2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and Estate

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan and Estate will be launched in spring 2011. Now, fuel consumption has been 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.

The exterior are dynamic, resolute, self-assure. 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 side air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more road-hugging appearance.

The Sedan and Estate now have a new aluminium bonnet, which contributes to weight reduction and therefore enhances fuel efficiency. Its contour in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille emphasises the V-shape of the front section more heavily than before. In conjunction with the newly designed headlamps, this gives the front section a more resolute impression.

The rear bumper, the light-catching contours and dividing lines have been modified to emphasise the width of the Saloon and Estate even more strongly. The particular impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands with their more deeply set LEDs. The tail lights have a particularly high recognition factor in the dark.

Sporty, high-quality interior, there is now a high-resolution colour display screen in the instrument cluster, an elegant new dashboard with grained surface and prominent decorative trim. The large section of trim is an important part of the newly designed dashboard. This extends from the centre air vents across the front passenger side to the outer air vent, while the lower edge of the upper dashboard section continues into the beltlines of the door panels with a new surface grain. The control panel of the new-generation communication and information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts.

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.

One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. The quantum leap in efficiency is particularly well illustrated by the six-cylinder unit: Power has increased considerably, the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY delivering 306 hp and 370 Nm (previously 292 hp and 365 Nm).

The C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY both deliver top-class figures with a combined diesel consumption of 58.8 mpg. This corresponds to CO2 emissions of 125 grams per kilometre. The C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with the manual six-speed transmission and the standard ECO start/stop function. This corresponds to 117 grams of CO2 per kilometre. In conjunction with the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function included as standard.

The new assistance systems, some of which only warn and some which actively intervene in hazardous situations, at a glance