Around one million customers have bought a vehicle of the current C-Class production series since the market launch of the C-Class sedan in March 2007 and of the estate model in November 2007.

“The C-Class is our best-selling production series and therefore of great importance for Mercedes-Benz,” said Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Cars. “We are therefore especially pleased that the vehicle is so popular with our customers. In June the sedan was the best-selling vehicle in its comparative class worldwide. Despite last year’s weak market environment, sales of the sedan are currently four percent higher than those of the predecessor model during the same period since its market launch. The estate has also met with an outstanding response, with deliveries increasing by 20 percent in June.”

Over 840,000 sedans and more than 160,000 estates have been sold since the vehicle was introduced. The current C-Class is therefore continuing the success of the previous C-Class generation: Around 1.9 million customers bought sedans and estates of the previous model series during the model’s life cycle. Mercedes-Benz has sold more than eight million vehicles in this segment since the first C-Class was introduced back in 1982.

The United States is the largest market for the C-Class sedan, accounting for25 percent of total sales. The next-largest markets are Germany and China. A total of 29,600 C-Class cars were sold in the U.S. during the first half of the year, representing an increase of 15 percent on the same period last year. Deliveries totaled 14,300 units in Germany, while 12,100 customers bought a C-Class sedan in China during this period. Sales of the C-Class sedan rose by six percent worldwide during the first half of the year, to 120,300 units. The estate has also met with a great customer response, with deliveries substantially higher in nearly all markets in June 2010 compared to June 2009. The increase amounted to six percent in Germany, which is the largest market for the estate, while sales rose by 19 percent in Western Europe as a whole and by 47 percent in Japan, which is the fourth-largest market.

One of the main reasons why the C-Class has won over so many customers is its outstanding efficiency. In fact, Mercedes-Benz is now installing the state-of-the-art ECO start-stop function into the C-Class’ C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models in connection with mechanical six-speed transmissions. The start-stop feature reduces the four-cylinder engine’s fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to ten percent. And thanks to gasoline direct injection, the engine has a higher output than the predecessor models. The most popular engine variant of the C-Class, the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, will also be available with the ECO start-stop function and six-speed manual transmission in the future. The vehicle, which is already very fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, will then consume only 4.4 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, or 0.4 liters less than is currently the case. What’s more, it will also cut CO2 emissions from 127 g/km to 117 g/km.

The new C-Class also offers other advantages besides the new efficient drive systems. According to a recent J.D. Power and Associates study in Germany, the car ranks at the top of its comparative class, boasting the most satisfied customers overall when it comes to quality, reliability, attractiveness, service, and maintenance costs.

The police from Baden-Württemberg, Germany rely heavily on the economics, dynamics and safety of Mercedes-Benz: with more than 900 vehicles of the type C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, estate and sedan, it is the future of advanced police cars offering economical and environmentally friendly power plants. Interior Minister Heribert Rech: “These modern vehicles, are at the cutting edge of technology. To me it is important that our police officers are safe and in ergonomic workplaces.” The decision to go with Mercedes-Benz fell to a Europe-wide decision for a total of 1038 vehicles of various types.

“It is our responsibility, as the Interior Ministry of Baden-Württemberg, not only to check the quality of our automotive products, but also our service quality,” said Michael Dietz, head of sales authorities and special vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz Sales Germany (MBVD). The vehicles will be distributed over a period of 36 months by Daimler Fleet Management, leased and managed by the Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY offers the police of Baden-Württemberg an ultra-modern four-cylinder diesel engine with direct injection. The combined fuel consumption of just 4.8 liters of diesel fuel, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 127 grams per kilometer, this eco-friendly efficiency is associated with undiminished momentum. The C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY draws from 2143 cubic centimeters 125 kW/170 hp and offers a torque of 400 Nm – this allows the sedan to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 8.4 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz now equips the successful C-Class C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models featuring a six-speed manual transmission with a sophisticated ECO start/stop function, which reduces the four-cylinder models’ fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10 percent, while direct petrol injection makes these models even more responsive than their outgoing counterparts. The C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY will likewise feature the ECO start/stop function and a six-speed manual transmission, which means that this already exceptionally economical and ecofriendly model will consume just 4.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres – knocking 0.4 litres off the previous figure. CO2 emissions are therefore reduced from 127 g/km to 117 g/km. Another new addition to the line-up is the C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, which combines the powerful and economical four-cylinder diesel engine with four-wheel drive for the first time. Thanks to its innovative technology, the Mercedes-Benz C‑Class takes efficiency and driving pleasure to new levels.

Mercedes-Benz systematically employs direct petrol injection – a technology that allows a further reduction in fuel consumption. Previously the four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection was only available for C-Class models equipped with an automatic transmission, but now this sophisticated powerplant can also be specified in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission and the new ECO start/stop function.

Compared to conventional port injection, direct fuel injection allows higher compression and thus improved thermodynamic efficiency. Offering the same power output as the outgoing models, the four-cylinder engines with direct petrol injection therefore impress with their higher torque, meaning that the new Mercedes-Benz models provide even more driving pleasure yet are even more economical and ecofriendly.

