Mercedes-Benz has added extra punch to its C-Class family with the arrival this month of the C 350 Saloon, boasting 200 kW, and the all new 2.5-litre V6-powered C 230 Saloon, Estate and Sports Coupé.

The new engine introduction coincides with the arrival of the 2006 model year C-Class, which includes improved levels of standard equipment such as the inclusion of 16” light alloy wheels on the entry level C 180 KOMPRESSOR.

The new, more powerful additions, part of the company’s V6 engine offensive, will give C-Class buyers the chance to experience the popular new generation of V6 engines which were first introduced to Australia in the SLK 350.

For the first time, a V6 engine joins the C-Class Estate line-up in the form of the new 2.5-litre C 230, complementing the availability of the new engines in the Saloon (C350 and C 230) and Sports Coupé (C 230).

Since the launch of the C-Class in 2000 Mercedes-Benz has won over more than 25,000 C-Class drivers in Australia with its successful mix of modern technology, sporty agility and exceptional comfort. Worldwide sales of the C-Class have exceeded 1.6 million, the most successful model class for Mercedes-Benz over such a short period of time.

The new V6 C 350 Saloon will ensure that the C-Class pulls even further ahead on performance, dynamism and driving excitement, while at the same time setting new standards on fuel economy, coupled with exceptional ride quality.

Maximum power of the C 350 Saloon is an impressive 200 kW and maximum torque of 350 newton metres.

The new C 350 delivers approximately 13 per cent more rated torque and 25 per cent more rated power than the previous six-cylinder model in the C-Class. With the standard 7G-TRONIC transmission, the 0 - 100 km/h time is just 6.4 seconds (previous model: 7.7s). Fuel consumption is 10 litres /100 km (ADR 81/01) with premium unleaded petrol, enabling the new six-cylinder C-Class model to outshine its predecessor model with regard to fuel economy.

The C 350 is available in either Elegance or Avantgarde with an array of standard features including NECK-PRO active front head restraints, THERMOTRONIC four zone climate control, COMAND, full leather upholstery, metallic paint and MP3 compatible CD changer for 6 CD’s.

An attractive introduction to six-cylinder performance: The new C 230

With an output of 150 kW, the new 2.5-litre V6 C 230 displays exemplary torque characteristics, delivering a peak of 245 newton metres across a broad rpm range (2,900 – 5,500), thereby providing powerful acceleration and rapid sprints. From a standing start, the C 230 accelerates to 100 km/h in just 8.4 seconds (Saloon). Fuel consumption is at 9.6 litres /100km (ADR 81/01) with premium unleaded petrol.

The C-Class range covers not only the sporty yet elegant Saloon, but also the highly versatile Estate and the youthful, dynamic Sports Coupé all of which are now available with the powerful new V6 C 230 engine variant.

The C 230 comes standard with the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. Further highlights in the extensive range of standard equipment also includes NECK-PRO, 17” light alloy wheels and parameter steering in addition to the long list of both safety and comfort features.

“The new V6 powered C 230 and C 350 will further increase the appeal of our most successful model class,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“We are delighted to introduce the powerful new V6 engine into the C-Class range as it has already proven to be very popular in both the SLK-Class and E-Class,” said von Sanden.

The arrival of the new V6 engine upgrades for the C-Class range has provided Mercedes-Benz with the opportunity to enhance standard equipment on some C-Class model variants, most notably, NECK-PRO as standard on all 2006 model year vehicles and 16” light alloy wheels on the entry level C 180 KOMPRESSOR.

Parameter steering is also now standard on the new V6 engine models as well as the C 55 AMG, which also gains the following standard specifications; alarm sensor with interior motion sensor, Harmon Kardon sound system and tyre pressure loss warning system.

Since introduction just over four years ago 25,876 Australians have taken delivery of a current model C-Class with 2,891 units delivered so far this year, proving the popularity of this class in the market.

The two new V6 engines join a successful C-Class engine line up which consists of the C 180 KOMPRESSOR, C 200 KOMPRESSOR, C 220 CDI and the C 55 AMG.

Pricing
Saloon

C 180 KOMPRESSOR	Classic	$56,990
C 200 KOMPRESSOR	Classic	$63,990
C 220 CDI	Classic	$68,490
C 230	Elegance	$76,990
C 350	Elegance	$99,990
C 55 AMG	$159,900

Estate

C 200	Classic	$68,390
C 230	Elegance	$79,990

Sports Coupé

C 180 KOMPRESSOR		$54,890
C 200 KOMPRESSOR		$61,990
C 230	Evolution	$72,990

C 230 engine specifications

Cylinders	V6
Cc	2,496 cc
Output	150kw
Max. torque	245Nm at 2,900-5,500rpm
Transmission	7G-TRONIC
0-100 km/h	8.4 seconds (Saloon)
l/100km ADR 81/01	9.6 litres

C 350 engine specifications

Cylinders	V6
Cc	3,498 cc
Output	200kw
Max. torque	350Nm
Transmission	7G-TRONIC
0-100 km/h	6.4 seconds (Saloon)
l/100km ADR 81/01	10 litres

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