| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Production | 1993–present |
| Assembly | Pune, Maharashtra, India Toluca, Mexico[1] 6th of October City, Egypt Bogor, Indonesia Bremen, Germany East London, South Africa Juiz de Fora, Brazil[2] Sindelfingen, Germany Thonburi, Thailand Pekan, Malaysia |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz 190E |
| Successor | Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (For Coupe) |
| Class | Compact executive car |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car produced by the Mercedes-Benz division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range (W201, also nicknamed “Baby-Benz”), the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's lineup until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany as well as in Mercedes's factories in Brazil[3] and Daimler AG's South African factory in East London. The very first W202 C-Class sedan was produced on June 1, 1993, and the second generation W203 C-Class rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The third generation W204 C-Class was launched in 2007. The C-Class is the entry-level offering in Mercedes-Benz's United States lineup.
The C-Class platform has been used for several coupes, including the CLC-Class (and its predecessor, the C-Class Sportcoupe), the E-class Coupe (and its predecessor, the CLK-Class), and again for the 2012 model year with the C-Class coupe.[4]
Contents |
| Production | 1993–2000 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Bremen, Germany Sindelfingen, Germany East London, South Africa Toluca, Mexico Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 6th of October, Egypt (EGA) Thonburi, Thailand (TAAP) |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door wagon |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W202 |
| Engine |
1.8–2.3 L M111 I4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm (105.1 in) |
| Length | 4,505 mm (177.4 in) |
| Width | 1,720 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,425 mm (56.1 in) |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz C208 |
The first generation W202 C-Class was introduced in 1993, as a replacement for the Mercedes-Benz W201 (190), and proved successful among high-end car buyers. The C-Class sedan was the company's entry-level model up until 1997, when Mercedes launched the A-Class. Styling themes were carried over from the previous W201 series, but the new series had a smoother and rounder design than the previous generation of compact Mercedes.
On its debut, the C-Class was the only Mercedes model with a complete lineup of multi-valve engines. The new family of four-cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), the only four-cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1996 the C 220 was replaced by the C 230, enlarged to 2.3 L displacement but with the same output, although with torque increased to 220 N·m (162 lb·ft). The C 280 was the high end model of the class, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-6 engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp).
Four-cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601 engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L and 2.2 L versions. Many of these diesel variants were sold as taxis, due to their low fuel consumption and strong reliability. There were also more powerful OM605 five-cylinder engines which were available in naturally aspired (C 250 D) and turbocharged (C 250 TD) forms. The turbodiesel was introduced in 1995 and is one of the novelties in the engine range available from this year. The most important was a supercharged version of the M111 straight four, the C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused supercharger technology after 50 years. Due to the tax law in Italy and Portugal, models in those countries featured a supercharged version of the smaller 2.0 L (C 200 Kompressor), which had a similar output of the C 230 Kompressor.
The 1997 diesel models featured the OM611, equipped with a common rail direct injection system (co-developed with Bosch). The new model was named C 220 CDI, and had an improved output of 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) compared with the C 220 Diesel, better fuel average and lower emissions. Also, the inline six engines were replaced by a family of V6, the M112. The new engines featured SOHC heads instead of the previous DOHC, three valves per cylinder instead of four, and twin sparkplugs. The four-cylinder C 230 was replaced by the C 240 (2.4 L) and the I6 C 280 by the V6 C 280. These changes reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption, without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS (3 kW; 4 hp) increase with the change).
In the last four years of production, the W202 received a few changes in the choices of engine. In 1998, a less powerful version of the 2.2 L turbodiesel was added, called C 200 CDI, which replaced the C 220 Diesel. In 2000, the C 200 Kompressor's output was cut to 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp), the C 240 displacement was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) and the C 180 got a 2.0 L engine.
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At the launch all W202 variants were equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox. The 722.4 4-speed automatic transmission, also called 4G-TRONIC, was available as extra cost (standard on the C 36 AMG). In 1996 this old transmission - which was on sale since 1981 - was replaced by a 5-speed automatic gearbox (aka 722.5 or 5G-TRONIC), which received the manual shifting in 1999 (722.6). In 2000 the T-Modell, the only still on sale, was equipped with the G56 6-speed manual transmission.
At the launch the C-Class had a standard driver airbag, ABS and integrated side-impact protection; the front passenger airbag became standard from 1995 onwards, and from the same period Traction control (ETS in the 4-cylinder models, combined with limited slip differential (ASD) or ASR in the 6 cylinders models) was available as extra cost. In 1997 ASR became standard in the C 280s equipped with the automatic transmission and in the C 36 AMG, as ETS in the 4-cylinder models, except for the C 180 and the C 220 Diesel.
