Mercedes-Benz C-Class (2007 – 2014) Review

July 2007

Mercedes-Benz C-Class launched

Three model lines with the emphasis on a balance of comfort and an exhilarating driving experience: SE, Elegance or Sport. All model variants share Agility Control suspension package with selective damping, Pre-safe preventive occupant protection system and optional Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions. Four and six-cylinder engines with improvements of up to 13 per cent more power output than the outgoing model, accompanied by up to six percent lower fuel consumption.

In the Elegance line there are chrome highlights on the radiator grille which is finished in high-gloss paint accentuating the brand attributes of comfort and luxury. The SE line offers the same technical innovations as the other two model variants. Both the Elegance and SE lines share a more executive and traditional-style front design, with a bonnet mounted Mercedes star.

Agility Control has selective damping, which controls the shock absorber forces according to the driving situation. It uses hydromechanics (rather than complicated electronics) to offer soft damping when low suspension forces are at work, when driving along a straight road, for example and much firmer damping action when high forces are applied; for example, when cornering or taking avoiding action.

Optional Advanced Agility package with a “sporty” driving mode, available from autumn 2007. This offers the driver a choice of two gearshift programmes: Sport and Comfort. Within these programmes the shock absorber for each wheel has infinitely variable electronic control. Adaptive Brake is another new development and is based on the technology of the S-Class. Include Hill Start Assist making it easier for the driver to move off on uphill gradients, priming the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions.

During the course of its development, the new C-Class Saloon successfully passed more than 100 crash tests, including the particularly demanding, in-house impact tests. Occupant protection is based on an intelligently designed bodyshell, 70 percent of which consists of high-strength and ultra high-strength steel. 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 kneebag for the driver, two sidebags in the front seat backrests and two large windowbags 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 and upward 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.

Mercedes-Benz has developed flashing adaptive brake lights as a major help in reducing rear-end collisions, and these are also standard equipment in the new C-Class. If the driver needs to brake hard at speeds in excess of 30 mph the brake lights flash rapidly to warn drivers following behind. At higher speeds of around 70 mph, flashing lights make drivers react 0.2 seconds quicker than they do to conventional brake lights.

The central colour display is part of the new control and display concept which the C-Class has adopted from the luxury-class Mercedes models. Its major advantage is rapid access to frequently used functions, which means that the driver does not need to relearn, is able to maintain familiar habits and feels at home immediately. All the control and display elements necessary and important during a journey are located in the cockpit, i.e. in immediate proximity to the driver.

The new C-Class features, as standard, the Audio 20 radio/CD system and optional integrated CD changer, Audio 50 APS and COMAND systems, which are newly developed, for C-Class passengers. They all feature a keypad for entering telephone numbers and radio frequencies, as well as a Bluetooth interface which wirelessly connects the Bluetooth mobile phone to the hands-free telephone system. In the Audio 50 APS, the route guidance information includes a visual display that automatically zooms in on junctions. A six-CD changer and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system are also integrated.

The multimedia system COMAND offers even more functions in the new C-Class. One new feature is a Europe-wide navigation system with data stored on a 30 Gigabyte hard disk. The high-resolution maps are shown on a colour display which pivots away and disappears beneath a cover at the touch of a button.

July 2007

C63 AMG announced

AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine develops a peak output of 457 hp and a maximum torque of 600 Nm – unrivalled figures in this segment. 0-60 mph in 4.3 seconds, top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. In conjunction with an all-new front axle, speed-sensitive AMG sports steering and the new, three-stage ESP®, the AMG sports suspension ensures both outstanding driving enjoyment and exemplary handling dynamics. Market launch early 2008, with UK cars arriving mid 2008.

March 2008

Mercedes-Benz has concocted a BlueEFFICIENCY package for the four-cylinder C 180 KOMPRESSOR and C 200 CDI models which lowers fuel consumption by as much as 12%. Instead of the previous 46.3 mpg, the BlueEFFICIENCY version of the 100-kW/136-hp C 200 CDI now achieves 55.4 mpg. This equates to 135g/km of CO2.

November 2008

C180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY replaced existing model with no price increase. BlueEFFICIENCY is the name Mercedes-Benz has given to a range of measures to improve fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions. The C 180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY does just that, with weight saving measures, energy management and enhanced aerodynamics. The C180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY engine still offers 156hp and 230Nm of torque, despite a 199cc reduction in displacement. Fuel consumption has been improved by up to 11% with the manual saloon returning 44.8 mpg combined. This can be improved further by the driver as the C180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY has a fuel economy indicator and Shift Point Indicator.

