Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Discover a New Kind of Comfort.

  • In excess of 10.5 million vehicles sold in more than 100 markets globally, the C- Class is the most successful sedan in the Mercedes-Benz range.
  • Next-level digitalization, comfort, and design of the new C-Class derived from the flagship S-Class.
  • The new C-Class boasts an impressive new central display, and when combined with the latest second-generation MBUX, it delivers a user experience and a vehicle interior that is even more digital and intelligent than ever before.
  • The new C-Class turns “night into day” with the LED High-Performance headlamps equipped as standard. A new DIGITAL LIGHT system with a resolution of 2.6 million pixels is available optionally.
  • Improved agility and stability are available via the optional rear-axle steering and the accompanying, more direct steering ratio at the front axle.

A new type of comfort zone is here to challenge the status quo. The 6th generation C-Class boasts luxurious comfort, minimalist design, and innovative assistance systems. There’s no stopping the global success story that is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Since its introduction in 1982, with the launch of the so-called ‘Baby Benz’ 190, more than 10.5 million C-Class vehicles have been sold in more than 100 markets around the world.

The new C-Class is manufactured in Mercedes-Benz Cars production plants in Bremen, Beijing, and East London. R13 billion has already been invested in numerous upgrades at the East London plant in preparation for the production of the new model, providing a major boost to the local automotive industry. Mark Raine, President of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz South Africa says the fact that East London is one of three global manufacturing plants for the new C-Class is an unparalleled success story for the local industry.

Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse, 2021, Selenitgrau magno, Leder zweifarbig Sienabraun/Schwarz Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 2021, selenite grey magno, siena brown/black leather

Bigger, better, sleeker

“The new C-Class is a sporty interpretation of modern luxury. It combines dynamic proportions with accentuated design lines and a modern look. I am entirely confident that the new C-Class will excite existing customers and future fans with its wide range of high-tech and superior features derived from the flagship S-Class”, said Raine.

The new C-Class features a dynamic exterior design and a sumptuous interior that takes inspiration from the flagship S-Class and sets new standards in efficiency. “The new C-Class will be launched into the South Africa market initially with the C200 and C220d engine derivatives, both sporting four-cylinder units from the current modular FAME (Family of Modular Engines) Mercedes-Benz engine family,” said Selvin Govender, Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Mercedes-Benz Cars. The C200 boasts power delivery of 150kw and 300Nm of torque, while the C220d delivers 147kw and 440Nm of Torque. The C220d achieves combined fuel consumption of 4.4l – 5.2l/100km and the C200 achieves combined fuel consumption of 6.3l – 7.2l/100km.

Design: Sensual purity with a sporty and elegant touch

The new C-Class already looks to be in motion at a standstill with its dynamic proportions, thanks to the combination of short front overhang, long wheelbase, and rear overhang. The new C-Class is considerably larger than its predecessor, with a length of 4751 mm and a width of 1820 mm. The wheelbase has increased by 25 mm to 2865 mm, with both the front and rear passengers benefiting from the increased exterior dimensions.

The sporty bonnet with power domes accentuates this urge of forward motion. The designers have reduced lines to a minimum, which accentuates the so-called catwalk line or shoulder line even more.  

DIGITAL LIGHT: extremely powerful with optional projection functions

The new C-Class is equipped with LED High-Performance headlamps as standard. DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs in each headlamp, whose light is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is, therefore, more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle.

Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse, 2021, Selenitgrau magno, Leder zweifarbig Sienabraun/Schwarz. Interieur Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 2021, selenite grey magno, siena brown/black leather. Interior

With these dynamics and precision, this intelligent system creates virtually endless possibilities for high-resolution light distribution which optimally adjusts to the surrounding conditions. However, the deciding factor is not only the technology in the headlamp but rather the digital intelligence behind it. On-board cameras and sensor systems detect other road users, powerful computers evaluate the data plus digital navigation maps in milliseconds and give the headlamps the commands for optimally adapting the light distribution in all situations. The result: an optimal vision for the driver without dazzling other road users, as well as innovative functions with added safety. “DIGITAL LIGHT” is not chasing world distance records, but rather wants to achieve excellent visibility and maximum, dazzle-free brilliance at all times through an innovative overall concept. Innovative functions for supporting the driver and enabling communication with other road users significantly improve safety when driving at night.

