It’s no secret that the C-Class is the highest-volume Mercedes-Benz model. Millions have been sold over the years in various forms and that many discerning motorists can’t all be wrong, can they?
New Model C-Class Interior
Helpfully, the cabin dimensions have increased for both the front and rear passengers thanks to the moderately increased exterior dimensions of the new model. More elbow-room in short. Headroom in the rear has increased by 13mm (11mm in the estate car version). Leg room also benefits. The interior now has new highlights such as the display and operating concept adopted from the new S-Class but with a sporty interpretation. The dashboard and central display are slightly tilted towards the driver.
The driver area, note the body-hugging seats, features a high-resolution LCD screen. It is free-standing, and appears to float in front of the wing profile and the expanse of trim. This sets the driver display apart from traditional cockpits with classic round dials. Fortunate buyers have a choice between a 10.25” (26.0cm) or a 12.3” (31.2 cm) version.
The C-Class offers the very latest in the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) technology. The driver and media displays offer what the company are pleased to call ‘an holistic, aesthetic experience’. Right on trend then; plus the look of the screens can be individualised with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service) thus:
·In "Classic" style, the driver sees a familiar display environment providing all the information relevant to the driver.
·"Sporty" is dominated by the colour red, with dynamic design of the central rev counter.
·In "Discreet" style, the content is reduced to what is essential. In addition, both screens can be shown in seven colour schemes along with the ambient lighting. This makes for an impressive colour experience in the interior if you like that sort of thing.
Further, in the new "Assistance Mode", the traffic situation is shown in real time and supplemented with important displayed information and ‘over the air’ updates, while all the time music can be streamed, selected verbally by using the voice assistant. All of this, not forgetting the very latest in safety equipment, is integral to MBUX.
The Power
New intelligent hybrid technology is now part of the power package. Thanks to systematic electrification and intelligent downsizing, the new C-Class sets new standards in efficiency. The engine range offers only four-cylinder units from the Mercedes-Benz engine selection.
In addition to turbocharging, both the diesel and the petrol engines now have an integrated starter-generator (ISG) for intelligent assistance at low engine speeds as a mild-hybrid, thus ensuring outstanding power delivery. The ISG uses a 48Volt on-board electrical system that dictates functions such as gliding, boosting or energy recovery, thus making significant fuel savings possible.
The engines also start very rapidly and easily as a result, so that the start/stop function is almost as imperceptible to the driver as the transition from gliding with the engine switched off to strong acceleration under engine power. When idling, the intelligent interaction between the ISG and the combustion engine ensures outstandingly smooth running. All choices now drive through a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission. 4Matic all-wheel drive is also available with some models.
The Ride
New, dynamically configured suspension features a new four-link axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear mounted to a subframe. The new suspension provides the basis for a high level of suspension, ride and noise comfort, agile handling, they say, and, importantly, driving fun. The new C-Class is optionally also available with continuously adjustable damping and a sport suspension option. Air suspension at the rear is standard for both the Saloon and Estate models of the plug-in hybrid variants.
Get in touch with us here at MHH International to find out about this great car and our services. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class continues to go from from strength to strength.
