New Delhi: Embodying the brand’s claim of ‘The best or nothing’ in an uncompromising style and introducing a new chapter in its success story, Mercedes-Benz today launched the new generation C-Class in India. Defining new benchmarks in its segment, the all new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its emotional design idiom, technological advancement and high-class interior. Consolidating superior design, superior value and superior safety, the new C-Class epitomizes the successful transfer of classic Mercedes-Benz values to an attractive modern, luxury vehicle. The new C-Class was launched by Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India in New Delhi. The all-new C-Class will be available in the C 200 AVANTGARDE variant, in dealerships across India.

The all new C-Class leads the segment with a host of best-in-segment features: the most powerful petrol engine, best power to weight ratio, longest wheelbase, fastest in the 0–100 kmph sprint and the lightest body shell. These combined with economical performance, extensive safety features and a new agile and comfortable suspension create an attractive, sporty, progressive and emotion evoking vehicle. Be it the use of excellent interior sound engineering and aeroacoustics, or be it the market premiere of the new generation infotainment system ‘Audio 20 NTG 5*2’ with a completely new ergonomic interface featuring a touch pad, the new C-Class will exceed customer expectations in technological innovations. The new C-Class takes engineering and use of technology to the next generation creating an unsurpassable experience for the driver.

Eberhard Kern, Managing Director & CEO, Mercedes-Benz India said: “The C-Class is a best seller that has always been a trendsetter in its segment and this remains true for the new C-Class as well. It interprets a new standard in modern luxury and its contemporary design idiom showcases the automotive passion of our designers. The new C-Class comes to the starting line with qualities usually reserved for higher-class automobiles – ecologically, technologically and also with regard to comfort and driving pleasure. It embodies modern automotive luxury and has all the prerequisites to be a success story. The new C-Class sets a new benchmark with its technological and design advancement. The technological prowess of the new C-Class is a prime example of how the latest generation telematics and IT systems are well integrated in Mercedes-Benz cars. The new C-Class will delight our customers with its high-class appeal and agility.” “2014, our ‘Year of Excellence’ has been immensely exciting and satisfying for us with exciting product introductions, qualitative network expansion, complimented by a double digit growth. With the brand-new C-Class, we are continuing to create new benchmarks in modern luxury for our discerning customers in India. The new C-Class joins the latest generations of the E- and S-Class to create the youngest and most wide-ranging saloon line-up of any automaker globally. We are immensely satisfied in bringing the latest product from our global portfolio for our customers here, and keep them fascinated and delighted with the Three Pointed Star. We are glad that our strategy for India is on the right track and paying results” Mr. Kern further added.

Driving Performance
The 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection is one of the most fuel efficient petrol engines in the C-Class-segment with a fuel efficiency of 14.74 km per litre. Together with the large fuel tank capacity of 66 litres it gives the customers freedom to explore places around them without worrying about frequent trips to the fuel station. The engine also boasts of ECO start/stop function and a lower engine weight compared to other 4-cylinder petrol engines in this segment.

The 2 litre petrol engine produces 135 kW at 5500 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 Nm between 1200-1400 rpm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 kmph in 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 235 kmph. The powerful motor coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission combines a high level of comfort with driving pleasure and efficiency. It impresses with smooth operation and rapid gear shifts. At the same time, the 7G-TRONIC PLUS transmission contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Drive mode selector (AGILITY SELECT): At a touch of the Drive Mode Selector, drivers can choose between Comfort, Economy, Sport, Sport+, or Individual driving modes. Parameters such as the engine, transmission and steering characteristics are adjusted according to the selected transmission mode.

Higher Ground Clearance: The C-Class is equipped with a suspension specifically designed for India. This results in improved comfort on Indian roads and a greater ground clearance.

Long Wheelbase: Through its long wheelbase of 2840 mm the new C-Class will provide its passengers with better ride comfort, great handling and stunning driving performance differentiating it from its competitors. The long wheelbase will also offer passengers (especially in the rear) more legroom and therefore assure a more comfortable ride for all passengers.

