2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class US At The NY Auto Show

2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class US At The NY Auto Show

The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is making its debut with greater emphasis on agility, safety and comfort as well as an even sportier flair. For increased comfort, the 2008 C-Class four-door is also about 3陆 inches longer and 1.7 inches wider than its highly successful predecessor, with a 1.8-inch wheelbase increase. A first look at the new-generation C-Class reveals an edgy interplay of taut styling lines and broad, serene surfaces that typifies the latest Mercedes design idiom. For the first time on a Mercedes-Benz sedan, the iconic three-pointed star in the center of the front grille (usually reserved for its coupes, convertibles and sport utilities) identifies the AMG-inspired C-Class Sport models. Revised suspension and steering help make the new C-Class noticeably more agile, along with a slick-shifting redesigned six-speed manual transmission for the C300 Sport model. An industry first, technical development of the new C-Class included the use of a digital prototype, allowing the first road-worthy prototypes to accelerate through a 15-million-mile road test program in record time. Mercedes engineers used this 2100-gigabyte digital prototype to refine crash safety, chassis behavior, aerodynamics, ride comfort and even climate control during early virtual testing.

In fact the new C-Class was crash tested 5,500 times on the world's largest IT network before a real prototype was ever built! For perspective, crash simulation models involved 26,000 elements in 1989, now incorporate more than 1.9 million elements for greater accuracy and realism. In the U.S. market, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be launched with three V6-powered models - the C350 Sport, the C300 Luxury and the C300 Sport. In addition, the C300 Sport and Luxury models will be available with the increasingly popular 4MATIC four-wheel-drive system. New standard equipment includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, Bluetooth connectivity and a central controller with a seven-inch display screen. The C-Class Sport models are aimed at younger buyers and driving enthusiasts. With their stronger visual differentiation and distinct performance enhancements, the Sport models focus on sporty driving dynamics and stylish design.

In turn, the Luxury versions are intended for the traditional luxury car customer, communicating class-leading comfort, quality and value with contemporary styling. The entry luxury segment has grown to 637,429 vehicles in 2006, representing the largest portion of the total luxury market. This is the most competitive segment for Mercedes-Benz USA in terms of both volume and in the number of competitors. Globally, the C-Class competes with the Audi A4 and BMW 3-series, and in the U.S. Lexus IS, Infiniti G, Acura TL and Cadillac CTS. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, including its 1984-1993 predecessor, the 190-Class, defined the auto industry's entry-level luxury sedan segment. The 190 debuted the company's (and the world's) first multi-link rear suspension, now used on all of its passenger cars and many of its competitors. This patented five-link rear suspension offers ideal rear wheel location and alignment under any driving situation by isolating cornering, braking and driving forces. Equally important in everyday use, the multi-link rear suspension is compact, allowing for impressive trunk space.

Also in that same year the first official AMG model made its debut in a C-Class - the C36 AMG. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class helped fuel a steady sales resurgence for the company in America. The design of the new-generation 2008 C-Class sedan evokes effortless sportiness and confident style. Above all, the interplay between its taut lines and broad, rounded surfaces makes for a clean, yet expressive look. The front end of the new car is key - inspired by the head of an arrow, suggesting forward movement, athleticism and performance. Its grille is mounted flush with the hood and front fenders, visually solidifying the space between the headlights and lending a muscular presence. For the first time on a Mercedes-Benz sedan, C-Class Sport models are easily identified by the three-pointed star in the center of the grille. The latest Mercedes-Benz design language is most apparent when viewing the new C-Class from the side.

Again, its elegant style is characterized by the interplay of striking lines and large contoured surfaces. A wide, muscular shoulder line visually supports the side windows, roof pillars and roof, forming one sweeping line from the front all the way to the rear and elegantly stretching the body. Complementing the shoulder line, a character line emerges organically from the front fender and rises toward the rear, forming a boundary between the convex and concave door surfaces - emphasizing light and shadow. For all its elegance, the design of the new C-Class emphasizes its sporty character with wider track, prominent fender lines and large wheel wells. The shoulder curve and C-pillar join to form a line that flows to the rear, and the character line below it flows into the trunk lid, visually shortening the rear overhang and helping to create a stylish, sporty rear end. Very simply, more space means more comfort. With a body that's 3.7 inches longer and 1.7 inches wider than the previous model, the new car boasts a noticeably roomier cabin. There's nearly a half inch more front and rear hip room, while front shoulder room has increased by more than 1陆 inches.