What struck us most on our first peek at the new generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, when we viewed it at its launch in East London, was the blend of familiar style - it truly is a good compromise between the existing model and the latest models in the Mercedes stable. The distinctive headlights are the most noticeable change of the mid-life of this model, fitting in with the “family” style started with the previous shape CLS model. The update is more than cosmetic though, with customers now having the option of bi-xenon headlamps with Intelligent Light System (ILS). The rear-end appears almost the same as the previous model other than the addition of LED tail lights. The biggest changes to this model however, are what customers can’t see. A total of more than 2000 new components have been changed and updated. In the cabin, a new dashboard, decorative trim, new colour display instrument cluster, while sporty three (available in the AVANTGARDE model), and fourspoke steering wheels which Mercedes will no doubt be hoping will make it a leader in its segment. A nice add-on is the new generation of telematics, which connects the C-Class with the internet via the driver’s cellphone, allowing access to the mobile’s phone book and text message display. The new “Cover Art” function shows title images of the music albums currently being played if their data is stored in the audio file.
The colour display screen has a diagonal of 14.7 cm and navigating the system seems extremely intuitive. Mercedes claim a fuel consumption improvement of up to 29% on the new C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY model. Other efficiency-enhancing measures include new engines and an improved 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission. Also new is the Eco start/stop function, while safety is enhanced thanks to the nine new driving assistance systems such as Attention Assist, Drowsiness Detection, and Distronic Plus proximity control. Of course, standard on all C-Class vehicles is the MobiloDrive 120 (120 000km) maintenance plan. The manufacturing plant itself is also a point of pride for MBSA. It is currently up to the standards being achieved out of Bremen in Germany, with only 31 defects per 100 cars, and which qualifies the plant for a 2011 Gold award from JD Power & Associates.
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