Facelifted C-Class to arrive in the spring

March 2011 will mark the market launch of the facelifted Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Having gone through a modernization process, the new C-Class had its front and rear sections redesigned to a more striking look.

Besides the enhanced premium interior, the revamped model has become a more efficient model, with fuel consumption going down by up to 31 percent. To do so Mercedes-Benz engineers have worked on efficiency-enhancing technologies that include new engines, the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function.

Since its launch in 2007, the current series has sold well over one million units around the world. From 1982, year when the first C-Class was introduced (then known as the model 190), Mercedes-Benz sold more than 8.5 million vehicles in total in this segment.

Seen from the front the new C-Class has come closer, in terms of design, to Mercedes-Benz’s new design idiom, featuring a front bumper with more dynamic contours. The V-shape found on the front fascia of the new C-Class is emphasized by the contour of the new aluminium bonnet in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille.

At the back the width of both the saloon and estate bodies has been emphasized by the light-catching contours and dividing lines in the rear bumper.

One of the main features of the new C-Class is the aerodynamics. With a Cd figure of 0.26 it sets the benchmark in its class, aerodynamics are a proof of the bodyshell's efficiency.

The restyled C-Class will also receive more efficient engines, with engineers achieving a fuel consumption reduction of up to 31 percent. All the rear-wheel versions will be equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard. Thanks to their efficiency, all the engine variants are now labeled as BlueEFFICIENCY units. With the exception of the C 300 CDI 4MATIC, all automatic versions will be featuring the further-developed 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission.

One of the new highlights of the petrol engine range is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY. With power and torque being increased to 306 hp and to 370 Nm respectively, the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY still saw its fuel consumption cut by 31 percent, with 6.8 litres per 100 km, 1.5 litres less than the previous C 350 model.

With orders starting in January 2011, the first faceifted C-Class units will start being delivered in March.