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The BMW 3 Series may just have met its match. Mercedes-Benz has released details of the South African C Class line-up today, which could stand to dethrone the BMW from its benchmark status.
Thanks to a new aluminium architecture and focus on weight saving, the new C Class weighs 100Kg less than the outgoing model. The new model is larger than its predecessor, with an 80mm increase in the wheelbase (2840mm), a 95mm increase in length (4686mm) and a 40mm width increase (1810). It also features a host of new technologies and a new design language found across the Mercedes-Benz range of sedans.
The C Class is available in 2 front-end styling packages, Sport, with a central grille-mounted Mercedes-Benz star, and Exclusive, with the typical, top-mounted star. The exterior highlights include H7 halogen headlamps, with optional LED units available.
The interior of the C Class has been redesigned entirely, full details of which can be seen here.
The engine line-up for the new C Class range will be limited to 4 models, including a single diesel and 3 petrol variants. The below table details the engine line-up:
Model |
Displace-ment cc |
kW |
Nm |
0-100 km/h in sec. |
l/100 km |
CO2 g/km |
C 220 BlueTEC Diesel |
2143 |
125 |
400 |
8.1 |
4.0 |
113 |
C 180 |
1595 |
115 |
250 |
8.2 |
5.0 |
131 |
C 200 |
1991 |
135 |
300 |
7.5 |
5.3 |
127 |
C 250 |
1991 |
155 |
350 |
6.6 |
5.3 |
139 |
Standard on all models is a 6-speed manual transmission, with an option of the 7G-TRONIC Plus automatic transmission.
The C Class offers a host of standard safety kit, including cruise control, rain sensing wipers, Attention Assist and Adaptive brake assist, whilst optional extras include Collision Prevention Assist, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist. In addition, standard features for entertainment purposes include Bluetooth phone connectivity, which encompasses apps such as weather, Google Local Search with Streetview, Destination/Route download, and Facebook. Audio inputs include Bluetooth streaming, SD card, USB drive, and iPhone/iPod connectivity.
The new C Class is the 1st vehicle in this class that can be optioned with an air suspension system, with variable driving settings.
The Mercedes-Benz C Class is now available to order from your local dealer, with pricing as follows:
C 220 BlueTEC | R459 000 |
C 180 | R415 900 |
C 200 | R436 600 |
C 250 | R502 600 |
All prices include VAT and CO2 emission tax and all models come standard with the PremiumDrive 6-year/100 000km maintenance plan.
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