New Mercedes C-Class road test

All new Mercedes C-Class model variants share the latest, state-of-the-art technology much of it from the highly rated S-Class executive saloon.

This includes the newly developed AGILITY CONTROL package with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE preventive occupant protection system.

There is a choice of four and six-cylinder engines with up to 13 per cent more output than the preceding models, accompanied by up to six percent lower fuel consumption and on average 15 per cent lower CO2 emissions.

Overall Mercedes said the new C-Class is bigger but not heavier, has more power with less fuel consumption at more or less the same price.

The newcomer also has 16 per cent more torsional rigidity than the outgoing models and the weight balance has been improved to 52/48 per cent front to rear for better handling and overall balance.

Mercedes also said that the new C-Class benefits from the safety DNA and the comfort DNA of their highly rated S-Class, they could have also added ‘the looks’ as well.

With a length of 4581 millimetres, the Saloon is 55 millimetres longer than its predecessor. The body width has increased by 42 mm to 1770 millimetres, and the wheelbase by 45 mm to 2760 millimetres.

These dimensions create the conditions for a generously sized interior, and therefore more comfort. The front shoulder room has increased by 40 millimetres, for example.

The design of the new C-Class is based on the modern Mercedes family theme, which they say reflects the technical superiority of automobiles bearing the famous three pointed star.

Mercedes describe the C-Class as having taut styling lines, large tranquil surfaces and the pronounced wedge-shape of the front end serves to emphasise attributes such as agility and performance.

This sporty presence can be enhanced even further with the AMG sports package, which includes pronounced front and rear under bumper extension, side sill skirts and bold, large and wide alloy wheels.

During the course of its development, the new C-Class was subjected to more than 100 crash tests. Occupant protection is based on an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel.

Compared to the previous series, Mercedes-Benz has enlarged the deformation zones even further and improved energy flows. The front-end structure of the new C-Class has four independently acting impact levels, which enable forces to be distributed over a wide area while bypassing the passenger cell.

The safety technology in the interior has been complemented with the very latest protection systems. Seven airbags are included as standard equipment: two adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, a knee bag for the driver, two side bags in the front seat backrests and two large window bags which extend from the A to the C-pillar during a side impact.

The driver, front passenger and the passengers on the outer rear seats also benefit from belt tensioners and belt force limiters as standard.

The standard head restraints operate on the NECK PRO principle: during a rear-end collision the padded surfaces are pushed forward within milliseconds to support the heads of the driver and front passenger at an early stage. This significantly reduces the risk of a whiplash injury.

The new C-Class is a significant product for Mercedes-Benz, it is their single best selling model range.

By giving it the scaled down looks of the hugely impressive S-Class saloon and by incorporating much of the technology from that advanced car into the far less expensive C-Class models, I foresee this newcomer being a huge sales success, it cannot fail.

Inside the C-Class it is typical new-age Mercedes, everything where it should be. All the controls are logical and easy to use, and importantly, just where they should be in the main. It scores heavily over the BMW 3 Series by having more interior room, especially for rear seat passengers, and a more comfortable ride.

Maybe the BMW has just got the edge for out and out handling but for overall refinement and badge value the C-Class wins.

During some torrid test driving this week in a very wet and windy Spain the newcomer gave an accomplished performance. The car is well balanced, it rides flat and level through corners with huge amounts of grip. The steering is vastly improved, it gives good weight, feel and feedback to the driver.

The Advanced Agility Control systems sharpens even further the steering which becomes more direct, the7G-Tronic automatic transmission patterns are automatically altered for quicker gearchange response, the throttle is more responsive and the suspension is firmed up and lowered.

On the motorways just switch off the system and comfort and driving refinement is fully restored to an ‘executive cruiser’.

Although the best selling engines for the UK market were not available for this initial test driving programme, the star of the show was the V6, C320 CDI diesel unit with 221bhp and 510Nm of torque.

Top speed is 156mph, 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds. The petrol C350, 270bhp/350Nm unit is very good and very fast, 0-62mph in 6.4 seconds with the same top speed.

The C320 diesel engine just has that added torque at low speeds and provides instant progressive response and much better fuel economy at 38.7mpg with CO2 emissions of 192g/km.

Mercedes-Benz C320 CDI Sport

Price: £33,290

Engine: 3.0-litre, V6 turbodiesel, high pressure common rail, 221bhp and 510Nm from only 1,600rpm

Performance: 156mph, 0-62mph 7.7 seconds, 38.7mpg, CO2 192g/km, VED Band F £205

For: Sharp design, undoubted quality, interior rear space, performance, technology, brand value, great engine and 7G-Tronic transmission.

Against: New grille design not as sophisticated or classy as outgoing C-Class (my view), will be costly with the added options, facia panel control screen installation is messy but works well.