 

 Cruise Control: Cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC allows relaxed, economical driving particularly on long journeys. In addition to the desired cruising speed, an individual maximum speed can be set e.g. to be sure of obeying speed limits.
Aerodynamics: Wind resistance is a principal factor in achieving fuel consumption reduction and the reduction of CO2 emissions. With extensive aerodynamic and aeroacoustic development work the new C-Class boasts of an impressively low drag coefficient of Cd = 0.27 and further noise reduced interior for a more comfortable driving experience.Exterior – Sensuous clarity and purist forms
The new C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor. Its emotional, sensuous surface geometry makes it appear muscular and full of character. At the same time the design showcases the high-tech character in a purist, clear and exciting fashion. The front end, the three-dimensional radiator grille and the clearly traced headlamp contours mould the ‘face’ of the new C-Class – strong in character and brand-typical. The AVANTGARDE exterior design includes the sports grille with twin louvres, which emphasises the long bonnet and therefore the vehicle’s powerful and dynamic nature.Longer, wider and lighter than its predecessor, and featuring sculptured and sensual design lines not unlike those of the S-Class, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has grown up. The clear design emphasising width and the powerful shoulders give the new C-Class a decidedly athletic appearance from the rear. A soft edge which merges into the tail lights accentuates the indent in the C-pillar which is essential for the powerful shoulder. A strongly vaulted spoiler lip on the boot lid has a positive effect on the Cd value, and also characterises the appearance.

With the dynamic LED headlamps with LED Intelligent Light System the main headlamps feature two newly designed modules. The up-to-date design with inward running contour creates a brand-moulding element with the functions “direction indicator”, “position light” and “daytime running lamp”. Their characteristic night design lends the new C-Class its very own distinctive look in the dark, too. The tail light cluster features a modern twin-torch-effect design with all light functions making use of LEDs. For the first time the rear fog lamp is integrated in the tail light cluster.

Interior – Upgrade inside
The cockpit and passenger compartment come across as clear, sensuous and with a host of new unusual styling details. Clarity stands for visible high-tech attributes and straightforward sportiness – purism in the best sense of the word. Sensuousness stands for design ideas with exciting flowing shapes and high-grade materials – a reinterpretation of contemporary luxury. Electrically adjustable “Cobra-look” front seats with an organic, sporty design and integral head restraint are fitted into the all-new C-Class. The seat adjustment range compared with the W204 series has been enlarged by 10 mm in height and by 6 mm in the lowest seat position and allows even more individual adjustments. The seats are covered with full ARTICO leather. High-strength steels and intelligent lightweight construction are the technical distinguishing marks of the sturdy rear seats. Their newly designed seat cushions furthermore enhance the comfort for the rear-seat passengers who also enjoy considerably more legroom and knee room.

 

The interior skilfully combines the architecture of the Mercedes-Benz sports cars with a newly interpreted, sporty and flowing centre console design. The sportily designed, width-emphasising dashboard is optically divided into lower and upper sections which are separated by a trim strip. The newly integrated control and display system is consistent with the Mercedes-Benz operating philosophy.
This multimedia system combines entertainment, information and communication: The new generation Audio 20 CD with touchpad features now an entirely new designed user interface and graphics, 3D navigation and also allows networking with mobile devices via Bluetooth®.User-friendly navigation, precise map data and excellent route guidance with the Garmin® MAP PILOT brings all the familiar benefits of a Garmin® navigation system to the Audio 20 CD with touchpad. It’s all done by simply inserting an SD card with navigation software and map data sets. The infotainment system is also capable of connecting to the internet with a Bluetooth® and data-enabled mobile phone. Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Mercedes-Benz Radio can be used even while driving.The interior of the new C-Class provides an ambience that enhances the overall experience of the occupants, with 3 colour ambient lighting, Reversing Camera, Panoramic Sliding Sunroof, KEYLESS GO starting function, spacious and illuminated boot with a total capacity of 480 litres. The rear seat backrests can be split-folded into a 40/20/40 ratio.

 

 Safety and Assistance Systems

The integral safety concept from Mercedes-Benz groups together all active and passive safety components into a well thought-out system – for the safety of the vehicle occupants and other road users. It brings the vision of accident-free driving another step closer for the designers. More than ever before, it meets the requirements for a high level of vehicle and road safety, based on what actually happens in accidents.

