This is the the all-new C-class. Mercedes Benz hopes to bring the small salon up to date and give it an edge over the BMW 3-series
There's a sharp new look that's definitely stolen some design cues from the S-class , plusa whole range of new engines .
Mercedes will launch the new saloon at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
The two pictures above show the Sport model, with its distinctive nose treatment; the big three-pointed star grille is based on the new CL coupe's - dominating the front view.
Lesser SE and Elegance models have a the good old fashioned "guiding star "standing proud on the bonnet.
On the inside there's a more advanced Voice Recognition system, Linguatronic II, which can understand whole sentences, plus a stereo with full MP3 compatibility and two USB ports.
Merc's take on BMWs iDrive is the COMAND controller. The "C" has an extra advanced one. It twists, pushes and tilts for full control over most functions. The headlights, meanwhile, share the E-class technology that adapts the beam to driving on motorways or country roads.
There are separate controls for the climate control available front and rear, and the system monitors the strength of the sun and air quality to make sure you get the perfect temperature.
The C-class chassis is naturally rear-drive, although 4Matic four-wheel drive will be available. Engineers have overhauled the rear suspension, while a new steering rack and tauter damping settings should also make this C-class far more dynamic to drive.
Adaptive Brake is another new development. This is based on the technology of the S-Class and provides additional support functions for even more safety and comfort. Examples include Start-Off Assist for uphill gradients, priming the braking system in critical situations and light contact to dry the brake discs in wet conditions.
The transmission choices are a six-speed manual on the entry-level four cylinders, while the V6 and V8 versions use the 7Gtronic seven-speed automatic. Some parts are shared with the E-class, although the C foregoes big brother's air suspension and roll-suppressing ABC active body control.
Benz is planning two hot models tuned by its AMG division. The "mild" C55 version continues with the current 388bhp, naturally aspirated V8. The red hot C63 version uses AMG's all-new, big bore V8, which kicks out 481bhp
