AT every car launch, the brand marketers will nearly always say ‘ALL NEW’ to get buyers and the attending media all excited. Most of the time, it is just a new outer skin and some changes to the cabin to excite customers to trade-in their current vehicles or to get new customers in.
Under the new skin will be the same old powertrain and electronics from the previous model and there will be many current model owners trading in their ‘no issue’ cars for the ‘ALL NEW’ model.
Well, here comes an ALL NEW Mercedes C-Class. Launched last night, this 6th generation C-Class comes after the current model has been on sale for almost 6 years, which in the automotive world is a long time. Most model changes happen between every 4 to 5 years.
The very first C-Class made its appearance in 1993 and since then more than 2.5 million buyers have made this a highly profitable model for Mercedes-Benz.
C-Class size
So, is this C-Class ALL NEW? Well, yes it is. Dimensions have all increased and it is now almost the same size as the previous model E-Class sedan. Length, width, front and rear track has grown and on the inside, the headroom, elbow room and shoulder room has also increased.
C-Class powertrain
This C-Class comes with new electrified powertrains thanks to plug-in hybrids and mild hybrids with 48-volt technology and integrated starter-generator (ISG). Due to a high-efficiency battery system, it achieves an electric range of about 100 km (WLTP) as a plug-in hybrid.
That is unprecedented in this category to date. It also sets standards with respect to sustainability.
There is a new four-cylinder M 254 petrol engine with a second-generation starter-generator with an additional output of up to 20bhp and 200Nm more torque arriving in this C-Class. Thanks to energy recovery and the ability to ‘glide’ with the engine switched off, this new petrol engine will be more fuel efficient.
C-Class driver-centred design
Here is where you get a totally new look. The dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section: into a wing-like section with new, flattened round vents reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles.
The driver area features a high-resolution LCD screen. It is free-standing, and appears to float in front of the wing profile and the expanse of trim. This sets the driver displays apart from traditional cockpits with classic round dials.
The vehicle functions can be controlled using the high-quality touchscreen. Its portrait orientation is particularly advantageous for navigation. The touchscreen likewise appears to float above the expanse of trim. Like the dashboard, the screen is slightly tilted towards the driver. The central display has a screen diagonal of 24.1 cm as standard.
A high-quality chrome insert divides the centre console into a rear, padded section for the armrest and a front section in lustrous jet black. The seemingly free-floating central display rises smoothly and seamlessly from this three-dimensional surface.
The modern, highly reduced design of door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door center panel with integrated armrest evolves from a vertical surface into a horizontal orientation.
Reflecting the design of the center console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle, and houses the power window controls.
Another highlight is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.
The special design of the optional AVANTGARDE or sport seats of the new C-Class uses layers and enveloping surfaces to create a visual impression of lightness. The head restraints are a completely new design and are attached to the backrest with a sealed piece of trim under which the adjustment mechanism is located.
A dashboard covered with man-made leather and featuring nappa-look beltlines is available for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The driver display and media display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience.
The look of the screens can be individualized with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).
In "Sporty", for example, the colour red is predominant and the central rev counter has a dynamic design. If any of the lines are selected, the new C-Class is equipped with ambient lighting featuring optical fibers as standard.
C-Class with latest generation MBUX
Like the new S-Class which will be launched soon in Malaysia, this new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience).
The vehicle interior becomes even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: Brilliant images on the LCD screens make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions.
The driver display and media display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience. The information is presented in a clearly structured way. Mercedes-Benz developed a new display aesthetic for the S-Class, which now is systematically used as the basis for other models.
C-Class arrival
With this launch, many current C-Class owners will be looking for this upgrade and those who rushed and bought a new PENJANA discounted C-Class in the first few weeks of 2021 will be ‘kicking’ themselves on why they did not wait for this latest version.
Well, deliveries to Malaysia will not be so soon. Probably late 2021 or early 2022 and selling prices will be higher. But what a big difference in cabin look, exterior design and the larger size. Right? – The Vibes, February 25, 2021
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