[[File:|thumb|left|MY1998 W202 C-Class sedan (Ireland)]]
With the 1997 restyling ASR became standard in all the models, except in the C 180 and C 220 Diesel. This last model continued to offer ETS available as extra cost. Moreover front side airbags and Brake assist (BAS) came in the list of standard safety features. The two basic models finally joined ASR in 1998, and, in 1999, the W202 was the first mid-size sedan to offer ESP as standard in all the range.
| EuroNCAP adult occupant:[5] | |
| EuroNCAP pedestrian (pre-2002 rating): |
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | |
| Side Rear Passenger: |
Mercedes-Benz introduced a station wagon model in 1996, internally designated T-Modell (T for tourenwagen - touring car). It shared the same trim levels as the sedan, with the exception of the AMG versions. The W202 T-model was not made available to the North American market, although the W203 version was.
W202s in North America included the C 220 (later replaced by the C 230), C240, C 280 (both I6 and V6) and the AMG variants. It was launched in the U.S. in November 1993, and unlike models in Europe, featured a third stop light, no specific trim levels, and side lights at the end of the front-turn signals. The top speed was also electronically limited to 130 mph (210 km/h) in the US due to tire speed restrictions.
In 1997, the C-Class was given a small midlife freshening, with new darker rear tail light lenses, new wheel rims as well as subtle interior trim changes, including on the door mouldings. The exterior radio antenna was no longer fender mounted and was integrated into the rear glass. The front and rear bumpers were also reshaped, colour-coded side skirts where also fitted. The revised C 200 and C 230 models were fitted with a supercharger and denoted on the trunk lid as a "Kompressor".
In 1995, the C-Class received its first genuine performance model, the C 36 AMG, to counter the new six-cylinder BMW M3. Developed with AMG, the tuning house that had now become a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz, it had a racing-tuned suspension (lowered by 25 mm (1 in)) and in the USA, a four-speed automatic gearbox, followed by a standard five-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.6 L engine had a maximum output of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 5750 rpm and 385 N·m (284 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Only a total of 5200 C 36 AMGs were produced.
In late 1997 (1998 model year) AMG developed a new flagship for the C-Class, the C 43 AMG, powered by a 4.3 L V8, which could now achieve 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5850 rpm, with a torque of 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) at 3250 rpm. Unlike the C36, which was in fact a "ready-to-sell" C280 disassembled for tuning at the AMG factory, the C43 was the first AMG car to be completely assembled at the AMG plant in Affalterbach after the acquisition of AMG by Daimler-Benz in 1998. The C43 AMG can achieve a 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) time in 5.8 seconds for the saloon version and 6.1 seconds for the estate. The C43 was the first C-Class to be equipped with a Mercedes-Benz V8 based engine.
Two versions exist: a saloon (chassis W202.033) and estate also called the "T version" (chassis W202.093). The overall body of the C43 AMG estate version has many similarities with the C36 AMG, except for the front and rear bumpers as well as the side body, both of which were re-designed. The black engine cover with the chrome AMG and Mercedes-Benz star logos is also very typical from that period in this market segment.
Some differences have been reported between the 1998 and the 2000 version such as the ECU software on the 2000 version that seems to provide better gearbox performances and longer life to the gearbox. Also the 2000 model gives the possibility to up or down lift the steering wheel and has the AMG forged letters on the brakes calipers.
The car was manufactured for a little more than two years – from the end of 1997 to the spring of 2000 for a total of 4,200 units 20% of which are estates and 80% saloons, with only 25 C 43 vehicles of the 2000 model year imported to the US.
The C43 is powered by a tuned version of the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine originally found on the W210 E 430 model. After modifications this engine delivers 306PS (225 kW) at 5,850 rpm, up to 410Nm(302 lb/ft) of torque at 3,250 rpm-5,000 rpm (taken at the crank) and up to 241HP at 6,320 rpm measured at the wheels. According to Mercedes-Benz, the car can reach 155.5MPH (250 km/h), with electronic speed limitation and 168MPH (270 km/h) without. Transmission is an AMG-modified version of the five-speed automatic gearbox found on 1998-2000 R129 SL 500. Main modifications were made in order to achieve a more crisper and better adapted gearbox to higher-rpm upshifts. Also the braking system has been taken from the W210 E 55 AMG.
