Renewal of the model focuses on comfort and engines

Mercedes introduced this Tuesday the new C-Class raising the comfort (and luxury) of its average family member in the saloon and van variants with a significant digital evolution (and also in space) and leaving the new generation of its best-selling model in the last decade with exclusively 4-cylinder engines, whose hybridization will allow electric range of 100 km.

The new C-Class will arrive first in petrol and diesel versions, but the range will soon be enhanced with hybrid versions plug-in for both types of fuel and this model is also the first Mercedes-Benz to be fully electrified.

The engine range includes only four 4-cylinder versions and both diesel and gasoline engines incorporate a second generation starter / alternator (ISG) with a 48 V electrical system allowing circulation and m freewheel, additional power of 20 hp with the EQ Boost system or energy recovery and also helping to reduce consumption.

The new Class C also becomes the exclusive use of the 9G-Tronic automatic gearbox and the all-wheel drive versions offer the new evolution of the 4Matic system with a new differential on the front axle to improve driving dynamics through better torque distribution and to reduce weight and thus , CO2 emissions.

Hybrid versions scheduled for later will have the same engines by base adding an electric power of 129 CV and an immediate torque of 440 Nm and guaranteeing an autonomy in electric mode of about 100 kilometers having two evident improvements: the efficiency and the sportier performance – being that the total electric power is available up to a speed of 140 km / h, from which it is gently limited.

The kinetic energy recovery function during deceleration or downhill sections has been improved through interaction with the hydraulic brakes and the power of the recovery system is now over 100 kW. The driver can regulate recovery in three levels, while the vehicle manages intelligently when driving in electric mode (except for the Sport program) – nevertheless, the new Class C already gives the driver the option of reserve the load for later (‘battery hold’) in addition to the ‘human’ choice by the exclusively electric mode.

The battery can be charged in about 30 minutes using the optional 55 kW DC charger with an 11 kW charger available (depending on the market) for three-phase charging via a Wallbox connected to an alternating current residential electrical installation.

The placement of the battery is another great novelty, not taking up a step in the luggage compartment and opening the total amplitude of the cargo space in a compartment also increased to a minimum of 360 liters that reach 1,510 in the van with the folding of the rear seats . The Class C has also increased compared to its predecessor (to 4,751 mm in length and 1,820 mm in width and to a wheelbase of 2,865 mm) and which benefits are all its occupants.

The suspension has been reconfigured with a new four-bar front axle and a multi-link rear axle installed on a substructure to improve dynamics and agility. In hybrid versions, air suspension and rear axle height control are standard equipment on both body variants.

Optionally, the new Class C introduces a directional rear axle . At a speed of less than 60 km / h, the rear wheels are directed away from the front wheels – and up to 2.5 ° away from the front axle angle during parking maneuvers. At more than 60 km / h, the rear wheels are directed to an angle of 2.5 ° in the same direction as the front wheels, improving safety and stability with increasing speed.

The exterior design of the new C-Class has not been significantly altered, despite a more ‘torn’ aspect of the headlights, with special emphasis on the rear lights with the new design (for the first time on the model occupying from the side panel to the (tailgate)

Inside, the ‘revolution’ is most noticeable right from the 11.9 ” (almost square) central touchscreen as if ‘floating’ more towards the driver above the console (under the ventilation ‘turbines’), in addition to the instrument panel’s 12.3 ”high-resolution LCD screen; but it is in digitalization that evolution is also noticeable.

The Mercedes C-Class will bring with it the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) systems as with the top-of-the-range S-Class. The “Hello Mercedes” voice assistant is now interactive and with greater learning capacity through the activation of online services in Mercedes me App. Certain actions, such as answering a phone call, can be performed even without the activation phrase of the voice assistant – which also already explains the vehicle’s functions or recognizes the occupants.

With the MBUX Smart Home function, the C-Class will become a mobile control center for its driver’s residence, allowing, through the network WLAN, remotely control the temperature, lights, blinds or electrical appliances, as well as monitor the movement of intruders at home – at launch, the ass istente of voice Hello Mercedes understands questions and commands in German, Chinese and English.

The new C-Class is equipped as standard with High Performance LED headlights and leaves as an option the new Digital Light Class S system, which introduces functions such as the projection of auxiliary marks or warning signs on the road in front of the vehicle. In the evolutions brought to the assistants to the driving, reinforcements are highlighted, such as the recognition of vehicles stopped at speeds up to 100 km / h, or of additional lanes that can function as an emergency corridor, or if signaling on porches and sections in works .

The Mercedes C-Class in both saloon and van variants can be ordered from March and is expected to arrive at dealerships in the summer.

The post New Mercedes C-Class has luxuries of the S and plug-in with 100 km of autonomy appeared first on World Weekly News.