CO2 emissions have been reduced by an impressive 19 per cent now emitting just 149 g/km. The 18g/km reduction makes the C180 KOMPRESSOR BlueEFFICIENCY model an attractive choice for fleet managers as the CO2 improvements result in a shift from the 21 per cent tax band to the 17 per cent company car tax band. This will see savings of up to £30.90 a month and a yearly saving of £370.80 (based on 40 per cent taxpayer). Non-fleet customers also stand to benefit from the CO2 reduction as the model moves from road fund licence band E to C creating a £50 saving.

July 2010

E xclusive new C-Class DR 520 with more power and performance than any other C-Class. Only 20 units of this car available, sold exclusively through Specialist Products division at Mercedes-Benz World at Brooklands, Surrey.

Based on the high-performance C 63 AMG, the DR 520 has a performance upgrade and boasts 520 hp and 650 Nm of torque, a 60 hp and 50 Nm advantage over than the standard C 63 AMG. The DR 520 Saloon can reach 0-62 mph in just 4.1 seconds with the Estate achieving the same in 4.2 seconds, and both are electronically limited to a top speed of 187 mph.

The AMG Performance Pack Plus is fitted to the DR 520 as standard and features AMG’s high-performance braking system with red calipers, with the addition of engine upgrades in the form of forged pistons, newly-developed connecting rods and a revised crankshaft, as well as an AMG Carbon Fibre rear spoiler for the Saloon. Available with a black or white matt wrap and complimented by Titanium finish alloy wheels, grille and discreet DR 520 badging on the wing and the boot lid, the DR 520 combines stealthy looks with potent performance.

Inside, the sports seats are upholstered in leather and exclusive Alcantara finished with red or white contrast stitching, as is the dashboard and upper door panels. The multi-function AMG Performance steering wheel is clad in Nappa leather and Alcantara. The DR 520 costs £9,995 above the standard C 63 AMG price, making the DR 520 Saloon £62,430 OTR and the Estate £63,680 OTR. The cars are also backed by a three-year, 60,000 mileage warranty.

December 2010

Revised C-Class unveiled

Launched Spring 2011 and a comprehensive modernisation. The front and rear sections have a more striking design. High-resolution colour display screen in the instrument cluster, a new dashboard with grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasising the premium character of the interior.

By switching from superchargers to tyurbochargers on the 4 cylinder petrol engines, fuel economy was improved by up to 31 per cent. Efficiency-enhancing measures including new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function also feature. Ten new driving assistance systems ranging from the standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection system to the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control system are also now available for this model series for the first time.

A total of more than 2,000 new components distinguish the 2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. The UK market launch of the Saloon and Estate versions took place in March 2011.

The front bumper has more expressive and dynamic contours, with the front section being brought in line with the brand's new design idiom. The radiator grille surround is now more prominent. The central air intake opens out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille.

The control panel of the communication and information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts. The combination of keys, high-gloss areas and a new knurled wheel design accentuates the enhanced interior. In conjunction with the new generation telematics generation, the C-Class is now available with a high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster.

An improvement of up to 31 per cent has been achieved in fuel consumption and all C-Class launch models feature the ECO start/stop function as standard. All the engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, showing that they are particularly efficient and environmentally compatible in their use of fuel. In future all automatic versions will feature the further-developed 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimised for better fuel economy.

All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The quantum leap in efficiency is particularly well illustrated by the six-cylinder unit: Power has increased considerably, the C350 BlueEFFICIENCY delivering 306PS and 370Nm (previously 292PS and 365Nm).

As a first in the C-Class, the Becker MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.

February 2011

New C63 AMG launched

The 2011 generation of the C63 AMG gained a new radiator grille with a large Mercedes star and a wing-type transverse louvre, as well as a new AMG front apron with a lower cross member painted in high-gloss black, special AMG daytime running lights and side air outlets, the front section recalls the look of the SL 63 AMG high-performance roadster. The new bonnet with its modified powerdomes is now made of aluminium.