The new C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model has a displacement of 1.8 litres and an output of 135 kW (184 hp) yet consumes a mere 6.8 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption) – around 0.8 litres (10 percent) less than the previous four-cylinder engine with conventional fuel injection and a supercharger. CO2 emissions from the direct-injection model with a manual transmission are 158 grams per kilometre (12 percent lower than previously). Despite the lower fuel consumption, the peak torque has been increased from 250 Nm to 270 Nm, enabling the new C 200 CGI to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds (outgoing model 8.6 seconds).

In the C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the direct-injection petrol engine develops 115 kW (156 hp) and, thanks to its higher peak torque of 250 Nm (outgoing model 230 Nm), the version with manual transmission is half a second quicker from 0 to 100 km/h (9.0 seconds). All of which means that the driver experiences noticeably greater response and a high level of driving pleasure.

In the C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models, a new ECO start/stop function in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission complements the powerful direct-injection petrol engine and helps to reduce fuel consumption. The engine is stopped automatically when the car is coasting up to traffic lights – as soon as its speed falls below 8 km/h, and once the driver has applied the brakes and moved the gear lever to neutral. The engine starts again immediately when the driver presses the accelerator or clutch pedal. Availability of the ECO start/stop function is indicated on the instrument cluster.

C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY – the most fuel-efficient C-Class of all time

This effective ECO start/stop function likewise features in the new Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model with a six-speed manual transmission, which

has a displacement of 2143 cc, an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, allowing the Saloon to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds. Yet its combined fuel consumption is just 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres – 0.4 litres lower than previously – meaning that its CO2 emissions have been reduced from 127 g/km to 117 g/km. The new C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with ECO start/stop function is therefore the most fuel-efficient C-Class of all time.

C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY – four-cylinder model with four-wheel drive

Another new addition to the line-up is the C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, which for the first time combines the powerful four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 kW (204 hp) and a peak torque of 500 Nm with the sophisticated 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz. Hallmark features of this model include high efficiency, low weight and compact design. 4MATIC is permanently active and therefore responds instantaneously, assisting the driver at all times in adverse weather conditions – in the wet, on black ice or on snow – and helping the driver to cope safely and confidently in critical situations. Furthermore, as standard, Mercedes-Benz combines the permanent all-wheel drive system with the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and the traction system 4ETS, which enables controlled braking of spinning wheels and thus increases the drive torque at the wheels offering good traction. In this respect, 4ETS has the same effect as conventional differential locks and offers noticeably better comfort than other all-wheel drive cars. The C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.

As well as an exciting design and hallmark Mercedes refinement, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class displays state-of-the-art technology such as the AGILITY CONTROL package with selective damper control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE® system with anticipatory occupant-protection measures. Furthermore, independent studies confirm that the C-Class has the highest resale value in the medium-size category, while the latest breakdown statistics compiled by the ADAC (German Automobile Association) reveal that it is the most reliable car in its class.

The new Mercedes-Benz C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (from €32,219.25) and

C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (from €34,242.25) models can now be ordered from all authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers. The C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY model (from €43,524.25) and the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model with ECO start/stop function (from €36,384.25) are available from autumn 2010 (German list prices incl. VAT). All new Mercedes-Benz C-Class model variants are available in either Saloon or Estate guise.

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.

Four Mercedes-Benz models have the lowest depreciation in their segment, and can justifiably call themselves the “Value retention champions 2010” – the E, C, S and R-Class. These are the findings of analyses carried out each year by the Saarbrücken-based market research institute Bähr & Fess Forecast on behalf of the motoring magazine “Auto Bild”. Mercedes-Benz vehicles are therefore generally have the highest value retention, and offer a significant economic advantage.

According to the residual value forecasts of the market researchers, the new E-Class will be the saloon with the highest resale value of all large coupés when it is four years old. The E 250 CDI will still command 55.5 percent of its current new value.

Mercedes-Benz would like to remind you today that the new C-Class is the most economical C-Class ever.  Thanks to three direct-injection models – the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and the C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY – you can enjoy fuel consumption of just 4.8 liters, 5.1 liters and 7.2 liters (per 100 kilometers), respectively.  For my American readers, that’s about 49 mpg, 46 mpg and 32 mpg, respectively.

Despite the impressive fuel economy, each of the models still boasts impressive performance.  The C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY features a 170 hp powerplant and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 8.4 seconds, the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY features a 204 hp powerplant and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.0 seconds, and the C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY features a 204 hp powerplant and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds.

Also, each of the engine variants can be had in either saloon or estate versions.

Before you get too excited, it’s important to note that these figures apply to the European market, so if you’re one of the many U.S. residents reading the site, your options are severely limited.  Specifically, your best option at present is the C300, which features a 228 hp powerplant and fuel mileage of 18 city / 25 highway.