How do you make a bestseller even more successful? How do you consolidate a leading position even further? How do you combine automotive emotion and intelligence even more closely?

These were no easy tasks for the product planners, designers and engineers when it came to creating the concept for the new C-Class. Foresight was needed to assess developments in the markets, sensitivity to reconcile the wishes of present customers with the expectations of new buyer target groups, and expertise to achieve new technical masterstrokes at the previous, high level. In short, the C-Class project was an exciting and interesting mission in every respect. And a challenge that was mastered with real aplomb: the Saloon has gained a new profile, with a more self-assured, imposing and stylish presence than ever before.

While the C-Class is and remains a typical Mercedes-Benz with everything that traditionally characterises the Stuttgart brand, it offers even more. Its special feature is a synthesis of agility and comfort which has never previously been achieved in this vehicle class. This interaction creates the conditions for a new, extraordinary driving experience.

The new C-Class possesses a product profile which meets the needs of different target groups. It is comfortable without seeming sedate, sporty without becoming uncomfortable and youthful without being adolescent.

In other words, the C-Class is superior in every respect – full of character and autonomous.

Lines: clear differentiation between different characteristics

As before, there is a choice of three design and equipment lines to emphasise the typical attributes of the new Saloon more strongly, and to suit its appearance to personal tastes and lifestyles. In the case of the new C-Class, this individuality is even more important than in the preceding model, however. Mercedes customers are able to highlight the aspects of e.g. comfort or agility even more than before, and the design and equipment lines reflect the different characteristics, and therefore the lifestyles of their drivers, even more expressively. Thanks to these lines, the C-Class is a "product-in-product" concept.

The youthful, progressive line is named AVANTGARDE. This is where the sporting genes of the Mercedes-Benz brand come to the fore, especially by virtue of the radiator grille with its three high-gloss louvres and large, centrally positioned Mercedes star. This design element has long been recognised as a typical feature of the more sporty Mercedes models by car lovers. It now embellishes the Saloon as an unmistakable expression of its inherent attributes, namely agility, power and performance. Standard 17-inch light-alloy wheels in a five twin-spoke design, wide-base tyres in size 225/45 R 17, aluminium interior trim (optional: bird’s-eye maple) and other stylish details accentuate the sporty, superior appearance of the AVANTGARDE model, which also does full justice to well-proven C-Class attributes such as safety and long-distance comfort.

In the ELEGANCE line the emphasis is on the traditional values of a Mercedes saloon – and especially on comfort. The external appearance is enhanced by the attractively integrated, chrome-embellished radiator grille and chrome inserts in the bumpers, side rub strips and boot lid. Exotic wood trim in eucalyptus (optional: burr walnut) brings typical Mercedes flair to the interior, which also provides a welcoming atmosphere with its warm colour tones and combinations. In this line too, the C-Class remains true to its basic character and offers not only typical Mercedes comfort, but also the handling agility that makes the driving experience perfect.

The CLASSIC line is designed to appeal to male and female drivers who do not wish to reveal the potential of their C-Class at first glance. Both inside and out the Saloon is characterised by classic restraint, however its extensive range of standard appointments includes all the technical innovations that make for the superior presence of this new Mercedes model where safety, comfort and agility are concerned:

Safety

The new C-Class is the safest car in this market segment. No other saloon in this class offers so many safety innovations and has been so uncompromisingly designed to reflect real accident scenarios as the new C-Class. The comprehensive Mercedes safety concept PRO-SAFE™ goes well beyond compliance with standard crash test regulations, taking every aspect of safe driving into account -- from accident prevention with systems such as Brake Assist, ESP® and ADAPTIVE BRAKE to occupant protection with two-stage front airbags, a kneebag for the driver, front sidebags, windowbags and crash-responsive NECK-PRO head restraints in the front, and right up to the rapid recovery of occupants after an accident. The preventive protection system PRE-SAFE® developed by Mercedes-Benz is available as an option, which makes the C-Class the world’s only car in this market segment to feature this trailblazing safety technology. Another feature providing more driving safety is the Intelligent Light System (optional), which is offered for the first time in this vehicle class.

Comfort

Like safety, comfort has always been a basic attribute of all Mercedes models. On the basis of its enormous experience, the Stuttgart brand has developed the most stringent specifications for all comfort-related aspects. The new C-Class meets these Mercedes codes, thereby offering an unparalleled level of comfort in this vehicle class. In addition to a low-vibration bodyshell and smooth, quiet engines, this is particularly assisted by the AGILITY CONTROL package. This includes an innovative damper system which automatically adapts the shock absorber responses to the driving situation. Mercedes-Benz has also improved the standard THERMATIC with two-zone climate control, as well as the seats.