With new and extended functions, in addition to the standard safety features such as ABS, BAS, ESP, ASR, Hill Start Assist, etc., the C-Class remains the leader in terms of measures designed to guard against danger and initiate protective measures. ATTENTION ASSIST is able to warn the driver when it detects typical signs of drowsiness in steering behaviour. Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently since oncoming traffic or vehicles in front are masked out in the beams’ cone of light. PRE-SAFE® system comes with belt tensioners for driver and front passenger seats, closing function for side windows and panoramic sliding sunroof and positioning of front passenger.

The new C 200 AVANTGARDE is priced at Rs. 40.90 lakhs, ex-showroom Delhi and is available for sales in dealerships across the country.

About Mercedes-Benz India:
Established in 1994, Mercedes-Benz India Pvt. Ltd. pioneered the luxury car market in India and boasts of more than 128 years of cutting edge innovation in the luxury automobile industry globally. With a world class production facility spread over 100 acres in Chakan, near Pune, set up in 2009 and an independent assembly facility for passenger cars; the facility is among the fastest green-field operations ever to be created and is rated among the top most CKD plants of Mercedes-Benz, globally. Mercedes-Benz India product portfolio comprises the locally produced S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, GL-Class and the M-Class. Completely Built Imported cars include the A-Class, CLS-Class, SLK-Class and the luxury tourer B-Class etc. The product portfolio also comprises offering the iconic off-roader G 63 AMG as well as a wide range of other AMG performance cars like the CLA 45 AMG, C 63 AMG, E 63 AMG, SLK 55 AMG, GL 63 AMG, ML 63 AMG and GLA 45 AMG. Mercedes-Benz India’s strong focus on its four pillars of Products, Network, Cost of Ownership and Brand experiences has led the company’s growth story with a total of 67 outlets located in 37 Indian cities, making it the brand with the densest network in the luxury segment.

 

  The year 2014 is Mercedes-Benz India’s ‘Year of Excellence’ across the brand, product and services spectrum. Mercedes-Benz grew by 16% in Q3, 2014 amidst challenging market dynamics and also grew by 47% in FY2013-14 selling 9500+ cars in India. In line with ‘The Year of Excellence’ Mercedes-Benz launched its flagship model the new S-Class in January 2014 in India and followed with the launch of S500 CKD and the S 350 CDI in March 2014 and June 2014 respectively. Mercedes-Benz India celebrated 50000th car roll out with the C-Class GRAND EDITION. At the 12th Auto Expo, Mercedes-Benz launched the M-Guard- special protection SUV for the Indian market and also showcased the CLA 45 AMG and the much awaited GLA-Class. The company also launched GL 63 AMG and the ML 63 AMG to present the most powerful SUVs in its segment. Mercedes-AMG also inaugurated three AMG Performance Centers (APC) in Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai making it the fastest roll-out of APC’s ever. Mercedes-Benz also launched the CLA 45 AMG in July at the Buddh International Circuit as AMG is synonymous with the race track owing to its superlative performance and next generation research and development. Mercedes-Benz India also launched the GLA-Class and the GLA 45 AMG range of SUVs marking a strong presence in the luxury SUV segment. The performance aspect of AMG brand is highlighted at its best on the Formula 1 track. The performance aspect of AMG brand is highlighted at its best on the Formula 1 track.First Silver Arrows driver to claim title since Juan Manuel Fangio in 1955. 16 wins, 18 pole positions, 11 one-two finishes and 31 podiums for the 2014 Silver Arrows in the first season of the new hybrid era in Formula 1.

Mercedes-Benz India also emerged as the most awarded luxury automotive brands in 2013, receiving as many as 16 coveted awards from various prestigious automotive media introducing exciting products for the Indian customers. As part of its qualitative network expansion strategy, Mercedes-Benz has already inaugurated 9 new outlets in 2014 at Bhubaneshwar, Raipur, Bhopal, Mohali, Chandigarh, Kochi, Navi Mumbai, Nashik, Kanpur and Karnal.