Mercedes-Benz C-Class: synthesis of comfort, agility and efficiency

The new edition of the successful Mercedes-Benz C-Class celebrates its premiere in front of an international public at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, both as a standard-production model and as a racing version for the German Touring Car Masters (DTM). And in the shape of the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is also unveiling its highly environmentally-compatible BLUETEC technology in combination with a consumption-optimised four-cylinder engine for the first time.

In terms of ensuring compliance with the even stricter EURO 6 emission standard, applicable to all new vehicles Europe-wide from 2015, this vehicle shows the way ahead. Boasting an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC consumes 5.5 litres of diesel per hundred kilometres.The production version of the new C-Class Saloon excels with a many-faceted product concept which meets the expectations of various customer target groups. With the SE, Elegance and Sport lines, Mercedes-Benz offers three individual models whose emphasis is on either agility or comfort. As well as displaying the exemplary refinement for which Mercedes is renowned, all model variants share the latest, state-of-the-art technology.

This includes the AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection system. There is a choice of four- and six-cylinder engines with up to 13 percent more output than the preceding model, accompanied by up to six percent lower fuel consumption. The design of the new C-Class is based on the modern Mercedes idiom, which reflects the technical superiority of cars bearing the famous star with taut lines and large, tranquil surfaces. Even more so than before, the radiator grille is used as a distinguishing feature to position the model variants more clearly. Three extended, horizontal louvres and a large, centrally positioned Mercedes star characterise the Sport model as a traditional design feature of sporty Mercedes models. For the Elegance model, Mercedes-Benz employs a three-dimensional, louvred radiator grille with a high-gloss paint finish to accentuate other classic brand attributes such as comfort and luxury. In SE guise, the new C-Class is deliberately understated and remains true to its tradition yet offers the same technical innovations as the other two model variants.As well as displaying the exemplary refinement for which Mercedes is renowned, all new C-Class models have the latest state-of-the-art technology on board, notably the AGILITY CONTROL suspension which controls the shock absorber forces depending on the driving situation as well as ensuring outstanding ride comfort and optimal active safety. The direct AGILITY CONTROL steering improves handing whilst the AGILITY CONTROL gearshift reflects the sporty character of the C-Class by ensuring short shift travel and precise gear changing. ADAPTIVE BRAKE is part of the standard specification and, among other things, includes Start-Off Assist for uphill gradients, priming of the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions. Engine line-up: lower fuel consumption, higher output The C-Class engines excel by delivering even lower fuel consumption with increased performance. An extensive raft of measures has been implemented to reduce fuel consumption in the diesel versions: in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the C 200 CDI (100 kW/136 hp) and C 220 CDI (125 kW/170 hp) each consume a mere 46.3 mpg. The C 220 CDI is particularly economical on fuel at low revs thanks to a peak torque of 400 Nm at 2000 rpm. Meanwhile, the C 180 KOMPRESSOR consumes 37.1 mpg. The sophisticated V6 engines for the C-Class remain the same as before: there is a choice of three petrol models developing 150 kW/204 hp, 170 kW/231 hp or 200 kW/272 hp and one C 320 CDI diesel variant producing 165 kW/224 hp.Lifecycle assessment: CO2 emissions reduced by 15 percent It is not just the modified engines, consistent lightweight design and excellent aerodynamics which help to reduce fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the new C-Class. A lifecycle assessment certified by the German technical inspection authorities (TÜV), covering everything from the very first stage of production to future recycling, revealed that the carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by a total of 15 percent.

By way of example, the experts calculated that the total energy requirement of the new C-Class is 125 gigajoules lower than that of the previous model produced in the year 2000, equivalent to a fuel saving of around 3800 litres per vehicle. What’s more, carbon dioxide emissions have been reduced by 9000 kilograms (15 percent) per vehicle compared to the previous model. The new C-Class is the only vehicle in the world in this market segment to have been awarded the Environment Certificate by the TÜV, an independent body, thus underlining the Saloon's environmentally friendly product development.Latest Mercedes inventions ensure outstanding safety Occupant protection is based on an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel. The safety technology in the interior has been complemented with the very latest protection systems. Seven airbags are included as standard equipment: two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front-seat backrests and two large windowbags.

