Mercedes-Benz C-Class at its best
The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes-Benz success story and sets new standards in the premium mid‑luxury segment. Thanks to an intelligent lightweight design concept boasting weight savings of up to 100 kilograms, excellent aerodynamics and new, economical engines, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class establishes new benchmarks in its segment.
A host of new assistance systems offer safety of the highest standard, while a new suspension, optionally air-sprung, provides for exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling. In terms of appearance the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its superior interior. Many other innovations and interior touches underscore the sedan’s energising comfort and refined sportiness.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class model range will initially comprise of the C 180 from R415 900, and the C 200 from R436 600, the C 220 BlueTEC from R459 000 and the C 250 from R502 600, (prices incl. 14% VAT excl. CO₂ emission tax).
“The order process has now commenced at all Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout Southern Africa, and we will see the local launch of our all new and exciting model in June 2014. Model variants with the higher capacity engines will be introduced at a later stage,” says Selvin Govender, Divisional Manager, Product and Marketing, Mercedes-Benz South Africa.
“The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is our biggest-selling model series and global sales of the preceding model, which was launched in 2007, totals over 2.4 million vehicles. Locally, even in its last full year of its lifecycle, this model range topped the mid-luxury segment with phenomenal sales. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers sensuous and clear design and a host of technical innovations as well as a comprehensive scope of standard equipment and exemplary emission and fuel consumption values. This all adds up to substantial added value and long-term savings,” says Govender.
Govender further adds, “Mercedes-Benz at its best – setting new standards for the mid-range segment – the Mercedes-Benz C-Class embodies our claim ‘The best or nothing’ in uncompromising style. We are confident that our customers will be delighted by the high-class appeal and driving agility of our new Mercedes-Benz C-Class.”
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has grown – with an 80-millimetre increase in the wheelbase (2840 millimetres) compared with the previous model, the vehicle is 95 millimetres longer (4686 millimetres) and 40 millimetres wider (1810 millimetres). The resultant additional space benefits first and foremost the rear passengers, who now travel in even greater comfort. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class also outstrips its predecessor in terms of boot capacity, at 480 litres (in accordance with ISO 3832).
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 Sensuous clarity and purist forms
On a visual level, the striking, dynamic design of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class exudes sensuous clarity and arouses emotions. Modern aesthetic was a source of inspiration for the new sedan’s sensuous lines and surfaces. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class interprets modern luxury on a new level.
In the side view a long bonnet, a passenger compartment set well back and short overhang defines the Mercedes-Benz C-Class’s classic, well-balanced proportions, and emphasizes the rear with its stylishly sporty character.
There is a choice of two different faces: sporty with centrally positioned star or – for the EXCLUSIVE line only – the classic saloon radiator grille featuring the Mercedes-Benz star on the bonnet.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes with H7 halogen headlamps as standard. In addition to the standard-fit headlamps, two energy-saving LED variants are available: a static system and a dynamic version with “LED Intelligent Light System”. The characteristic night design lends the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class its very own distinctive look in the dark, too. The rear lamp and brake light in the tail lights feature LED technology in all headlamp versions.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 High-class interior with fine details
The Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level which is rarely encountered even in higher vehicle segments. This applies to the carefully chosen high-class materials and their pleasant touch and feel as well as the precision of the finely crafted details. The interior also embodies a new design idiom which combines sensuousness and clarity perfectly with dynamic sportiness and contributes to the quality feel of the interior.
The driver and front passenger enjoy plenty of space and luxury in a discreet and modern guise. This gives rise to a feel-good atmosphere which is new to this class of vehicle.
The interior design demonstrates a bold new approach by Mercedes-Benz, and here the designers combine in accomplished style, the architecture of Mercedes-Benz sports cars with a totally new centre console featuring flowing lines. In automatic vehicles a large one-piece centre console panel performs an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest.
On vehicles with manual transmission the centre console is slightly steeper and features two separate trim elements in order to create ample space for ergonomic operation of the shift lever.
A centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catching feature across the centre console – with a screen diagonal of 17.78 centimetres (7 inches), or 21.33 centimetres (8.4 inches) if COMAND Online is specified.
Five round air vents lend the dashboard a sporty touch. With their metallic cool-touch effect they create a fascinating, tangible contrast to the warm look of the other materials – such as the wood in the centre console or the leather on the dashboard.
The innovative touchpad in the hand-rest over the Controller on the centre tunnel marks a further evolutionary step developed in-house at Mercedes-Benz. As on a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language. The user receives clear haptic feedback when operating the touchpad’s control surface, which is highly conducive to genuine intuitive use.
A head-up display is also new to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It displays important information directly in the driver’s field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing for clear legibility and ensuring that the driver is distracted less from the road ahead. The system provides information on vehicle speed and navigation instructions and displays messages from DISTRONIC PLUS.
Three different design and equipment lines for the exterior and interior respectively offer further scope for individualisation in addition to the standard equipment and appointments. The AVANTGARDE line showcases the Mercedes-Benz C-Class as a sporty sedan, the EXCLUSIVE line places the emphasis on sophistication and modern luxury and the AMG line lends the Mercedes-Benz C-Class a decidedly sporty character.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 Robust yet lightweight bodyshell
The body-in-white of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class provides an innovative basis for reduced weight, outstanding rigidity, including introduction rigidity for excellent handling, combined with optimum noise and vibration characteristics and a high level of crash safety. Thanks to intelligent and innovative lightweight construction, the aluminium hybrid body is around 70 kg lighter than a conventional steel body. The vehicle’s overall weight is even reduced by around 100 kilograms. As such, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class leads the “lightweight rankings” in its segment. This gives numerous benefits: the lightweight construction of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 percent without any loss of performance, while at the same time enabling a lower centre of gravity, which in turn gives rise to the vehicle’s noticeably sporty and agile handling.
In keeping with Mercedes-Benz traditions, the body is designed for exemplary crash safety. As a result, the sedan complies not only with all current national laws but also with all rating requirements, as well as meeting the more stringent internal Mercedes-Benz safety standards based on what actually happens during accidents.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 – Leading the field in aerodynamics and quiet running
Low drag is crucial to achieving outstanding efficiency. From a speed of just under 70 km/h, aerodynamic drag exceeds the sum total of all other driving resistance factors. As such, drag constitutes a major parameter in efforts to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The engineers have also devoted painstaking attention to optimising other potential sources of disturbance, which may have an adverse effect on the driver’s and passengers’ wellbeing and concentration, even though they may not consciously notice the effects. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is the technical term for such nuisance factors. The specialists have optimised the noise characteristics of the interior blower, the power windows, the seat adjustment functions and many other actuation and operating noises.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 – Outstanding CO2 values with new small diesel engine
Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, all equipped with the ECO start/stop function and complying with the Euro 6 emissions standard, provide for lively performance and great driving enjoyment. They also cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared with the preceding model.
Four engine variants are available at the market launch – a diesel in the guise of the C 220 BlueTEC and the three petrol models, C 180, C 200 and C 250:
| Model |
Displace-ment cc |
kW |
Nm |
0-100 km/h in sec. |
l/100 km |
CO2 g/km |
| C 220 BlueTEC |
2143 |
125 |
400 |
8.1 |
4.0 |
113 |
| C 180 |
1595 |
115 |
250 |
8.2 |
5.0 |
131 |
| C 200 |
1991 |
135 |
300 |
7.5 |
5.3 |
127 |
| C 250 |
1991 |
155 |
350 |
6.6 |
5.3 |
139 |
All the diesel engines of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class are equipped with the established SCR technology (selective catalytic reduction) for particularly environment-friendly driving.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 BlueDIRECT petrol engines with third-generation direct
The BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class combine spontaneous response and exemplary power delivery with high efficiency and best-in-class emission performance. To this end, Mercedes-Benz has transferred the BlueDIRECT technology from the V6 and V8 engines to
the four-cylinder engine. The direct injection system with spray-guided combustion, which was introduced into series production by Mercedes-Benz as the first automotive manufacturer, employs a multiple injection process which is precision-controlled by means of an electronic system. The third-generation direct injection technology is complemented by “fast multiple ignition”.
