maxted
DriveWrite
February 5, 2014

The new C-Class takes a step closer to its arrival in the UK today as prices and specifications are announced. Available with a choice of two engines and three comprehensively specified model lines, prices for the new C-Class introductory range start from £26,855 OTR through to around £34,000, depending. The first examples of the new C-Class are set to be delivered to customers in June.

At launch, a choice of a 1,991cc, four-cylinder petrol engine and a 2,143cc, four-cylinder BlueTEC diesel engine will be offered, each available with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearboxes. Note: all figures are for SE model line. A further three engine variants - the C 200 BlueTEC, C 250 BlueTEC and C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID will follow during the course of the year.

Three model lines will make up the new C-Class range - SE, Sport and the AMG Line. Among the equipment highlights, the Sport model adds 17-inch alloy wheels (up from 16-inch on the SE), LED headlights, lowered comfort suspension, chrome exterior trim and Garmin® Map Pilot Navigation. The AMG Line adds 18-inch AMG wheels, AMG body styling and steering wheel, sports suspension and an Artico finish to the upper dashboard.

The new C-Class is set to be among the best-equipped cars in its class. Standard equipment fitted to every new C-Class will include an advanced and intuitive touchpad to control the entertainment functions via the centrally-mounted seven-inch colour display. Enhancing comfort, Artico upholstery will be fitted as standard along with two-zone air conditioning and a media interface located in the central storage between the front seats.

Practical technologies are also fitted as standard - with a reversing camera, rain sensing wipers, Attention Assist, Speedtronic cruise control, heated windscreen wiper washers, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Collision Prevention Assist Plus all appearing on the new C-Class.

The comfort and safety systems are joined by the Agility Select system - a rocker switch allowing the driver to choose between Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes (the latter allowing a bespoke setup) each affecting the vehicle’s behaviour. In Eco mode, for example, the car will be set-up to be as efficient as possible, lowering the shift point of the gear changes, softening the throttle response and even reducing power to the heated seats and rear window and the air conditioning system to focus on economy.

Conversely, Sport mode will sharpen the throttle response as well as firming up the suspension on cars equipped with the optional AIRMATIC system.

Customers wishing to tailor their car to their specific requirements can select from a series of option packs. On the SE this includes the Executive Pack (£995) which features Garmin® Map Pilot navigation, heated front seats and split folding rear seats. Available on the Sport and AMG Line is the Driving Assistance Package (£1,495), which adds Distronic Plus, Blind Spot Assist, Pre-safe and Lane-Keeping Assist.

Comfort and convenience are the focus of the Premium Pack (£1,595) on the Sport and AMG Line variants, which adds an electrically operated panoramic glass sunroof, a memory package for the electric front seats, an ambient lighting system allowing a choice of three colours (and five intensities) as well as keyless-go, hands-free access to the boot and powered boot closing. The Premium Plus Pack (£2,795) includes all the elements of the Premium pack but adds COMAND Online and the 590W Burmester Surround Sound System.

Additional options include the AIRMATIC Agility Package (£895) - comprising variable, self-levelling air suspension - a head-up display system (£825), the Air Balance Package (£350 - including a choice of four fragrances and air filtering) and a 360 degree camera (£335).