| Production | Sedan & Wagon 2000–2007 Hatchback 2001–2007 |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Bremen, Germany Sindelfingen, Germany East London, South Africa Toluca, Mexico Pune, India 6th of October City, Egypt[7] Juiz de Fora, Brazil Thonburi, Thailand[8] Bogor, Indonesia[9] Pekan, Malaysia (DRB-HICOM) |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W203 |
| Engine |
1.8–2.3 L M111 I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm (106.9 in) |
| Length | Saloon: 4,526 mm (178.2 in) T-Modell: 4,541 mm (178.8 in) SportCoupe: 4,343 mm (171.0 in) |
| Width | 1,728 mm (68.0 in) |
| Height | Saloon: 1,426 mm (56.1 in) T-Modell: 1,465 mm (57.7 in) Coupe: 1,406 mm (55.4 in) |
The second generation C-Class was introduced in 2000. The sedan debuted with a range of straight-four and V6 gasoline engines and straight-four and straight-five Diesels. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 218 PS (160 kW; 215 hp). The diesels now featured common rail direct injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for nearly the entire range (except the C 320). For the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the engine displacement, more specifically in the C 200 (1.8 L), C 240 (2.6 L) and C 200 CDI (2.2 L).
In 2001, Mercedes increased the range, with the introduction of the new T-Model station wagon and Sportcoupé.[10][11][12] The Sportcoupé was a three-door liftback made to counter the BMW Compact. Removed from the North American lineup in 2005, replaced by the Mercedes-Benz B-Class in Canada, it continued on sale in other markets. From October 2000 until 2007, a total of 230,000 Sportcoupés were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil.[13]
In 2003, a new family of supercharged four-cylinder engines debuted, called M271. All of them used the same 1.8 L engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. The 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) C 230 K was initially available only in the Sportcoupé (replacing the 2.3 L engine in 2002 and older models). The newer 1.8 L was less powerful but smoother and more efficient than the older 2.3 L (192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) compared to 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp). 4MATIC four-wheel drive versions were also offered for the C 240 and C 320.
The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In this year, the interior styling was changed in all three body styles. The instrument cluster was revised to display a set of analog gauges, and the center console and audio systems were revised. A fully integrated iPod connection kit was available as was a better bluetooth phone system made optional. For the USA market C230, the "sport" package was made standard which included AMG edition bumpers, side skirts and front 4 caliper cross-drilled brakes from the C55. Widebody rear suspension with sport tuned springs and dampers completed the package for 2005 Mercedes c180 2005 280 bhp.[12]
Several all-new M272 and OM642 V6 engines were introduced later in the year. The C 230, C 280, C 350 replaced the C 240 and C 320, the new-generation 6-cylinder engines developed substantially more power than the older version, by as much as 24% more, whilst also increasing fuel economy and reducing C02 emissions. The C 230, C 280 and C 350 developed 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp), 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) and 272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp) respectively. The three-valve twin spark design was replaced by a four-valve design, now with variable valve timing. On the diesel side too, things were much improved, with a brand-new V6 3.0-litre CDI diesel. The new V6 diesel offered masses of more power compared to the C 270 CDI, by as much as 32% more, the CO2 emissions and fuel economy were also bettered, the output of this engine 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) and its torque of 510 N·m (380 lb·ft) made it the worlds most powerful diesel at the time. The C 220 CDI received a power increase from 143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp) to 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp) In addition, these engines also received the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, a more economical naturally aspirated 1.8 L (C 160) was added to the Sportcoupé lineup.[12]
The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant.
However, the W203 Sportcoupé liftback will continue to be produced in Brazil beyond this date, since Mercedes-Benz does not foresee producing a W204 Sportcoupé. Indeed, it has decided to offer an updated W203-2 or CL203 Sportcoupé with a new restyled front end inspired by the W204 sedan[14] and an improved engine range parallel to the one of the W204. It was also spun off into its own separate line as the CLC-Class.[15]
| EuroNCAP adult occupant:[16] | |
| EuroNCAP pedestrian (pre-2002 rating): | |
| IIHS overall frontal offset score:[17] | Good |
| IIHS overall side crash test score:[18] | Acceptable |
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | |
| Side Rear Passenger: | |
| Rollover: |
Breakdown statistics reported by the German Automobile Club in May 2010 placed the Mercedes C-Class at the top of the middle-sized car class in respect of the low break-down rates achieved for cars aged between 0 and 5 years.[20][21] (Class laggards were the Ford Mondeo and the recently superseded Opel Vectra.[20])
After the performance of the AMG models in the previous generation, Mercedes-Benz attempted to increase sales among high-end buyers by introducing two different AMG versions in the new model, also in 2001. The C 32 AMG scaled back down to a 3.2 L V6 engine, to match the E46 M3 displacement and improve weight distribution, but it required a twin-screw type supercharger (manufactured by IHI) to reach 354 PS (260 kW; 349 hp)) at 6100 rpm and 450 N·m (332 lb·ft) at 4400 rpm. Like its predecessors, it used a five-speed automatic, helping it to complete a 0–100 km/h sprint within 5.2 seconds. The second version was C 30 CDI AMG, using a 3.0 L five-cylinder engine, capable of 231 PS (170 kW; 228 hp) at 3800 rpm and 540 N·m (398 lb·ft) at 2000 rpm. Both were available in all three body styles, but the diesel model did not reach sales expectations and was retired in 2004, as well as the C32 AMG Sportcoupé.