Optimised drive train
Depending on the installed output ratings, Mercedes-Benz is offers the new 6-speed manual transmissions for the four-cylinder engines in the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class which stand apart first and foremost by virtue of their enhanced ease of shifting coupled with increased shifting precision and a harmonious gear-change sequence. Smooth automatic gear shifting is provided by the
7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has undergone further development at Mercedes-Benz in the interests of enhanced environment-friendliness and driving pleasure.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 Suspension – sporty yet comfortable
The suspension on the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a totally new development. It provides for nimble and agile handling that makes driving a great pleasure on winding roads while also offering the highest standard of ride comfort in the segment.
A newly designed 4-link front axle plays a major part in the agile handling characteristics. Thanks to the 4-link principle, the front independent suspension is fully decoupled from the spring strut. The resultant favourable axle kinematics allow more grip and higher lateral stability. As a result, the suspension responds more sensitively to steering movements and allows a sporty, agile driving style. An optimised multi-link independent rear suspension with 5-link concept ensures unsurpassed wheel location qualities and supreme straight-line stability.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is fitted as standard with a steel suspension. Three DIRECT CONTROL suspensions with selective damping system are available in conjunction with this suspension, dependent on exterior package selection
- a comfort suspension
- a comfortable Avantgarde suspension with a sportier character
- a sports suspension lowered by 15 millimetres
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 First air suspension in this category
Alternatively, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the first vehicle in its segment that can be fitted with an air suspension (AIRMATIC) on the front and rear axles. Thanks to electronically controlled, continuous variable damping at the front and rear, it offers outstanding road roar and tyre vibration characteristics even with the vehicle loaded. The driver can use the AGILITY SELECT switch to choose between the various characteristics: “Comfort”, “ECO”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. The additional “Individual” option enables drivers to configure their vehicle according to their own wishes. AIRMATIC also features all-round self-levelling for optimum ride comfort even when the vehicle is loaded.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class also comes with an electric parking brake as standard. This brake is released automatically when the driver ends parking mode with the aim of moving off.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 Steering with a sporty character
All models of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class family will feature the electromechanical Direct Steer system as standard. This combines road-speed-dependent power assistance from the speed-sensitive power steering system with a steering ratio which varies according to the given steering angle. The power steering assistance provided by the rack and pinion steering gear is controlled on-demand, thereby contributing towards efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2014 Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive: The intelligent car
Mercedes-Benz aims to make the highest standard of safety available to everyone. To this end, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class incorporates almost all of the new assistance systems with a host of enhanced functions which are found in the S-Class and E-Class. The assistance systems enhance both comfort and safety. Mercedes-Benz calls this Intelligent Drive.
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers numerous innovative safety and assistance systems. It is fitted as standard with ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness. With the optional COMAND system navigation function, on the highway, the system flags up nearby break options as stopovers.
In addition to Adaptive Brake Assist, which offers protection from collisions from speeds as low as 7 km/h, standard-fit COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS also features an additional function: when a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 40 km/h.
New assistance systems and existing assistance systems with a host of enhanced functions from the new S-Class and E-Class are also optionally available, combining data from various sensor technologies as part of the Intelligent Drive concept to enhance comfort and safety substantially:
- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and integrated Stop&Go Pilot is a semi-automatic traffic jam assistant which at speeds under 60 km/h is able to follow the vehicle ahead even where lane markings are unclear or completely lacking, thus providing a safe and convenient means of following the flow of traffic.
