Mercedes-Benz has officially the 2014 C-Class, which is designed to set new standards in the premium mid-range class.
In terms of appearance, the model adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its high-class interior. Many other innovations and interior touches underscore the car's comfort and refined sportiness. In all, the perceived quality of the new C-Class feels like an upgrade to a higher class of travel.
With an 80 mm increase in the wheelbase (2,840 mm) compared with its predecessor, the new C-Class is 95 mm longer (4,686 mm) and 40 mm wider (1,810 mm). The resultant additional space benefits first and foremost the rear passengers, who now travel in even greater comfort, and the cargo capacity has been increased to 480-liter.
Thanks to intelligent and innovative lightweight construction, the 2014 C-Class is up to 100 kg lighter than the outgoing model. As a result, fuel consumption has been reduced by 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.
It will be the first vehicle in this 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.
At launch, the 2014 C-Class will be offered with three engines, starting with the C 220 BlueTEC using a 2.2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine which produces 170 hp and 400 Nm of torque. This allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds and have a fuel consumption of just 4-liter / 100 km (58.8 mpg US or 70.6 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 103 g/km.
Next is the C 180 with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine that develops 156 hp and 250 Nm. It will do 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and will have a fuel consumption of just 5-liter / 100 km (47 mpg US or 56.4 mpg UK) with corresponding CO2 emissions of 116 g/km.
There will also be a more powerful C 200 with a 2.0-liter engine delivering 184 hp and 300 Nm of torque which will be enough for a 0-100 km/h run in 7.5 seconds. Fuel consumption will stand at 5.3-liter / 100 km (44 mpg US or 53.2 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 123 g/km.
Soon after the launch, the German carmaker will expand the range of engines including a small diesel engine with a displacement of 1.6-liter. Depending on its configuration, the supercharged four-cylinder engine generates 115 or 136 hp and delivers 280 or 320 Nm of torque.
In addition to this new diesel engine, an advanced version of the proven 2.2-liter 4-cylinder diesel engine is also to become available in several output variants. The diesel engines will then cover an output range from 115 hp to 204 hp. The C 220 BlueTEC will also be available with an output of 170 hp.
Other engines on the way are five 4-cylinder gasoline engines with output ranging from 156 hp to 238 hp. In addition, there will be a C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID encompassing a 204 hp 4-cylinder diesel working together with a 27 hp electric motor which will provide the car with a fuel consumption of just 3.9-liter / 100 km (60.3 mpg US or 72.4 mpg UK).
Depending on the installed output ratings, the engine will be mated to a new 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. Optionally available will be the company's 4MATIC all-wheel drive setup and various assistance systems such as a 360° camera, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, Active Parking Assist and Traffic Sign Assist with Wrong-Way Alert.
Already available on order in Germany, the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a starting price of €33,558 for the C 180, €36,414 for the C 200 and €38,675 for the C 220 BlueTEC.