Agility

Thanks to the selective damping system, the AGILITY CONTROL package adapts itself to the driver’s individual style or the current driving situation and achieves a synthesis of excellent comfort and agile handling. The more direct steering and the new AGILITY CONTROL gearshift with its short, precise shift travel likewise ensure significantly more dynamic driving pleasure. The agile driving characteristics of the new C-Class are not least characterised by the further improved engines. The four and six-cylinder units develop up to 13 percent more output and up to 18 percent more torque than before.

The standard appointments* of the CLASSIC line at a glance:

• Adaptive brake lights
  
• AGILITY CONTROL suspension with selective damping system
  
• AGILITY CONTROL gearshift with six speeds
  
• Airbags for the driver and front passenger
  
• Acceleration skid control (ASR)
  
• Armrest with roller-top compartment
  
• Electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors
  
• Outside temperature display
  
• Brake Assist
  
• ADAPTIVE BRAKE braking system with Start-Off Assist
  
• Diesel particulate filter (for CDI models)
  
• ESP®
  
• Headlamp assist
  
• Power windows (4)
  
• Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for the front and outer rear seats
  
• ISOFIX child seat attachment points in the rear
  
• Air-conditioned glove compartment
  
• Map pocket on the rear of the driver’s seat backrest
  
• THERMATIC two-zone automatic climate control
  
• Kneebag on the driver’s side**
  
• Light-alloy wheels (from C 220 CDI resp. C 200 KOMPRESSOR)
  
• Steering column adjustable for height and reach
  
• Lumbar support in driver’s seat
  
• Multifunction steering wheel with four keys
  
• Foglamps
  
• NECK-PRO head restraints for driver and front passenger
  
• Projector-beam headlamps with halogen technology
  
• Tyre pressure loss warning system
  
• ELCODE locking system with infrared/radio remote control
  
• Sidebag for driver and front passenger
  
• Bag hooks in the boot
  
• Front seats electrically adjustable for height and backrest angle
  
• Tinted glass
  
• Windowbags
  
• Central locking with crash sensor
  
• Trim in piano lacquer look

*Selection; **in Euro-NCAP countries


The six-cylinder models C 320 CDI and C 350 are available in the ELEGANCE or AVANTGARDE lines as standard. These include the following features (versus the CLASSIC line):

ELEGANCE*

• Waistline trim strip in polished aluminium
• 205/55 R 16 wide-base tyres
• B-pillars painted in high-gloss black
• Rear seat unit with centre armrest and twin cupholder
• Luxury multifunction steering wheel in leather with 4.5’’ display in instrument cluster
• Radiator grille in high-gloss atlas grey with chrome inserts
• 7 J x 16 light-alloy wheels
• Lighting package incl. illuminated front footwells, front and rear reading light, front and rear courtesy lights
• Foglamps with chrome bezels
  
• Leather-covered shift/selector lever
  
• Seat design with vertical upholstery structure
  
• Bumpers, side rub strips and boot lid with chrome inserts
• Eucalyptus exotic wood trim

AVANTGARDE*

• Waistline trim strip in polished aluminium
  225/45 R 17 wide-base tyres
• B-pillars painted in high-gloss black
• Rear seat unit with centre armrest and twin cupholder
• Luxury multifunction steering wheel in leather with 4.5’’ display in instrument cluster
• Radiator grille in high-gloss black with chrome inserts and Mercedes star
• 7.5 J x 17 light-alloy wheels
• Lighting package incl. illuminated front footwells, front and rear reading light, front and rear courtesy lights
• Foglamps with chrome bezels and twin louvres
• Leather-covered shift/selector lever
• Seat design with horizontal upholstery structure
• Bumpers, side rub strips and boot lid with chrome inserts
• Aluminium trim

*Selection


Optional extras: new systems for safety, comfort and infotainment

Buyers of the new C-Class benefit from the technological leadership of the Mercedes-Benz brand, with a choice of optional innovations from the luxury class for even more safety, comfort and agility during even more entertaining journeys – from the new Intelligent Light System to the panoramic sliding roof and the surround-sound system.

Mercedes-Benz has developed well-proven comfort and driver support system further, specifically for the C-Class. The luxury automatic climate control system THERMOTRONIC now ensures individual climatic comfort in three zones of the interior, for example: the driver, front passenger and rear seat occupants can set the temperature to suit their own preference – a first in this vehicle class. The highly successful multicontour seats (available from autumn 2007), which make a major contribution to long-distance comfort by virtue of inflatable air chambers, also feature new technology which ensures consistent seat contour settings.