- The BAS PLUS Brake Assist System can now also detect crossing traffic and boost the braking force if the driver fails to apply the brakes sufficiently; the PRE-SAFE® Brake can detect stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, brake automatically if the driver fails to react, thus preventing accidents up to 50 km/h and mitigating the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 72 km/h. In flowing traffic the PRE-SAFE® Brake provides assistance according to the same mode of operation throughout the speed range from 7 to 200 km/h.
- Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist can now also prevent the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of lane when broken lane markings apply and a risk of a collision arises, e.g. as a result of vehicles overtaking at high speed, parallel traffic or even oncoming traffic, by applying the brakes on one side.
The numerous assistance systems also include
- Active Parking Assist, which enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention in both parallel and end-on parking spaces,
- a 360° camera, which is able to show the vehicle and its surroundings from various perspectives, including a virtual bird’s eye view,
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, which allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the cone of light from the high-beam headlamps. (This is included with ILS and not a stand alone option)
Airbags for safety
In addition to 3-point seat belts with pyrotechnical belt tensioning and belt force limitation for the driver, the front passenger and those in the outer rear seats, numerous airbags serve to protect the vehicle’s occupants in an accident. These include:
- pelvisbags for driver and front passenger
- a newly developed windowbag
- sidebags for the outer rear seats
- a kneebag for the driver
The front passenger seat can additionally be fitted with automatic child seat recognition, which dispenses with the previous transponder in favour of a weight mat. This enables any child seat to be used. The airbag is automatically deactivated when a child seat is fitted and reactivated once it has been removed.
Air conditioning: signals from space
Mercedes-Benz has undertaken systematic further development and substantial improvement of the air conditioning system in the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class. This applies in particular to the control quality, performance, efficiency and air quality. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is also the only vehicle in the segment to offer tunnel detection via satellite navigation. It uses the map information from the navigation system and the GPS location data to close the air recirculation flap automatically when the vehicle enters a tunnel, subsequently re-opening it when the vehicle emerges from the tunnel.
Another highlight contributing to a feel-good atmosphere is the AIR-BALANCE package with active fragrancing, air ionisation and more efficient filtration than is available on the standard model.
Vibrant infotainment
A completely new multimedia generation offers intuitive operation in the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, featuring elaborate animations and visual effects which present all the functions in a clear and highly attractive manner. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is also equipped with the unique Frontbass system. This avant-garde acoustic system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers to conjure up a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall. A Burmester® surround sound system is optionally available.
Internet and diverse data sources already available in the basic version
A Bluetooth®-capable mobile phone with data option is all it takes to make the Audio 20 system internet-capable. This enables the internet to be surfed without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary. While on the move, Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Weather, GoogleTM Local Search with StreetView and Panoramio, Destination/Route Download and Facebook can be used.
Audio and video playback is possible from various sources, e.g. via Bluetooth®, from the Apple iPod® and iPhone®, from SD card, USB stick or CD/DVD (with Audio 20 CD or higher and with COMAND Online).
COMAND Online with hotspot functionality
COMAND Online not only offers a larger display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and a special bonded glass cover such as is familiar from consumer devices like the iPhone® or iPad. It also offers a host of other features including fast hard-disc navigation, automatic tailback avoidance via up-to-date and accurate “Live Traffic Information” traffic data, integrated WLAN hotspot functionality and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system.
Telephony via Bluetooth® as standard
The Audio 20 CD and COMAND Online all offer basic telephony as standard, which links up a mobile phone to the vehicle via a standardised Bluetooth® interface.
Available for ordering with immediate effect
The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon can be ordered with immediate effect from all authorised Mercedes-Benz dealerships throughout Southern Africa.
The initial range of models available at the market launch in June 2014 comprises:
How Much does the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cost in South Africa?
(inclusive of VAT and exclusive of CO₂ emission tax)
- Mercedes-Benz C 220 BlueTEC – R459 000
- Mercedes-Benz C 180 – R415 900
- Mercedes-Benz C 200 – R436 600
- Mercedes-Benz C 250 – R502 600
As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class comes standard with the class-leading PremiumDrive maintenance plan – 6-years/100 000 km – with no customer contribution.