DIGITAL LIGHT with projection function[1] is available as an option. This system can make driving safer with the following features:

  • HD system with projection module (more than 1.3 million pixels per headlamp) and MULTIBEAM LED background module
  • With data from the camera, sensors, and navigation system, the brightness value for each pixel is calculated virtually in real-time
  • Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus (anti-dazzle continuous high beam)
  • ULTRA RANGE Highbeam with permitted maximum headlamp range
  • Topographical compensation
  • Cornering light with roundabout and cross-traffic functions
  • Active light function with anticipatory control
  • Enhanced fog light function, city light, country road mode, motorway mode, motorway high beam, and adverse weather light
Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse, 2021, Selenitgrau magno, Leder zweifarbig Sienabraun/Schwarz Mercedes-Benz C-Class, 2021, selenite grey magno, siena brown/black leather

The Avantgarde Line, which is a market standard, is equipped with an 18inch wheel, with further options available in 18inch or 19inch configurations. The optional AMG line is equipped with a 19inch wheel as a standard, with an additional option available in19inch configuration.

Interior design: sporty touches thanks to the driver-centered design

The interior adopts many highlights from the new S-Class.

One of these features is a high-resolution LCD screen. It is free-standing and appears to float in front of the wing profile and the expanse of trim. This sets the driver display apart from traditional cockpits with classic round dials. Customers have a choice between the standard 10.25-inch (26.0 cm) or an optional 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) version.

The paradigm change to digitisation is also obvious in the central display: the vehicle functions can be controlled using the high-quality touchscreen. Its portrait orientation is particularly advantageous for navigation. The touchscreen likewise appears to float above the expanse of trim. Like the dashboard, the screen is slightly tilted towards the driver. The central display has a screen diagonal of 11.9 inches or 30.2 cm as a market standard.

The driver display and media display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience. The look of the screens can be individualised with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). In “Sporty”, for example, the colour red is predominant and the central rev counter has a dynamic design.

Rear-axle steering: more agile and dynamic

The new C-Class is especially agile and stable with the optional rear-axle steering and the accompanying, more direct steering ratio at the front axle. The steering angle at the rear axle is 2.5 degrees. This reduces the turning circle by 43 centimeters to 10.64 meters.

The driver also needs fewer turns of the steering wheel for full lock. With rear-axle steering, and depending on the drive concept, this requires 2.1 instead of 2.35 turns (rear-wheel drive with comfort steering

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At speeds below 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels – and up to 2.5° opposite to the front-axle angle during parking. Depending on the situation, this virtually shortens the wheelbase, and the vehicle is more maneuverable, light-footed, and agile as a result. At speeds above 60 km/h, the rear wheels steer up to 2.5° in the same direction as the front wheels. This virtual increase in wheelbase has noticeable advantages in the form of improved handling stability and safety at high speeds, during fast lane changes, or sudden evasive maneuvers.

Moreover, considerably less steering input is required during dynamic maneuvers, e.g. when driving on country roads – and the vehicle responds to steering movements in a more sporty manner. This is supported by the integrated dynamic control function of the ESP®.

The latest generation of MBUX: intuitively operated and learning

Like the new S-Class, the new C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The vehicle interior becomes even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: Brilliant images on the LCD screens make it easy to control vehicle and comfort functions.

The driver display and media display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience. The information is presented in a clear structured way. Mercedes-Benz developed a new display aesthetic for the S-Class, which now is systematically used as the basis for other models.