Another new development is the ADVANCED AGILITY package with Sport mode (available from autumn 2007), which includes two transmission modes - Sport and Comfort – as well as variable, electronic control of the shock absorbers, a more direct steering ratio and adaptation of the accelerator and gearshift characteristics (automatic transmission).

A new Mercedes generation of audio and navigation systems also celebrates its world debut. This features the latest technology, for example a Bluetooth interface for the mobile phone, DVD or hard disc navigation and LINGUATRONIC voice control. All units are linked to a colour display positioned at the centre of the dashboard, where it is well within the driver’s line of vision. If required the display can be made to disappear beneath a flap, while the radio and/or navigation system continue to operate.

The optional extras* for the new C-Class at a glance:

• ADVANCED AGILITY package with Sport mode (available from autumn 2007)
  
• Audio 20 radio, incl. CD-player and Bluetooth interface
  
• Audio 50 APS radio, incl. DVD arrow-based navigation, on request also with a 6-DVD changer and LINGUATRONIC voice control
  
• Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function and headlamp cleaning system
  
• COMAND APS, incl. hard disc navigation,
• LINGUATRONIC voice control and music server, on request also with 6-DVD changer
  
• Intelligent Light System with five lighting functions
  
• KEYLESS-GO
  
• Child seat recognition in the front passenger seat
  
• Leather upholstery
  
• Multicontour front seats (available from autumn 2007)
  
• Panoramic sliding roof
  
• PRE-SAFE®
  
• Run-flat tyres
  
• Electric roller blind for the rear window
  
• Glass tilting/sliding sunroof
  
• Sidebags in the rear
  
• 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission (for V6 models)
  
• AMG sports package with sports suspension and sports seats in the front
  
• Surround-sound system
  
• THERMOTRONIC with three-zone climate control
  
• Electrically adjustable front seats with memory function

*Selection


AMG sports package: even more dynamism and individuality ex factory

The C-Class benefits from real added value in terms of dynamism and sportiness with the AMG sports package. A combination of attractive and exclusive features, of which many are not available individually, gives the Saloon an even more striking presence even at standstill.

AMG bodystyling, a sports suspension, 17-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, sports seats and a three-spoke steering wheel convey considerably more individuality and guarantee even more driving pleasure for mile after mile.

All the features of the AMG sports package at a glance:

Exterior:

• AMG bodystyling consisting of a front and rear apron plus side skirts
  
• 17-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a high-sheen, six twin-spoke design, with size 225/45 R 17 tyres at the front and 245/40 R 17 at the rear
  
• Large, perforated front brake discs with aluminium brake callipers and Mercedes-Benz lettering
  
• Speed-sensitive sports steering
  
• Sports suspension lowered by 15 millimetres
  
• Sporty engine note for petrol models
  

Interior:

• Sports seats for driver and front passenger
  
• Upholstery in fabric/ARTICO man-made leather (leather available as an optional extra)
  
• Three-spoke steering wheel
  
• Steering wheel shift paddles (with automatic transmission)
  
• Aluminium-look shift lever with leather boot
  
• Sports pedal cluster of brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs
  
• Black roof liner
  
• Floor mats with AMG lettering

Launch of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, ELEGANCE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class: With the ELEGANCE line the emphasis is on the traditional values of a Mercedes saloon - and on comfort in particular. The exterior appearance has been enhanced courtesy of a stylish integrated three-dimensional louvred radiator grille and chrome highlights in the bumpers, side rub strips and on the boot lid.


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, ELEGANCE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, ELEGANCE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, ELEGANCE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class ELEGANCE: Eucalyptus fine-wood trim (optional: burr walnut) adds the hallmark Mercedes flair to the interior, an interior that also contributes to the feel-good atmosphere with its warm colours and colour combinations.


Mercedes-Benz C-Class ELEGANCE: Eucalyptus fine-wood trim (optional: burr walnut) adds the hallmark Mercedes flair to the interior, an interior that also contributes to the feel-good atmosphere with its warm colours and colour combinations.


The CLASSIC line appeals to those Mercedes-Benz drivers who prefer their C-Class to be fairly discrete about what it can do.


The CLASSIC line appeals to those Mercedes-Benz drivers who prefer their C-Class to be fairly discrete about what it can do.


The CLASSIC line appeals to those Mercedes-Benz drivers who prefer their C-Class to be fairly discrete about what it can do.


The CLASSIC line appeals to those Mercedes-Benz drivers who prefer their C-Class to be fairly discrete about what it can do.


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, CLASSIC, interior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE & ELEGANCE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE, exterior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE with AMG sports package, interior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE with AMG sports package, interior


Mercedes-Benz C-Class, AVANTGARDE, exterior

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