Mercedes-Benz New Zealand has launched a new facelift version of the brand's most successful model series.
The new C-Class sedan, estate and coupe range has now landed with a fresh design inside and out, new hybrid engine options for the first time and completely redesigned electronic architecture featuring Mercedes' latest instrument and media displays. Mercedes-Benz say the new updates result with new or modified parts to nearly half the range's total component set, equating to around 6500 new parts.
The mid-life exterior facelift for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range focuses on the front section with new headlamps and grille. An optional AMG Line Exterior package (standard on Coupe and Cabriolet models) also brings revised design to the front and rear, including an AMG front apron and a rear bumper with a new lower section.
A new generation of four-cylinder petrol engine has been launched in the new C 200 models which is equipped with an additional 48-volt on-board mild-hybrid system. The new 1.5-litre petrol unit powering the C 200 produces 135kW, and the 48 volt on-board network can supply an additional 10kW while the turbocharger builds up to full pressure. During deceleration, the starter/alternator recuperates kinetic energy and charges the battery, helping to deliver fuel figures of 6.4L per 100 km.
The new C 220 d, available in sedan and estate, receives a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel powertrain making 143kW and 400Nm – a boost of 18kW over the engine it replaces.
The C300 is equipped with a 2.0-litre four cylinder engine producing 190kW, able to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds.
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC also benefits from the C-Class refresh with an updated version of its 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine now making 287kW and 520Nm, accelerating from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.7 seconds.
In addition to receiving a more powerful engine, Mercedes-AMG C 43 models gain a new AMG radiator grille with a twin-louvre design and front and the rear apron with round twin tailpipes.
A new generation of AMG steering wheel in Nappa leather is standard on the AMG 43 models, featuring integrated touch pads to control the instrument cluster and multimedia system by means of horizontal and vertical swiping movements of the finger. Also standard on AMG C 43 models are heated front seats with memory function, smartphone integration and wireless charging, metallic paintwork, and safety features including Traffic Sign Assist and Active Lane Change Assist.
Standard on the AMG C 43 models and optionally available across the C-Class for the first time are LED headlights, utilising 84 LEDs per headlight and four control units to calculate precise lighting with data from the windscreen-mounted camera and navigation system.
In the cabin, the C-Class range now offers a 12.3-inch digital instrument display alongside a 10.25-inch media display as standard across the C-Class range, which can be configured in three distinctive themes – Classic, Sport and Progressive.
The media system features Apple CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto as standard. The steering wheel in C-Class models features touch-sensitive controls for the first time, which allow the driver to navigate both digital displays using swiping gestures.
The latest generation of Mercedes' Driving Assistance is standard on C 300 models and up, and option on other variants. As part of the package, Traffic Sign Assist is available for the first time to the C-Class range with Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Brake Assistant with cross-traffic function including Evasive Steering Assist, and PRE-SAFE Plus to prepare occupants in the case of an imminent collision.
Also available as standard is the Active Parking Assist function, which can autonomously manoeuvre the vehicle into a parallel or end-on parking space, and back out again, with automated steering, acceleration and braking, and gear changes.
Inside, the centre console can be optioned with real wood veneer such as open-pore brown walnut or openpore black ash. A selection of 64 colours for the ambient lighting is standard for the first time on all C-Class models, while Energizing Comfort Control – a system that combines music, temperature and fragrance to create pre-set ‘moods’ for occupants – is now available as an option across the C-Class range.
An optional Multicontour Seat package is also available, which features inflatable side bolsters and lumbar support, including a massage effect in the lumbar area.
Estate models now feature a rear seat with a 40:20:40 split and electric unlocking of the backrests at the push of a button.
C-Class Sedan range
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Sedan $73,900 MRRP
Mercedes-Benz C 220 d Sedan $75,400 MRRP
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Sedan TBC October 2018
C-Class Estate range
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Estate $76,900 MRRP
Mercedes-Benz C 220 d Estate $78,400 MRRP
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Estate TBC October 2018
C-Class Coupe range
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupé $78,900 MRRP
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Coupé TBC October 2018
C-Class Cabriolet range
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Cabriolet $91,400 MRRP
Mercedes-AMG range
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Sedan $122,800 MRRP
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Estate $125,700 MRRP
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Coupé $126,500 MRRP
Mercedes-AMG C 43 4MATIC Cabriolet $140,600 MRRP
