Mercedes C-Class

Two-faced C-Class arrives at the double

It's the first-ever split-personality Merc-edes. Longer, wider and safer, the new C-Class saloon has two faces

Auto Express Car Reviews

Sport has badge in grille

By Ross Pinnock

30th January 2007

Comfort-biased models in the fresh line-up will get a traditional-style nose, with the three-pointed star sitting on top of the bonnet. But designers have given driver-focused Sport variants a more aggressive look, with the famous badge set into the front grille.


	Hi-tech new features across the line-up include adaptive brakes from the S-Class, while the optional PRE-SAFE system boosts safety

Buyers can also expect revised trim levels as the existing Classic and Avantgarde will be axed in favour of SE and Sport models. Elegance spec remains.

Entry-level SE and mid-range Elegance versions will follow the Mercedes tradition of comfort and luxury. However, arch rival BMW is clearly being targeted by the new Sport trim, which will give a sharper driving experience thanks to revised suspension settings.

Hi-tech new features across the line-up include adaptive brakes from the S-Class, while the optional PRE-SAFE system boosts safety. Every model gets seven airbags, with adaptive dampers, more direct steering and short-throw gearshifts appealing to keen drivers.

An Advanced Agility package, comprising speed-sensitive power-steering, two-mode gearboxes and uprated sus-pension, will be optional on all cars.

Inside, there's a smart two-tone dashboard with a colour display in the centre. It allows both driver and front passenger to operate the major cabin functions using a simplified BMW iDrive-style controller which is placed on the centre console.

Under the bonnet, buyers will get a choice of three diesel engines. These comprise the 2.2 136bhp C200 CDI and 170bhp C220 CDI, plus the 3.0-litre C320 CDI, which offers 224bhp.

Petrol fans are also well catered for by the new C-Class line-up, with the C180 and C200 Kompressors producing 156bhp and 184bhp respectively. The C230 uses a 204bhp 2.5-litre V6, while the C280 has a 231bhp 3.0 V6 and the C350 a 272bhp 3.5 V6.

Drivers looking for stronger performance will have the option of an AMG-tuned model next year, when the 6.2-litre V8 unit from the CLS and R63 is expected to feature under the bonnet.

A C-Class estate is on the cards as well, although the future of the existing Sports Coupé is less certain; Merc bosses have yet to make a decision about the three-door. The saloon will debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March before hitting dealers in June.

However, the newcomer has already been given the thumbs-up by German inspection authority TUV. It has awarded the C-Class an Environmental Certificate because of its improved economy, eco-friendly development and the use of green materials in its construction.

Prices for the range have yet to be announced, although the cost of entry-level cars isn't expected to rise.