If you’ve been watching any of the NCAA tournament lately you’ve no doubt seen an abundance of Mercedes commercials, one of which highlights the C-Class’ safety during a round of rollover testing. Since the commercials started airing we’ve received a couple emails requesting more info about the C-Class’ various safety aspects, so I thought I’d take a moment to re-publish a press release and photos covering the topic along with a short C-Class safety video. A few of the main areas covered include accident avoidance, passenger protection from a variety of impact standpoints and the C-Class’ various safety systems both during and after a crash. To those of you with questions about the C-Class safety, the information should help you gain a clear understanding of what exactly you can expect from the model and how you’re protected should you find yourself in a less-than-desirable situation. For more information, keep reading for all of the aforementioned content.
It seems like just yesterday the world was introduced to the completely redesigned Mercedes C-Class, but already the model’s approaching its mid-life refreshening. Thanks to Car Advice, we’ve got some hints as to what we can expect, with notable changes including rennovated front and rear bumpers, a tweaked bonnet, new headlights and a heightened grille.
Under the hood there’ll likely be a few enhancements as well, which one would have to assume will be aimed at making the already efficient model even more economical to operate. We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything new; in the meantime, check out the some of the 2011 C-Class spy photos in the gallery below and head over to Car Advice for the full story.
At the Geneva Motor Show in March Mercedes-Benz will be presenting two new models which see the premium brand from Stuttgart taking a great leap forward with regard to consumption and CO2 emissions. The new C 220 CDI now consumes a mere 4.5 litres per 100 kilometres – that’s 0.3 of a litre less than previously. This cuts its CO2 output from 127 g/km to 119 g/km. The E 250 CDI with an automatic transmission will require just 4.9 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (129 g/km CO2) in future – as opposed to 5.8 litres currently (154 g/km CO2 – all provisional, combined figures). The high performance that characterises the four-cylinder diesel engines – and with it the driving pleasure that they generate – will remain undiminished for both models. This puts Mercedes-Benz in a new dimension of efficiency in these segments. And the new C-Class and E-Class models serve as shining examples of the fact that the combustion engine still offers vast potential – which Mercedes-Benz will be harnessing in a targeted manner for its other models, too.
The engineers’ remit was to optimise the environmentally friendly properties of the executive- and luxury-segment models from Mercedes-Benz, and the fruits of their labours speak volumes: consumption and emissions have been cut by around 16 percent (minus 0.9 litre and minus 25 grammes respectively) for the E 250 CDI and by 6 percent (minus 0.3 of a litre and minus 8 grammes) for the C 220 CDI. Both models are already known for being exceedingly economical and efficient. In the E 250 CDI the four-cylinder engine achieves 150 kW (204 hp) and develops a superb torque of 500 Nm. Drivers of the C 220 CDI have 125 kW (170 hp) and a maximum torque of 400 Nm at their disposal.
Dynamism and pulling power are set to remain firmly on the scene in future, since this major leap forward in terms of efficiency is thanks largely to the consistent advancement of the diesel engine and the drive system.
Further improvements to the four-cylinder diesel engine formed one of the focal points of the optimisation measures. The characteristic features of this powerplant include a lighter crankshaft (it now has only four balance weights as opposed to eight previously), optimised oil pressure regulation and belt drive plus an exhaust gas turbocharger with a self-regulating compressor. What’s more, both the C 200 CDI and the E 250 CDI have been given a special automatic start/stop system – in conjunction with an automatic transmission for the first time in the case of the E-Class.
The work that went into enhancing the 7-speed automatic transmission in the E 250 CDI was equally intensive. The system’s highlights include a new transformer with reduced slip, a newly developed ECO shift program with better kingpin inclination and an additional oil pump which maintains the operating pressure during an automatic stop. Friction-optimised components in conjunction with fuel-efficient engine oil enable the operating pressure to be lowered. A different rear axle ratio (2.47 instead of 2.65) also contributes to the good consumption figures.
For lovers of exclusive cars Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce the arrival of an eye-catching new version of the C-Class on the scene. The new Special Edition is set to draw admiring glances with its sporty, elegant design features, reserved for this model only, a high-quality interior plus some exciting technical highlights as part of the standard specification, including AGILITY CONTROL, ADAPTIVE BRAKE, BlueEFFICIENCY and the Intelligent Light System, ensuring that even the most discerning requirements are met for those looking for refinement, motoring pleasure and a car with a distinctive character. The Special Edition is available as a saloon and an estate and with all the C-Class engines.
Sporty passion, exciting dynamism and effortlessly superior style – these are the distinguishing characteristics of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Special Edition. The striking C-Class design that has won a number of awards has now been given an even finer, and yet at the same time more sporty, air by Mercedes-Benz through the addition of some charismatic details. Playing a major role in the vehicle’s image are its darkened front headlamps with a dark cover frame, the new indium grey paintwork (obsidian black, palladium silver, iridium silver or calcite white are also available) and 17-inch 5-spoke light-alloy wheels with mixed-size tyres (235/60 R 17 at the front, 255/55 R 17 at the rear). As an alternative there are also 16-inch 7-spoke light-alloy wheels and 205/55 R17-size tyres all round.
