Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Germany, 2007-2013)

The generation W204 was launched in March 2007 and found well over one million buyers worldwide. The mid-cycle facelift was presented at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2011. The Sedan and Estate hit the market in March 2011.

2011 Facelift

Although Mercedes-Benz presented it as a new generation, 2011 model year cars were actually facelifted. According to Mercedes, more than 2000 new components distinguish the facelifted C-Class from its predecessor.

New features include:

• new, appearance inside and out
• ten new assistance systems for more safety
• new engines with up to 31 percent lower fuel consumption
• new generation of telematics with internet access and a 3D navigation display with plastic city views.

The new assistance systems, some of which only warn and some which actively intervene in hazardous situations:

• Adaptive Highbeam Assist
• Active Lane Keeping Assist
• Active Blind Spot Assist
• ATTENTION ASSIST
• DISTRONIC PLUS
• Speed Limit Assist
• Parking guidance including PARKTRONIC
• PRE-SAFE® Brake
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Blind Spot Assist

2007

Technical innovations in the new C-Class included the AGILITY CONTROL system, which adjusts shock absorbers in line with the driving situation and provides more direct steering. The model is also equipped with the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system. It comes with seven airbags, seatbelt tensioners and belt force limiters as standard. Also standard are the NECK PRO headrests, which support and protect the heads of the driver and the front passenger in case of hit from the rear and blinking brake. The model is also the first in its segment to be equipped with the innovative Intelligent Light System that features five different headlight settings, and the PRE-SAFE® occupant protection system, which automatically activates measures that protect the driver and the front passenger if an accident is imminent.

2011 Facelift

The 2011 cars have a more prominent radiator grille surround. The central air intake opens out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille. Pronounced side sections extend from the sporty V-shape at the centre of the bumper. Continuing beneath the headlamps, these sections blend into the feature lines along the vehicle flanks, linking the front section with the sides. The side air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more road-hugging appearance.

The Saloon and Estate have a new aluminium bonnet, which contributes to weight reduction and therefore fuel efficiency. Its contour in the area of the headlamps and radiator grille emphasises the V-shape of the front section more heavily than before.

If the optional bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are specified, 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. All three levels are connected by a transverse strip extending through the complete headlamp interior with dark contrasts, shiny areas and matt areas. A visual base in the lower section of the headlamp is formed by a horizontal broadband LED indicator unit.

A continuous light-catching contour at the upper end of the rear bumper extends into the flanks to connect the rear end with the sides to emphasise the sporty character of the rear aspect. In the facelifted model, the tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the rear section by a continuous covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series.

According to Mercedes-Benz, with a Cd figure of 0.26 the C-Class car not only sets the benchmark in its class, but also glides through the wind better than most compact cars with its drag area of Cd x A = 0.57 sq. m.

2011 Facelift

The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines are more readily distinguishable from each other. This has been partly achieved by new trim in matt ash wood or walnut (ELEGANCE), or dark aluminium or black ash wood (AVANTGARDE). Stand features in the ELEGANCE line include luxury head restraints whose side bolsters can be adjusted as required.

A new detail included as standard in the ELEGANCE is a luxury head restraint whose side bolsters can be adjusted if required. There are also new optional extras for all the versions, such as climatised seats (ventilation and heating) at the front, not to mention the Stowage Space package. The latter comprises a spectacles compartment, a stowage compartment beneath the front seats, a double cup holder and a luggage net in the rear footwell.

• AMG

The AMG Sports package lends the saloon and estate an even sportier appearance. New items of equipment and appointments such as the three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with its flattened bottom section and format-17 AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels inject more individuality. The AMG Sports package with an automatic transmission will also have shift paddles fitted to the steering wheel, which can be used to change through the gears manually. The AMG Sports package can be combined with the standard equipment and the AVANTGARDE and ELEGANCE lines.

2007

For the first time in a Mercedes sedan, the model variants differ from one another through different front views. The AVANTGARDE model with its centrally positioned Mercedes star has a more sporty design. The CLASSIC and ELEGANCE lines have the traditional Mercedes radiator grille.

2011 Facelift

A reduction of up to 31 percent has been achieved in fuel consumption. All the rear-wheel drive C-Class models are equipped with the ECO start/stop function as standard. All the engine variants are now classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units.

All automatic versions with the exception of the C 300 CDI 4MATIC feature the further-developed 7G-TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission. In addition, the overall ratio of all new powertrain variants has been optimised for fuel economy.

All the petrol engines in the model series have direct injection. One of the highlights is the introduction of the new V6 petrol engine with its innovative and highly efficient BlueDIRECT process in the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY.

C-Class petrol models

BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, * figures for automatic transmission, manual transmission in brackets

All C-Class diesel models

BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, * figures for automatic transmission, manual transmission in brackets

The range of engines for the C-Class Coupé:

BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, * figures for manual transmission, automatic transmission in brackets

2007

Four modified engines, three gasoline engines and one diesel, were available with an increase in performance of up to 13 percent, comparing to the previous generation. Output and fuel economy was also improved.