2014 Mercedes Benz C Class preview
Mercedes are on a bit of a roll which started with the launch of the all new S Class flagship in 2013. What you’re looking at is the all new C Class and as you can see it’s taken more than a few cues from the brand’s flagship model. It’s going to be bigger more luxurious and more high-tech than ever before. So what’s it like and can it take on its 3 Series rival?
Longer, wider and taller than before the new C Class has a much bolder stance than its predecessor. The bonnet is much higher than before too and it’s dominated by the oversized LED headlights which will be standard on all UK cars. It also tapers towards the rear giving it a sleek aerodynamic profile that helps with fuel economy. The strong crease lines help increase its sporty character even further and half the body structure is made of aluminium which means its 100kg lighter too.
The C Class that you can see in our photos is the AMG Sport version. So what you get is the aggressive two-bar grille, a chrome front splitter and bigger air intakes. However, it’s with the engines that we see the really interesting part.
At launch there’s going to be a C220 Blue Tech diesel and the C180 and C200 petrol engines – but this is just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also going to be an entirely new small capacity 1.6L diesel which has been developed by Renault but heavily modified by Mercedes which should give the C Class a class lead in Co2 emissions. There’s also going to be a huge range of engines brought in from the E Class range including a hybrid petrol and diesel engine, a plug-in hybrid and also a 4L twin turbo V8 AMG Sport model.
The elegant exterior design might have taken a few steps forward when it comes to aerodynamics and being sportier but the interior is a real quantum-leap over the old car. The sheer quality of material, the minimalist layout and the gorgeous detail really do ooze quality – all drawing on what the S Class started.
As you would expect the C Class is bristling with all the technology that Mercedes can bring to bear. There’s a TFT screen between the dials with its big tablet style display and their great innovation which is a track pad. The track pad is almost like the mouse you get in the S Class but you can use gesture controls just like with a smart phone to control the menus. It’s very intuitive and natural to use and an all round fantastic addition.
Amazing as the new interior is Mercedes also say that this will be the best C Class to drive. A new 4-link front suspension system borrowed from the S Class, new variable electrical power steering and two new manual gearboxes plus the option of 4 wheel drive for the first time should all help it take on the BMW 3 Series around winding roads. Another first for this class is the air suspension which is a similar system to that seen on the E Class making the C Class incredibly comfortable. The on-board computer will allow the drive to tailor the C Class to their own particular taste via five different modes to choose from.
The C Class is 95mm longer than the outgoing model. And you really do feel that difference in the back. There’s a lot more leg room than before and the headroom is decent as well. The shape of the rear windows make it feel as though you have more space as there is so much more light coming into the cabin. The only downside is that getting 3 passengers in the back may be a bit of a squeeze due to the high transmission tunnel running through the middle.
Mercedes have certainly made a lot of big claims about its new C Class. It’s not only bigger than before but they say it will be more refined, comfortable and fuel efficient than any other car in its class. Even if they only deliver on half of those promises then the new 2014 C Class will still be a mightily impressive car and more than a match for the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