Along with the mid-generation refresh of the C-Class in 2005, the C 32 AMG was also replaced, giving way to a new 5.4 L naturally aspirated V8-powered C 55 AMG. This was an evolution of the V8 engine found in the previous E-Class, with power raised to 367 PS (270 kW; 362 hp) at 5750 rpm and torque climbing to 510 N·m (376 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. The C 55 AMG uses a V8 from the same engine family as the W202-generation C 43 AMG. Though maximum speed is still limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) time has dropped to 4.9 seconds, and the C55 AMG is considered the sportiest AMG model in the C-Class history before the recent release of the W204 (third generation) C 63 AMG. Unlike the less-powerful V6s in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the C55 AMG continued to use the five-speed automatic with AMG Speedshift.
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| Production | 2007–present |
|---|---|
| Model years | 2008–present |
| Assembly | Bremen, Germany Sindelfingen, Germany Toluca, Mexico East London, South Africa 6th of October City, Egypt[7] Juiz de Fora, Brazil Pekan, Malaysia (DRB-HICOM) Bogor, Indonesia Pune, India |
| Body style | 4-door saloon, 5-door estate |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W204 |
| Engine |
1.6 L-1.8 L M271 I4 Kompressor |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 2,760 mm (108.7 in) |
| Length |
4,582 mm (180.4 in) (sedan) |
| Width |
1,770 mm (69.7 in) 1,795 mm (70.7 in) (C 63 AMG) |
| Height | 1,447 mm (57.0 in) |
DaimlerChrysler introduced a new generation of the C-Class on January 18, 2007[22] and displayed it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales started on March 31, 2007 in almost all European countries. The new vehicle has an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer bodyshell and a design inspired by the most recent S-Class and some hints from the CLS-Class.
The development of the W204 C-Class involved the use of a "digital prototype", which put a 2.1 terabyte digital replica of the car through a 15 million mile road course. This is an industry first which allowed for crash testing and more, before a physical prototype was actually constructed.
Unlike the previous generations, the Estate (station wagon) version is no longer sold in North America, likely due to poor sales of the W203 model.[23]
The Mercedes E-class coupe (W207) shares its platform with the C-class.[4]
The W204 C-Class is the second best-selling entry-level luxury car in Canada and the United States, after the E90 BMW 3 Series.[24][25]
The W204 C-Class has four trim levels of equipment – Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde, and AMG. The Classic is the base trim found only on the smaller four-cylinder engine models and come with Brighton cloth seats (ARTICO leather optional), while the Elegance has ARTICO leather (vinyl) upholstery standard (leather optional), and the Avantgarde has Liverpool/ARTICO fabric seats (leather optional). The Classic and Elegance lines retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz radiator grille usually on sedan models, with a three-point star bonnet emblem, and is designed to appeal to regular luxury buyers. The Avantgarde and AMG have a grille similar to that on Mercedes' sport coupe models, with two horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star, plus there is additional equipment such as a three-spoke steering wheel, AMG bodykit, lower sport suspension, upgraded brake piston calipers, and larger alloy wheels, and these configurations are designed to position the C-Class as a sports sedan. Unlike previous generations of the C-Class and other contemporary Mercedes sedans which stayed with the traditional grille and hood ornament, the W204's advertising predominantly features the sport grille and AMG bodykit, especially in Canada and the United States.
