The new generation C-Class is a comprehensive modernisation. The front and rear sections of this bestselling model have a more striking design. Together with the new high-resolution colour display in the instrument cluster, the new dashboard with its elegant, grained surface and prominent decorative trim emphasises the premium character of the interior. Fuel consumption has been lowered by up to 13 percent. Efficiency-enhancing measures include Charged Gasoline Injection engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. New driving assistance systems ranging from Parking Guidance to ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection are now available for this model series. The new-generation telematics in the new generation C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY include internet access and a navigation display.


“The drive system and safety systems in the new-generation C-Class offer the comfort, efficiency and safety of our luxury vehicles. Plus, with many significant details in the interior, the vehicle calls to mind the new CLS and sets totally new standards in its segment where value and quality impression are concerned”, remarks Dr Joachim Schmidt, Member of Mercedes-Benz Cars Management responsible for Sales and Marketing. This modernisation of the interior is rounded off by the new telematics generation, which not only includes totally reworked displays; it also facilitates in-car internet access.


A total of more than 2000 new components distinguish the latest generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its predecessor. In addition to the standard appointments – which now include a leather steering wheel – the two designs and equipment lines ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE are the basis for the individualisation range for the C-Class. The two lines are now more readily distinguishable from each other.

The C-Class is the highest-selling model series, and therefore of particular importance for Mercedes-Benz. The current series has found well over one million buyers worldwide since its launch in March 2007. Since the market launch of the first C-Class in 1982 (then known as the 190 model), Mercedes-Benz has sold more than 8.5 million vehicles in total in this segment. In 2010, too, the C-Class was repeatedly topping the registration statistics. Since 2008 the saloon has been the unbeaten world market leader in its segment. It has also positioned itself right at the head of the field in quality inspections in Europe (ADAC (German automobile association) breakdown statistics) and in the USA (J. D. Power study).

The front bumper has a more expressive and dynamic contour, the front section being brought closer to the brand's new design idiom. As a central element at the front, the shape of the radiator grille is more prominently supported by the bumper. The central air intake opens out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille. Pronounced side sections on the bumper extend from the sporty V-shape at the centre. These sections (beneath the headlamps) blend into the feature lines along the vehicle flanks, creating a link with the sides. The side air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more road-hugging appearance.

The saloon now have a new aluminium bonnet, which contributes to weight reduction and therefore fuel efficiency. Other aluminium features include the front wings and the door modules. The contour of the bonnet 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 renders the front section significantly more striking.

The shape of the clear-lens headlamps has been modified to create a more dynamic and resolute impression, and to act together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper to emphasise the V-shape of the front section. This impression is reinforced by both the exterior form of the headlamps and the interior of the housings. The headlamps show their modernity by precision and an interplay between matt and high-sheen areas.

The bi-xenon headlamps have been upgraded with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) and is now available as standard in the new generation C-Class. The impression of depth is reinforced by a row of lighting modules. A position light with a distinctive C-shape emphasises the night design. Behind it is a cornering light extending to the main headlamp module on the outside. A visual base in the lower section of the headlamp is formed by a horizontal broadband LED indicator unit. The horizontal LED daytime running lamps in the bumper also make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.

In the case of the rear bumper, the light-catching contours and dividing lines have been modified to emphasise the width of the C-Class even more strongly. This change is particularly obvious in the more steeply rising course of the side light-catching contours towards the tail lights. A continuous light-catching contour at the upper end of the rear bumper extends into the flanks to connect the tail end with the sides to emphasise the sporty character of the rear aspect. In the new generation C-Class, the tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the tail end by a continuous covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series. 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.

The aerodynamics of the C-Class is the mark of the bodyshell's efficiency. With a Cd figure of 0.26 it not only sets the benchmark in its class, but also glides through the wind better than most compact and even small cars with its drag area of Cd x A = 0.57 sq. m.

A main focus of the design work in the interior was the restyling of the dashboard, with the aim of creating a powerful, sporty and high-quality look. This redesigning also involved enhancing the trim concept. The surfaces of the control elements are more finely detailed and galvanised. The stepped extension to the instrument cluster now also accommodates the central display. The instrument cluster and a discreet light-catching contour continue into the front-passenger side. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised 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, making the interior appear significantly wider. The upper dashboard section with a new surface grain continues into the beltlines of the door panels.

The control panel of the new-generation communication and information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts. The combination of matt keys, high-gloss areas and a new knurled wheel design accentuates the higher perceived value of the interior. Together with the new telematics generation, the new generation C-Class also comes complete with a new instrument cluster featuring an integral colour display in conjunction with a completely redesigned multi-function 12-button steering wheel. Directed towards the driver are three tube-style surrounds with a galvanised surface, openly demonstrating the C-Class’s sporting ambitions.

The premium character of the interior is underlined by the new three-spoke steering wheel generation, which was introduced with the new CLS and is now available in the sporty AVANTGARDE line for the C-Class. The steering wheel with its chromed central spoke stylishly accentuates the sporty atmosphere in the C-Class. In the ELEGANCE version a newly designed four-spoke steering wheel is fitted and comes with chromed trim panels.

A reduction in fuel consumption of up to 13 percent has been achieved. All the four-cylinder engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, showing that they are particularly efficient and environmentally compatible in their use of fuel.

Both the C 200 & C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY models will now feature a new 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimised for fuel economy.

All the four-cylinder petrol engines in the model series have direct injection resulting in a combined cycle fuel consumption of just 6.4 – 6.9 litres/100 km for both the C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and C 250 BLUEFFICIENCY.

These engines, which made a great evolutionary leap forward in 2009, all featuring direct injection and turbocharging, excel with high performance and exemplary economy.

Adaptive Highbeam Assist. When vehicles are detected ahead of or approaching the vehicle, this system automatically dips the beams and adjusts the range of the headlamps appropriate to the distance. This means that main beam can be used more frequently.

ATTENTION ASSIST warns drivers when it detects that they are over-tired. Studies have shown that around a quarter of all serious motorway accidents are caused by drowsy drivers, making this factor an even bigger cause of accidents than drink-driving. With ATTENTION ASSIST (standard for Elegance and Avantgarde), Mercedes-Benz is therefore making another important contribution towards helping to avoid accidents: it employs high-resolution sensors to observe driver behaviour and can recognise whether the driver is tired or not paying attention, based primarily on steering wheel movements.

PARKTRONIC including Parking Guidance: ultrasonic sensors measure the length of parking spaces as the car drives past; the cockpit display provides a schematic representation of the recommended parking manoeuvre. Ultrasonic sensors then support the driver whilst parking.
PRE SAFE® : The C-Class also features the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE SAFE®. This Mercedes-Benz innovation uses the time between detection of a potential accident situation and a possible collision to initiate preventive protective measures, thus reducing the loads exerted on the occupants in the event of a crash by up to 40 percent.

The new C-Class also sees the debut of a new telematics generation which will gradually be introduced in other model series too. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, phone book transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface now accommodated in the centre armrest.

The multimedia system COMAND Online now provides internet access for the first time. When the car is stationary, customers are able to browse freely or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load particularly rapidly and are also easy to use while on the move. The integral services include weather information for effective trip planning.

The new locally assembled Mercedes-Benz C 200 and C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY are priced at RM258,888.00 & RM290,888.00 respectively.