It was bound to happen someday.
Between the latest generation of the S-Class, the flagship of the Mercedes fleet, which has just been introduced, and the C-Class, in dealerships early next summer, the main difference is in size.
Less and less small, the new C-Class borrows its lines and technology from the limousine.
The dimensions are revised upwards around a wheelbase of + 25 mm: + 65 mm in length for the sedan;
+ 47 mm for the station wagon.
At the same time, the car is lowered by 7 mm.
This new template is mainly used to preserve the livability and trunk volume of a vehicle that must house the elements of plug-in hybrid technology.
Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / http: //media.daimler.com
Sedan or station wagon, both arrive at the same time, the silhouette becomes more fluid.
This holds true with a flattering aerodynamic Cx of 0.24 for the sedan and 0.27 for the station wagon.
Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / http: //media.daimler.com
When the doors open, the surprise is huge.
The presentation is similar to that of an S-Class with its digital instrument panel lending itself to a multitude of configurations and its large central shelf, but the atmosphere is more sporty.
The dashboard and the tablet are tilted towards the driver by 6 degrees.
As on the S-Class, drivers will find the new MBUX system, the voice assistant making it possible to control the main functions of the car by voice as well as remote software updates.
The color head-up display is optional equipment.
Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / http: //media.daimler.com
Apart from the space on board and the comfort equipment, it is under the hood that the differences between an S-Class and a C-Class are noticeable.
Mercedes' new family sedan is hunting big engines and now only offers 4-cylinder petrol or diesel injecting a more or less important dose of electricity.
At the first level, the motors benefit from 48 volts technology with integrated starter-alternator.
A new 1,992 cm3 diesel with increased injection pressure to 2,700 bars and an improved exhaust gas aftertreatment system is available in two versions: 200 (C 200d) and 265 hp (C 300d).
Consumption is respectively 5 l / 100 km, which corresponds to CO2 emissions of 131 g / km.
Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / http: //media.daimler.com
The M254 petrol engine also equipped with 48-volt micro-hybridization receives the coating of the Nanoslide® cylinders and the after-treatment of the exhaust gases.
The only version marketed in France is the 1.5 liter 204 hp (C 200).
All models are associated with a 9-speed automatic transmission.
A few months after its launch, the C-Class will be enriched with a plug-in hybrid version combining the 2-liter petrol of the C 300 with a 95 kW (129 hp) electric motor.
The manufacturer announces that it has doubled the range to reach 100 km thanks to a 25.4 kWh battery.
Above all, it will change your life, the box which occupied a large part of the trunk has disappeared and the loading floor is now perfectly flat.
For added comfort, air suspension and level control at the rear are standard equipment on the saloon and station wagon.
Mercedes-Benz AG - Global Communications Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans / http: //media.daimler.com
Another borrowing from the S-Class: the optional rear steering wheels will be a powerful ally to improve the agility of this family sedan.
Like the current generation, Mercedes has planned to market plug-in hybrid diesel versions, a solution it considers the best of both worlds: zero-emission driving in the city and great fuel economy on the road.