April 8, 2011 – The new generation C-Class is a comprehensive modernisation. The front and rear sections of this popular model have a more striking design. Together with the optional high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior. Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 31 percent. Efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines and the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. New driving assistance systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection and Adaptive Highbeam Assist are now available for this model series.

“The drive system and safety systems in the new-generation C-Class offer the comfort, efficiency and safety of our luxury vehicles. Plus, with many significant details in the interior, the vehicle sets totally new standards in its segment where value and quality impression are concerned”, said Dr. Claus Weidner, Chief Operating Officer of Mercedes-Benz Hong Kong Limited.

The two design and equipment lines ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are the basis for the individualisation range for the C-Class. The two lines are now more readily distinguishable from each other.

The front bumper has a more expressive and dynamic contour, the front section being brought closer to the brand's new design idiom. As a central element at the front, the shape of the radiator grille is more prominently supported by the bumper. The central air intake opens out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille. Pronounced side sections on the bumper extend from the sporty V-shape at the centre. These sections (beneath the headlamps) blend into the feature lines along the vehicle flanks, creating a link with the sides. The side air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more road-hugging appearance.

The saloon and estate now have a new aluminium bonnet, which contributes to weight reduction and therefore fuel efficiency. Other aluminium features include the front wings and the door modules. The contour of the bonnet in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille emphasises the V-shape of the front section more heavily than before.

The shape of the clear-lens headlamps has been modified to create a more dynamic and resolute impression, and to act together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper to emphasise the V-shape of the front section. This impression is reinforced by both the exterior form of the headlamps and the interior of the housings. The horizontal LED daytime running lamps in the bumper also make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.

In the case of the rear bumper, the light-catching contours and dividing lines have been modified to emphasise the width of the saloon and estate even more strongly. In the facelifted model, the tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the tail end by a continuous covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series. The particular impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands with their more deeply set LEDs. The tail lights have a particularly high recognition factor in the dark.

The aerodynamics of the C-Class are the mark of the bodyshell's efficiency. With a Cd figure of 0.26 it not only sets the benchmark in its class, but also glides through the wind better than most compact and even small cars.

A main focus of the design work in the interior was the restyling of the dashboard, with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and high-quality look. This redesigning also involved enhancing the trim concept. The surfaces of the control elements are more finely detailed and galvanised. The stepped extension to the instrument cluster now also accommodates the central display. The instrument cluster and a discreet light-catching contour continue into the front-passenger side. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised trim.

The large section of trim is an important part of the newly designed dashboard. This extends from the centre air vents across the front-passenger side to the outer air vent, making the interior appear significantly wider. The upper dashboard section with a new surface grain continues into the beltlines of the door panels.

The control panel of the new-generation communication and information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts. The combination of matt keys, high-gloss areas and a new knurled wheel design accentuates the higher perceived value of the interior. Together with the new telematics generation, the facelifted C-Class also comes complete with a new instrument cluster featuring an integral display – which is also available as a colour display in conjunction with the standard 12-button steering wheel. Directed towards the driver are three tube-style surrounds with a galvanised surface, openly demonstrating the C-Class’s sporting ambitions.

The premium character of the interior is underlined by the new three-spoke steering wheel generation, now available in the sporty AVANTGARDE line for the C-Class. The steering wheel with its chromed central spoke stylishly accentuates the sporty atmosphere in the C-Class.

A reduction in fuel consumption of up to 31 percent has been achieved. The C Class models will be equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard and the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY will be the first engine model with this function which is expected to arrive in the third quarter this year, other models to follow from 2012. All the engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, showing that they are particularly efficient and environmentally compatible in their use of fuel. All automatic versions feature the further-developed 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimised for fuel economy.

All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The quantum leap in efficiency is particularly well illustrated by the six-cylinder unit: power has increased considerably, the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY delivering 225 kW (306 hp) and 370 Nm (C 350 previously 200 kW/272 hp and 350 Nm). Fuel consumption has been significantly reduced, however: the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY has a mean consumption of 6.8 litres per 100 km – 3.1 litres or 31 percent less than the preceding C 350 model.

The four-cylinder petrol engines, which made a great evolutionary leap forward in 2009 and all feature direct injection and turbocharging, excel with high performance and exemplary economy.

With new driving assistance systems such as ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and PARKTRONIC including Parking Guidance, the C-Class reaches a new level in safety.

The new C-Class also sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will gradually be introduced in other model series too. Major new features include greater operating larger displays, phone book transfer, and display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via convenience, Bluetooth and a USB interface now accommodated in the centre armrest.

The new generation of C-Class Saloon and Estate are now available in Hong Kong.

C-Class Saloon:
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic HK$ 356,000
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ Avantgarde HK$ 387,000
C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic HK$ 403,500
C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ Avantgarde HK$ 437,000
C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ Sport Edition HK$ 498,000
C 300 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ Avantgarde HK$ 596,500
C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ Avantgarde HK$ 693,000
C 63 AMG HK$ 1,184,000

C-Class Estate:
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic HK$ 378,000
C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ Avantgarde HK$ 409,500
C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Classic HK$ 425,500
C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ AMG Edition HK$ 459,000
C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ Sport Edition HK$ 526,000
C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY Elegance/ Avantgarde HK$ 718,000
C 63 AMG HK$ 1,239,000