New clear-lens headlamps emphasise the car's distinctive, self-confident presence and the Intelligent Light System (ILS) is fitted as standard. The wide front wings with the "6.3 AMG" legend and the new 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels which are painted in titanium grey and have a high-sheen finish dominate the side view. Good contact with the road is provided by the wide 235/40 R 18 and 255/35 R 18 tyres at front and rear respectively.

The naturally aspirated eight-cylinder engine with its large displacement of 6208 cc develops 457 hp at 6800 rpm and attains a peak torque of 600 newton metres at 5000 rpm (the C63 does NOT get the 5.5 litre 525PS twin turbo C63 V8). A look at the performance figures confirms that the new C63 AMG retains its predecessor's position as the top performing model in its segment: acceleration from standstill to 62 mph in just 4.5 seconds (Estate: 4.6 s) while the top speed is 155 mph (electronically limited).

July 2012

Mercedes-Benz upgrades C-Class

The enhancements help to lower running costs and can reduce BIK for business drivers by up to four per cent, giving the C-Class an even greater competitive advantage over premium compact rivals. In addition, the revisions have immediately had a positive impact on the already-strong residual values of the C-Class, with CAP announcing a five per cent (£450) increase in values for the entry-level trim grade.

Executive SE became the new entry point to the revised range for the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Saloon and Estate, which includes a sports grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime running lights at a price increase of only £35 over the previous SE grade.

A new Luxury Package is available for Executive SE models to replace the former Elegance trim option. Carrying a £2,000 premium, it includes the three louver grille with bonnet-mounted star, 17” alloy wheels with a seven twin-spoke design, automatically dimming rear view mirror and folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on the side, rear and shoulder line, a storage package and brown Ash wood trim with a matt finish.

The Sport trim made way in the 2013 C-Class for two new variants –AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus. The AMG Sport Saloon and Estate cost £960 less than the previous Sport models, and feature 17-inch AMG wheels and halogen headlights.

In addition, there is a tax saving on the new AMG Sport, thanks to a reduction in CO2 over the previous model. For example, the previous C 220 CDI Sport Saloon with manual transmission offered 133g CO2/km and BIK 2012/13 of 20%, giving a total BIK over 36 months of £7,865, based on an income tax bracket of 40%.

By comparison, the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport Saloon with manual transmission gives 123g CO2/km and BIK 2012/13 of 18%. Therefore the total BIK over 36 months is £6,897, giving a total saving of £968.

The AMG Sport Plus, priced £1,000 above AMG Sport and just £35 over the previous Sport line, includes 18-inch bi-colour AMG alloys, bi-Xenon front lights with Intelligent Light System and Adaptive High Beam Assist, AMG sports seats, Black Artico/Dinamica upholstery with contrast red stitching, red seat belts, AMG floor mats with red edging and silver gearshift paddles (automatic transmission only).

In the C-Class Coupé, the pricing and specification of the AMG Sport were unchanged, but an AMG Sport Plus version was available for an additional £1,000. The comprehensive list of trim additions includes 18-inch bi-colour AMG alloys, an AMG boot lip spoiler in body colour, AMG sports seats, Black Artico/Dynamica upholstery with the contrast red stitching on the seats and door panels, red seat belts, AMG floor mats with red edging and silver gearshift paddles (automatic transmission only).

A £530 AMG Handling Package was offered on the C-Class Coupé to uprate the steering, engine, exhaust and transmission response, as well as introducing unique styling touches. The Dynamic Handling Package continues to be available on selected Saloon and Estate models.

The C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY is powered by a new ultra-efficient 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine and is accompanied by electric power steering to further bolster economy.

With an output of 154 hp at 5,000 rpm, the new engine is almost as powerful as its predecessor while developing an identical 250 Nm of torque across a wider rev range – 1,250 to 4,000 rpm.

• C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Saloon returns 47.9 mpg and 138 g CO 2 /km
• C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Estate returns 47.9 mpg and 139 g CO 2 /km
• C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé returns 44.1 mpg and 149 g CO 2 /km

3.5-litre V6 petrol engine is no longer offered in the C-Class Saloon and Estate, but remained available in the C-Class Coupé. The C 63 AMG performance models were unaffected by the 2013 model year revisions.

There are also new interior and exterior features, including revised colour options, repositioned cruise control and indicator stalks and easier-to-read silver graphics for the telematics screen. The telematics system in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz COMAND now includes eCall to report the car’s position to a call centre via GPS in the event of an emergency.