Larger, lighter and more fuel-efficient, the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate looks set to continue the ‘Benz tradition of dominating sales in the prestige European wagon segment.
Some 96mm longer overall (4702mm), the latest Mercedes-benz C-Class promises more interior space with the wheelbase 80mm longer at 2840mm. Width is also up by 40mm at 1810mm.
So Mercedes-Benz says the new C-Class Estate provides 45mm more rear seat leg room plus extra dimensions for should room, headroom and elbow room.
Cargo space is also up by 10-litres with the rear seat folded to 1510-litres or by 5.0-litres with the rear seat in-place to 490-litres. And the rear seat now folds electronically and split-folds 40:20:40 for extra versatility.
Likewise the tailgate which is now electronic and affords hands-free operation via a Ford Kuga-like ‘soccer kick’ under the rear bumper.
Weight is also down by 65kgs over the current model thanks to aluminium content of 49 per-cent.
Inside are the modern good looks and high quality materials of the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan and features include a head-up display and the high-tech smartphone type touchpad controls with a 65x45mm control surface built into the handrest of the central control panel. The Estate also gains the sedan’s infotainment system with interactive satellite navigation and Google Maps.
Petrol and diesel engines are on average 20 per-cent more fuel efficient with ECO start/stop standard and they all comply with the Euro VI emissions standards.
The European lineup includes the C 300 BlueTEC diesel hybrid, some four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines and of course the six-cylinder petrol powerplant.
Underneath is a new four-link front suspension and, for the first time in a C-Class AirMATIC air suspension is available as an option to the regular steel-sprung suspension. The C-Class Estate also scores the new electromechanical Direct-Steer system.
Safety is also boosted thanks to the addition of the driver aids we know from the S-Class and E-Class models such as Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop & Go Pilot, Cross Traffic Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist.
Australian launch is scheduled for late this year.