In the United Kingdom, the Classic line is known as the SE, while the Avantgarde line is known as the Sport which has an AMG bodykit and AMG alloy wheels as standard. Most of the lineup consists of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, there is also a 3.5L V6 petrol and 3.5L V6 diesel, and the V8 petrol for the C63 AMG.[26]
In the United States, the Elegance trim is on the C300 Luxury (RWD with 4MATIC option), while the Avantgarde is on the C300 Sport (only US market C-Class with available manual, RWD with 4MATIC option) and C350 Sport (RWD only). There is no Classic/SE trim, no four-cylinder engines, and no wagon body style. Both lines have an additional amber light in front of the front wheel well.
In Canada, only the AMG trim line is used, while Elegance/Luxury and Avantgarde/Sport trim names are not used. There is no Classic/SE trim, no four-cylinder engines, and no wagon body style. The base C230 (renamed the C250 from 2010 model year onward) is exclusive to the Canadian market and is the only model that has anemities similar to the Elegance/Luxury trim with the traditional grille and three-point star hood ornament. The other C-Class models (C300, C350, C63) all have the AMG bodykit and sport grille standard like the Avantgarde/Sport, and these are optional on the C230 via an $800 Sport Package (which rises to $1200 for the 2011 model year due to the new LED fog lights). All models, except for C63 AMG, are available in both RWD and 4MATIC.[27][28]
The middle of the dashboard has a sliding panel that reveals the color LCD screen, which displays radio and other vehicle secondary functions when the car is in operation. C-Class cars that have the COMAND APS with navigation receive a larger TFT screen (7-inch), which retracts to allow the panel to cover it when the vehicle shuts down.[29][30][31] The 2011 facelift removes the retractable cover and replaces it with a fixed screen, connecting into the instrument cluster.
The 2010 models of the C-Class received a new style of turn signals on the side mirrors. For 2011 model year onwards, the bumper fog lamps in the AMG bodykit have been replaced by LED lights, except for the C63 AMG which retains its unique bumper.
Versions of the car are available with a choice of rear- and all-wheel drive (the AWD system is the fourth-generation 4MATIC system, not available in right-hand drive format), along with a variety of four and six-cylinder engines (and a 6.2-litre V8 in the C 63 AMG). Engines are the straight-4 M271 and V6 M272 petrol engines, straight-4 OM611 + OM651, and V6 OM642 Diesel engines. Most of the engines are from the W203 C-class, but the C 180 K, C 200 K, C 200 CDI & C 220 CDI derivatives have increased power outputs, also with improvements with respect to emissions and fuel consumption. A high-performance AMG version, the C 63 AMG, followed in September 2007, and it has a 6.2 L engine with 457 PS (336 kW; 451 hp) to rival the Audi RS4 and BMW M3.
A five-speed automatic transmission is available for the four-cylinder models, while a six-speed manual transmission is standard on all models except the C350, the 7G-Tronic seven speed automatic is available for C 230 K, C 280, C 300, C 320 CDI and standard for the C 350 and 4MATIC models. The C 63 AMG has the 7G-Tronic with AMG SpeedShift enhancements. 4MATIC is available on six-cylinder engine models (C 230 4MATIC, C 300, C 350 and C 320 CDI), while four-cylinder engine models and the C 63 AMG, are only rear wheel drive.
There is a special system exclusive to this class, named 'Agility control' package, which through its unique concept provides drivers with excellent agility and ride quality. It achieves this feat through a hydro-mechanical set up, which constantly analyzes road conditions and driving 'habits', then it adjusts damper & suspension settings accordingly to provide the driver the best possible balance between ride comfort and agility. Buyers can opt for 'Advanced agility control' package that offers the 'sport' mode button.
In December 2010, Mercedes released some photos and details of W204 C-Class facelift, which was officially unveiled during Detroit Auto Show in January 2011.
Some new features of the new model includes engine start-stop system, 7G-tronic gearbox available for lower end models with revised gear ratios to improve fuel economy. There is also a minor revision of the exterior appearance, including LED daytime running lights integrated into the main headlamps housing, and LED taillights. The interior has been significantly reworked to bring its arrangement and quality closer to the E-Class and S-Class. There is a high resolution screen on the dashboard which has visual functions similar to the S and CL Class models, and it also features the new Mercedes-Benz Comand APS system first seen on the 2010 E Class.
The 2012 C 350 will receive the new 3.5L V6 engine with a 60-degree vee-angle and direct injection. There will also be a new entry-level C 250 which has a 1.8L turbocharged inline-4 with direct injection. These new engines will be mated to an improved 7G-tronic Plus transmission which is calibrated for fuel economy. The C 250 4MATIC (a Canada-only model with a 2.5L V6 which was badged as the C 230 4MATIC from 2008 to 2009, is still offered since 4MATIC isn't yet compatible with the turbo inline-4 engine[32]), C 300 and C 300 4MATIC (3.0L V6) will retain their 90-degree vee-angle V6 engines and the 7G-tronic transmission, while the 6-speed manual transmission which was previously available for the rear-wheel drive 2008-2011 C 230/250 and C 300 has now been dropped in North American markets due to low sales.