The standard head restraints operate on the NECK PRO principle, which reduces the risk of whiplash injuries. Furthermore, the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE can be ordered as an optional extra. The Intelligent Light System developed by Mercedes‑Benz is also available in this vehicle class for the first time. Powerful bi‑xenon headlamps provide five different lighting functions suited to typical driving and weather conditions.New control concept for further enhanced comfort and safety The two-tone dashboard is clearly laid out and well-arranged with easy-to-read round gauges as well as an uncluttered centre console. The colour display is seamlessly integrated at the upper centre of the dashboard and can be covered or folded away as required, without switching off the radio, navigation system or other units linked to the display. All the infotainment systems feature a keypad for entering phone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects the mobile phone to the hands-free system. The new COMAND APS multimedia system features a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a hard disc whilst the high-resolution maps are shown on a 7-inch colour display. In addition, COMAND APS includes a 4‑gigabyte music server, a DVD player for audio and video files and a modified LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system: the driver no longer needs to spell out the names of countries, towns or roads, but is able to speak them as whole words. Vision C 220 BLUETEC: well on the way to complying with the EURO 6 emission standardIn the form of the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, Mercedes-Benz is unveiling its highly environmentally-compatible BLUETEC technology in combination with a consumption-optimised four-cylinder engine for the first time, thus re-underlining the company's leading position in the construction of economical, low-emission diesel models. In terms of ensuring compliance with the even stricter EURO 6 emission standard, applicable to all new vehicles Europe-wide from 2015, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC shows the way ahead. Boasting an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, the Vision C 220 BLUETEC consumes a mere 51.3 mpg.BLUETEC is a DaimlerChrysler-developed technology designed to effectively reduce diesel vehicle emissions, especially nitrogen oxides – the only exhaust-gas constituents that are still higher in diesel engines than they are in their petrol counterparts due to the design concept involved. One of the key requirements is to effectively minimise the nitrogen oxides before they are produced. This is why the Mercedes-Benz engine specialists focus on optimising the engines and their combustion processes. In terms of ‘hardware’, the sophisticated four-cylinder powerplant in the Vision C 220 BLUETEC, like the standard-production engines, includes four valves per cylinder, third-generation common-rail direct injection, a turbocharger with a variable nozzle turbine and exhaust gas recirculation. A highly sensitive electronic engine management unit reacts precisely to an extremely wide range of operating conditions and, in so doing, optimises the combustion processes.The BLUETEC technology in the Vision C 220 BLUETEC still includes an oxidising catalytic converter, which reduces emissions of carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), as well as a particulate filter. A modified NOx‑storage catalytic converter with a substantially extended service life, including patented on-board ammonia generation, is combined with an additional SCR catalytic converter to minimise nitrogen oxides. This process of exhaust-gas aftertreatment requires no additives. The emission figures achieved show just how effectively this system operates, already undercutting the limits specified by future standards such as EURO 6. So one thing is immediately apparent: BlueTec models are the world's cleanest diesels.BLUETEC technology is based on Mercedes-Benz’s vast pool of know-how and expertise in the construction of emission-optimised commercial vehicles. This now tried-and-trusted technology, first made available in early 2005, is today fitted in all the brand’s commercial vehicle series. DaimlerChrysler has already delivered some 45,000 Mercedes-Benz trucks and buses featuring this innovative technology.New C-Class – ready to defend its DTM title in 2007 The C-Class is also causing a sensation in the sporting world. Shortly after the premiere of the successful Saloon version, the engineers and technical staff were already busy putting the finishing touches to the racing version for the coming German Touring Car Masters (DTM) season. The latest edition of the most successful race car in DTM history will celebrate its world premiere in Geneva.

By the time of the first race at the Hockenheimring on April 22, the C-Class 2007 will be ready to write the latest chapter in Mercedes-Benz’s impressive DTM history, piloted by defending champion Bernd Schneider, last season's runner-up Bruno Spengler, youngster Jamie Green and two-time Formula-1 world champion Mika Hakkinen.Development, design and construction began in March 2006. And just 10 months later, the new C-Class for the DTM made its debut on the track. Beneath the new body are a whole host of modified components, notably the engine and the suspension. The V8 engine with a cylinder angle of 90 degrees, a displacement of four litres and four valves per cylinder has been optimised and now develops around 350 kW/470 hp at 7500 rpm with a peak torque of 500 Nm. The engineers were given the greatest technical freedom when it came to designing the suspension which was fine-tuned in order to further improve handling and driving dynamics.