The new C-Class Sedan
This is how inspiring the comfort zone can be
Welcome to a new, even more digital and efficient world, and welcome home: the new C-Class stands for both, and in all respects creates a future-proof comfort zone in a time of worldwide transformation. The new C-Class is the first classic Mercedes-Benz model series to be fully electrified thanks to an integrated starter- generator and a 48-volt technology. It also sets standards with respect to sustainability. And because the C- Class is one of the company’s highest-volume model series, this systematic electrification has a correspondingly strong effect on our carbon footprint. The all-new 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan will arrive in U.S. dealerships in early 2022.
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 its short front overhang, long wheelbase and rear overhang. The sporty hood with power domes accentuates this appearance of forward motion. The windshield and passenger cell have been moved to the rear for these classic proportions known in the industry as “cab-backward design.” The preceding model already represented a great step forward in terms of a high-value appeal in the interior, and the new C-Class goes even further with respect to modern luxury. The interior adopts highlights from the new S-Class, adding a sporty touch.
Exterior design: Profile with attractive light effects
When viewed from the side, elaborately sculptured surfaces create unique light effects. Conversely, the designers have reduced lines to a minimum, which accentuates the catwalk line or shoulder line even more. Other features producing the sporty, superior appearance include the wide track width and the flush 18- and 19-inch wheels in modern designs.
The brand’s hallmark radiator grille characterizes the front. All models feature a central star, with the design and character of the radiator grille differing in the details. With the standard exterior, there are decorative elements in the louvres, while the radiator grille and front bumper feature chrome surrounds. The distinguishing feature of the AMG Line is the striking diamond grille with the star design in chrome.
At the rear end, the high-quality design of the tail lamps fascinates with an unmistakable day and night appearance. For the first time, the tail lamps have a two-piece design on the C-Class, with the light functions divided between the side wall and trunk lid. Optional or line-specific trim in the rear bumper attractively rounds off the rear view. Several new paint finishes – Starling Blue, Cirrus Silver and Moonlight White, as well as Graphite Grey and Selenite Grey Magno – have been added to the color range.
Interior design: sporty touches thanks to the driver-centered design
The dashboard is divided into an upper and a lower section: into a wing-like section with new, flattened round vents reminiscent of aircraft engine nacelles, and into an opulent expanse of trim. The latter flows from the center console to the dashboard without interruption. Driver-focus adds to the sportiness: the dashboard and central display are slightly tilted towards the driver by six degrees.
The driver area features a 12.3-inch high-resolution display as standard, setting it apart from traditional cockpits with classic round dials.
The paradigm change to digitalization 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 as standard.
Surrounded by lustrous jet black trim, the central display extends seamlessly to the center console. A refined finishing detail, a high-quality chrome insert creates a clean divide to the rear, padded section of the armrest.
The modern, minimalist design of the door panels frames both ends of the dashboard. The door center panel with integrated armrest evolves from a vertical surface into a horizontal orientation. Reflecting the design of the center console, the front section takes the form of a metallic high-tech element. It can be used as a grab or closing handle, and houses the power window controls. Another highlight is the floating control cluster, into which the door opener and seat adjustment controls are integrated.
The special seat design in the new C-Class uses layers and enveloping surfaces to create a visual impression of lightness. The head restraints are a completely new design and are attached to the backrest with a sealed piece of trim.
A dashboard covered with MB-Tex and featuring luxurious beltlines is available for the C-Class when equipped with AMG Line. The range of available trim options showcases innovative surfaces. These include new interpretations of natural grain veneers in brown tones and a black, and natural grain wood veneer featuring fine inlays of genuine aluminum that follow the dashboard’s contours.
The driver display and media display offer a holistic, aesthetic experience. The look of the screens can be individualized with three display styles (Sporty, Classic and Understated) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service). In “Sporty,” for example, the color red is predominant and the central rev counter has a dynamic design. The new C-Class is equipped with 64-color ambient lighting as standard, with an optionally available enhanced version.
Crash safety: fit for all global requirements
Few models are sold in as many markets as the C-Class, which is currently available in over 100 countries. Around 1,000 load stage variants are therefore examined during the course of development, as all engine and body variants, right and left-hand drive, hybrids or 4-MATIC models meet the same requirements.
Together with the familiar PRE-SAFE® protection concepts for frontal and rear collisions, PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side (available in conjunction with the Driver Assistance Package) forms a kind of virtual crumple zone that extends all around the vehicle. As only a limited crumple zone is available in the case of a side impact, PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side can move the affected driver or front passenger away from the acute danger zone even before the crash as soon as the system detects that a side collision is immediately imminent. For this purpose, air chambers in the side bolsters of the front seat backrest are inflated in fractions of a second.
Overall, the safety concept of the C-Class is based on an intelligently designed body shell with a particularly rigid passenger cell and crash structures that deform in a specific way, acting together with seat belts and airbag systems. In the event of an accident, systems such as belt tensioners and airbags can be activated to protect the occupants as the situation demands. With the help of numerical simulations, the vehicle structure was configured to ensure excellent occupant protection in the event of a crash. In all aspects of the vehicle configuration that are relevant in an accident, the legal requirements were further bolstered by internal testing requirements and test criteria derived from the findings from real-life accident scenarios.
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