The new 2012 models are expected to be available at the dealers starting September 2011.
On February 13, 2011, Mercedes Benz announced that it would be unveiling a C-Class coupe variant for the 2012 model year. Starting in September 2011, the C-Class coupe will be made available in C180, C250, C350, and C63 AMG editions.[33]
The C 63 AMG is reportedly the first AMG-Mercedes designed from the ground up for performance, as compared to previous AMG cars which essentially featured "bolt on" performance modifications. The C 63 has a revised front end architecture that is taken from the CLK 63 AMG Black Series.[34] The 7G-Tronic has AMG SpeedShift with three shift modes – Comfort, Sport and Manual – with the last one running with the converter locked allowing the driver to hold the engine at the rev limit. The ESP can now be completely turned off, interfering only under heavy braking. The car also has the quickest, most responsive steering of any Mercedes to date. Car and Driver tested the car in their December 2007 issue and recorded a 0–60 mph time of 3.9 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds at 116 mph (187 km/h).[35] This made the C63 AMG the quickest 4-door production sedan in the world at its debut.
In 2010, Mercedes-AMG introduced a new "AMG P31 Development Package" for an extra $6,050, which ups the power to 487 PS (358 kW) compared to 457 PS (336 kW; 451 hp) for the standard model. Top speed has increased to 280 km/h (170 mph). When equipped with this package, the C63 AMG features a revised ECU and crankshaft.[36]
For 2011, a limited-edition C 63 AMG was introduced by the Mercedes-Benz Specialist Products division, dubbed the "DR520". This is the most powerful version of the C-Class to date, with a power rating of 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) and 650 N·m (480 lb·ft)) of torque. The DR520 is exclusive to the UK market, with production limited to only 20 units.[37][38] In July 2011, Mercedes announced an AMG C63 Black Edition. Available only as a coupe, the Black Edition produces 510 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque, propelling it from zero to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.[39]
For the 2012 model year, a C63 AMG coupe was added to the lineup. The C63 AMG also received the AMG SpeedShift MCT semi-automatic transmission, replacing the 7G-Tronic with AMG SpeedShift.
The new C-Class completed 24 Million test kilometers. Until 2009, it was the most tested Mercedes-Benz ever before sales start. In this year, the new E-Class came out which completed 36 Million test kilometers.[40]
| EuroNCAP adult occupant:[41] | |
| EuroNCAP child occupant: | |
| EuroNCAP pedestrian: | |
| IIHS overall frontal offset score:[42] | Good |
| IIHS overall side crash test score:[43] | Good |
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | |
| Side Rear Passenger: | |
| Rollover: |
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Since November 2009, the new CGI engines replaced the kompressor engines, with the same output, more torque, and better fuel efficiency. the C 250 CGI, using an M271 engine with charged gasoline injection engine replaced the C 230 2.5 V6 engine, with same output but with more torque.
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz C Class was awarded Car of the Year in Australia by Wheels Magazine, edging out the Ford Mondeo and Mazda 2 for the award.[48] It was also awarded "Executive Car Of The Year" by Top Gear Magazine for the 2007 Top Gear Awards as well as being awarded 2007–08 Japan's Import Car of the Year in late 2007.
Siemens, employing prototype hybrid technology, showed off a modified Mercedes C-Class Sport Coupe that boasts faster acceleration, more torque—and better fuel economy—than its gasoline-powered equivalent. However, the company admitted that the car was "far from ready for production", and too expensive to manufacture or sell.
Karmann also showed a concept of the W203 Sportcoupe (prefacelift), which was turned into a convertible car with softtop. This prototype never reached production status.
| Calendar year | Production (sedan/estate) | US sales | China sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 51,210[49] | ||
| 2002 | 64,025 | ||
| 2003 | 65,982[50] | ||
| 2004 | 69,251 | ||
| 2005 | 60,658[51] | ||
| 2006 | 50,187 | ||
| 2007 | 63,701[52] | ||
| 2008 | 72,471 | ||
| 2009 | 52,427[53] | 16,000[54] | |
| 2010 | 313,500 (250,600 / 62,900)[55] | 58,785 | 27,220[56] |