The optical finesse of the exterior comes courtesy of touches such as shoulderline trim strips in polished aluminium, the finned radiator in brilliant silver matt with chrome highlights and an integrated star, front fog lamps with a chrome ring and chromed twin louvres, chrome highlights in the bumper, rub strip and boot lid plus the B-pillar trim painted glossy black.
Like the exterior, the interior is based on the AVANTGARDE design and equipment line. Its aesthetics have been streamlined and its sportiness sharpened through the inclusion of further high-quality materials and carefully coordinated details. An example of these stylish elements are the seats – exclusively manufactured for the Special Edition – made from black ARTICO man-made leather with Liverpool fabric in como beige. There is contrasting topstitching in comobeige embellishing the seats, centre armrest, door centre panel and floor mats, serving to underline the dynamic theme. The floor mats also bear the “Special Edition” lettering. Leather seats are available as an optional extra – also in two-tone variants featuring black/sahara beige or black/cognac brown.
Trim parts in brushed aluminium which have been designed exclusively for this C-Class Special Edition contrast with the interior in black and beige, creating an ambience full of soul. The standard specification includes armrests with a double cup holder and a stowage compartment at the front and rear, 1/3 : 2/3 folding rear seats with a through-loading feature, a luxury multifunction leather steering wheel with a 4.5 inch display in the instrument cluster that boasts three analogue round dials with tapered tube-style surrounds, not to mention a shift/selector lever in leather, plus seat heating.
The range of equipment includes some superb technical innovations such as AGILITY CONTROL, ADAPTIVE BRAKE and BlueEFFICIENCY, helping the C-Class to set standards in the compact premium-car segment. Also part of the standard specification on board the Special Edition is the Intelligent Light System featuring bi-xenon headlamps with variable light distribution, an active light function,
dynamic headlamp range control plus a cornering light function that ensures optimum adaptation to the current visibility. Yet more comfort is afforded by PARKTRONIC with its acoustic and optical distance warning.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Special Edition is available now in both saloon and estate guise with the entire engine line-up, including the redeveloped, especially powerful four-cylinder diesel engines which come complete with the assurance of their exemplary thriftiness and environmental compatibility. Indeed, it is thanks to them that Mercedes-Benz has achieved model status in this class where efficiency is concerned.
Depending on which engine is ordered, the additional charge on the respective base model in conjunction with the fabric/ARTICO man-made leather upholstery is between 2,689.40 and 3,879.40 euros (between 4,629.10 and 5819.10 euros in conjunction with leather upholstery) including German VAT.
While the Mercedes C63 AMG Estate is by all accounts an impressive vehicle on its own merits, the fine gentlemen at Väth felt it was capable of more – and by more, I mean 585 horsepower and 690 Nm of torque. It’s these figures that help Väth’s tuned Mercedes C63 AMG Estate – a model they call the Väth V63RS Clubsport Wagon – achieve a top speed of 202 miles per hour. Excessive? Maybe. But the Väth V63RS Clubsport Wagon is sure to meet the demands of adrenaline loving soccer moms everywhere.
In addition to the power, Väth also enhanced the C63 Estate’s handling and braking as well, courtesy of a new sport suspension system and high performance braking system. Completing the package, an interior with carbon fiber and Alcantara accents and a few aerodynamic enhancements add a tasteful, sporty edge to the already covetable model.
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your somewhat conservative Mercedes C-Class, German tuning firm Väth has unveiled a new series of enhancements for the model under the moniker V18K. I know, the prospect of altering your traditional C-Class may sound somewhat daunting for those of you already fond of your standard C, but not to worry, as the V18K is by all accounts a relatively minor tuning program when compared to the vast number of other Mercedes tuning programs available.
From a mechanical standpoint, changes come by way of software optimization program, the result of which is a 31 hp improvement in the C200. With its newfound 215 total horsepower, top speed in the C-Class rises, increasing 3 mph to 149 mph. Outside, modifications are again fairly restrained. A new front apron, a black radiator grille sans Mercedes star, black 18-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and stainless steel exhaust system are all present, while completing the package is a tweaking of the suspension, resulting in a ride height 45mm lower in the front and 35mm lower in the rear.
If you’re interested, pricing for the Väth V18K comes in at EUR 1773 for the engine optimization, while pricing for the cosmetic enhancements varies by piece.
To see more of the Väth V18K C-Class, keep scrolling for more photos of the model (click any to enlarge).
If you’re wondering what the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG looks like clad in a garish gold/chrome paint job, then wonder no more, as our friend Vincent over at Autoblog.nl directed us to photos depicting this very subject. It’s difficult to discern whether or not the C63 is actually gold or whether or it’s more of a gold color mixed with chrome, as it could be the lighting that increases the model’s golden appearance, but either way, it’s one fantastically lurid paint color that few would dare to actually place on their vehicle.
To see more of the golden Mercedes C63 AMG, which was spotted at the Mall of the Emirates, keep scrolling for a few additional photos, all of which enlarge when you click them.