More dynamic,
impressive and attractive:
Mercedes-Benz makes new emphases in the C-Class
Four years after
its launch, Mercedes-Benz is significantly upgrading the successful
C-Class in terms of technology, equipment and design. The suspension,
steering and six-speed manual transmission have a more sporty configuration,
ensuring that the C-Class offers an even more agile driving experience.
In future the C 220 CDI will have an output of 110 kW, which is 5 kW
more than before. With the new 270 kW C 55 AMG Mercedes-Benz is offering
an eight-cylinder unit for the first time in this model series.
The interior of
the new C-Class has been upgraded by a new cockpit design with sophisticated
new controls and line-specific seats as standard. The innovative, more
scratch-resistant paintwork based on nano-technology is likewise standard.
Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, steering-wheel gearshift
buttons for the automatic transmission and new audio/navigation systems
round off the highly desirable, high-tech specification.
Even at standstill
the redesigned front end with its bumper, radiator grille and headlamps
conveys the dynamic characteristics of this Mercedes model series, which
is available as a Saloon, Estate and Sports Coupé.
With state-of-the-art
technology, good long-distance comfort and sporty agility, the C-Class
has won the hearts of more than 1.26 million drivers worldwide since
2000. Never before has Mercedes-Benz sold so many vehicles from one
model series in such a short time.
In addition to
the sporty and elegant Saloon, the C-Class model family features the
versatile Estate as well as the youthful and agile Sports Coupé.
Mercedes-Benz has
now reinforced the well-proven characteristics of the C-Class with an
intensive model facelift, at the same time making new emphases in terms
of dynamism, comfort and perceived value.
Exterior: redesigned
front end, wider tyres and more scratch-resistant paintwork
The more dynamic
appearance is above all created by the redesigned front bumper with
its striking, sportscar-like lower air intake and the likewise redesigned
radiator grille, which has three slats, appears wider and therefore
conveys an impression of power. Depending on the model and equipment,
these slats are painted or embellished with a sporty matrix of perforations.
In future Mercedes-Benz is equipping the C-Class with clear-lens headlamps
as standard.
An increase in
track width from 1493 to 1505 millimetres, 16-inch tyres as standard
and wide-base tyres of size 205/55 R 16 also emphasise the dynamic appearance
of the C-Class. In addition the CLASSIC and ELEGANCE lines are equipped
with the more sporty side skirts and rear bumper of the AVANTGARDE line.
An even longer-lasting
shine is guaranteed by the newly developed, more scratch-resistant paintwork,
which is based on nano-particle technology and reinforces the legendary
long-term quality of Mercedes. This too is standard equipment.
Interior: new
cockpit design and high value impression
Mercedes designers
have upgraded the interior of the C-Class with great care and attention
to detail. This is shown not only by the discreet chrome trim on various
controls on the dashboard, but also by newly developed switches and
the modified seat design, which underlines the character of the different
lines and offers even better seating comfort.
Four clearly arranged
dial instruments with white lighting in the style of high-quality chronometers
form the centrepiece of the completely redesigned cockpit. Between the
speedometer and rev counter, information appears in a vertical central
display which corresponds to the buttons on the multifunction steering
wheel and allows numerous individual settings to be selected. The form
and function of the air conditioning controls has also been improved:
large, clearly arranged rotary switches make adjustment easier and make
a further contribution to the high-value impression in the interior.
Even the basic
CLASSIC model is equipped with new exotic wood trim which highlights
the high-quality appearance of the centre console and transmission tunnel
cladding. In the AVANTGARDE line there is a choice of aluminium or optional
bird’s-eye maple trim.
In addition, the
C-Class Sports Coupé emphasises its youthful and dynamic character with
a new three-spoke steering wheel featuring solver-coloured control buttons,
aluminium trim on the centre console and sports seats. THERMATIC automatic
climate control is also standard equipment in the Sports Coupé.
Chassis: axles,
steering and transmission with a sporty configuration
Even more superb
handling dynamics are ensured by various technical modifications to
the suspension, steering and manual transmission in the C-Class. This
package of measures, which is known as DIRECT CONTROL, includes newly
developed front and rear axle bearings which provide more agile cornering
with no loss of comfort, a more direct steering ratio and reconfigured
standard and sports suspension systems. The new six-speed manual transmission
is now easier to operate, more precise and has a shorter shift travel.
Engines: higher
output for the C 220 CDI
The output of the
well-proven four-cylinder diesel in the C 220 CDI has been increased
to 110 kW (previously 105 kW). This engine is equipped with second-generation
common-rail direct injection and runs with exemplary smoothness by virtue
of balancer shafts. Fuel consumption is just 6.1 litres per 100 kilometres
(NEDC overall consumption; Estate 6.5 l/100 km).
Thanks to a technically
sophisticated, additive-free particulate filter system the diesel C
220 CDI already meet the EU-4 exhaust emission limits valid from 2005.
C 55 AMG: new
performance standards in this vehicle class
With the new C
55 AMG Mercedes-Benz is offering an eight-cylinder model in the current
C-Class for the first time, thereby entering the performance domain
of thoroughbred sports cars: 270 kW and 510 Newton metres of maximum
torque are previously unattained peak values in this vehicle class.
From standstill the new C 55 AMG accelerates to 100 km/h in only 5.2
seconds, and guarantees sporty driving pleasure at the highest level
with its standard sports suspension and five-speed automatic transmission
with steering-wheel gearshift buttons and AMG SPEEDSHIFT.
Externally the
C 55 AMG is distinguishable from the other models in the C-Class by
its striking front-end design, with elliptical twin headlamps and an
approx. 80- millimetre longer front-end structure. This makes it possible
to install the beefy V8 engine. The striking design of the side skirts,
boot lid and rear bumper also emphasises the high-performance character
of the eight-cylinder model. 18-inch light-alloy wheels, tyres in size
225/40 R 18 (front) and 245/35 R 18 (rear), AMG sports seats with Alcantara
upholstery and a decidedly sporty instrument cluster with silver-coloured
dials are further special features of the new C 55 AMG, which replaces
the previous C 32 AMG.
Technology:
premiere of newly developed cornering light function
The C-Class is
reinforcing its reputation as a technology trendsetter in this market
segment with innovations for even more safety and comfort. These include
powerful bi-xenon headlamps, which Mercedes-Benz has combined with a
special cornering light function. This is integrated into the fog lamps,
which illuminate the areas in front of and to the sides of the vehicle
over a wide angle, so that pedestrians and cyclists can be seen more
easily when cornering. Even tight bends are more clearly visible with
this system.
From spring 2004
an even more efficient generation of car radios will enter the C-Class.
In addition to the radio/CD combination Audio 20 CD, the top-of-the-line
model COMAND APS is also equipped with a CD player, DVD navigation,
a large colour screen (6.5’’) and four 50-watt amplifiers. SMS messages
and e-mails can also be received and answered with this unit.
The C-Class is
now also available with a 320-watt sound system with surround sound
and the voice control system LINGUATRONIC, which operates the car telephone
and numerous audio functions by voice commands. Mercedes-Benz is the
first manufacturer to offer voice control for navigation destinations
in this vehicle class.
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