Mercedes Benz has launched its much awaited C Class at ex-showroom price Rs 40.90 lacs and all the speculations have now come to rest. Bearing quite a lot of similarities with the S Class, it is being called by many as the baby S Class and is here to compete with likes of BMW 3 series and Audi A4. The car comes equipped with class leading features that have really raised the alarm for the rivals. Here we brief the features and main highlights of this next-gen sedan.
Engine and Performance
For now, only the petrol version has been launched in the market and the diesel version will follow suite in sometime. Under the hood, a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder 1991cc turbocharged petrol engine has taken its place giving a maximum output of 181bhp @5500rpm and torque value of 300Nm. The engine comes mated to 7G-Tronic plus transmission. Agility Select technology provides 5 drive modes to choose from depending upon your drivability-Comfort, Sport, Sport+, Economy and Individual. The car gives a fuel efficiency of 14.74 kmpl with an acceleration of 0-100kmph in 7.3 seconds.
Interior and Comfort features
The cabin spells luxury as you step in. With five different levels of ambient lighting in three choicest colors; Polar or Ice blue, Solar or amber and Neutral or white, the cabin sets the mood for a hassle free drive. A 3-spoke multi-functional steering wheel provides comfort while at the same time offering easy maneuverability. The front seats come with electric adjustability while the rear back seats come with folding backrests in a 40/20/40 split ratio. The car’s interior lighting package includes lighting for door handle recesses, footwells, courtesy lights in doors and rear LED reading lights. The interiors come adorned with Artico leather upholstery with roller sun blinds in the rear doors.
The seats come with 4 way lumbar support for front passengers and the steering wheel incorporates paddle shifters. A 8.4 inch high resolution color multimedia display system along with an infotainment system with touchpad, flanks the central console. The infotainment system comes with USB and IPod connectivity. Bluetooth interface with HD voice communication along with sat nav system, temperature display, two zone Thermatic climate control system, etc. are other comfort features of this sedan. The car comes with cruise control with integrated Speedtronic variable speed limiter for smooth driving.
Exteriors
The C Class exhibits the same quality and exuberance that all the models of Mercedes-Benz showcase. The new aluminum hybrid body has made the model weigh 100kg lighter than its predecessor owing to its intelligent and pioneering lightweight design construction. Its innovative design technology has made the car stand at a height of 1442 mm, length of 4686 mm and a width of 1810 mm giving it a wide stance. The wheelbase of the sedan is 2840 mm while the large boot space of 480 litres provides enough luggage space for longer journeys. The side profile is adorned with impressive 5 twin spoke alloy wheels done in a shade of vanadium silver. Available in 5 exciting colors- Citrine Brown, Polar White, Cavansite Blue, Iridium Silver and Obsidian Black, the C-Class comes with a romantic panoramic sliding sunroof. The front fascia gets LED headlamps with variable light distribution and Intelligent light system. Illumination finds its way in door sill panels and license plate. The exterior mirror are electronically adjustable and heated. The rear have got LED lights as well while the tail gate is nicely finished.
Browsing through the above mentioned specifications and features of the C-Class, it can be safely said that the tagline ‘The Best Knows No Alternative’ is quite aptly embraced by the model. Managing Director and CEO Mercedes Benz India, Mr. Eberhard Kern envisions further extension of Merc line of cars in the country with the introduction of the C Class.
