The new C-Class was an award winner even before it was released, earning an Environmental Certificate from German certification authority TÜV earlier this year. First revealed in January, the new saloon enjoyed a rapturous reception at this year’s Geneva Motor Show.

This all-new car, model code W204, replaces the immensely successful W203 variant, which has been on sale in Australia for almost seven years. Global sales of the outgoing C-Class have totalled more than 1.4 million, with more than 32,000 Australian customers choosing the C-Class since 2000, making it the most popular Mercedes-Benz in the Australian model catalogue.

The all new C-Class sedan range offers Australian customers three different models at time of release: the C 200 Kompressor, the C 220 CDI Turbo Diesel and the C 280 petrol V6.

The C 200 Kompressor and C 220 CDI come fitted with the traditional CLASSIC model line as standard equipment but customers can choose either a more luxury-oriented finish by selecting the Elegance model line or a more sporty cut with the Avantgarde design and equipment line, which sees the famous three-pointed star located centrally in the car’s front grille, a design feature traditionally reserved for sports cars in the Mercedes range.

The C 280 V6 is fitted with the Elegance model line as standard equipment, with the sporty Avantgarde design and equipment line a no-cost optional alternative.

All Australian-delivered C-Class models proudly list an expansive specification list, highlighting that the value of the new C-Class is certainly a true match for its new style and agility.

Features that maximise luxury, performance and safety abound in the new model. For example, all cars come with ESP® Electronic Stability Programme, PARKTRONIC, Parameter Steering, eight airbags and Mercedes’ brilliant PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection system as standard equipment, to name only a few. Additionally, all models come fitted with Mercedes’ new AGILITY CONTROL suspension, an innovative system which controls the car’s shock absorber forces according to the driving situation, optimising comfort and agility in equal measures.

Mercedes-Benz has managed to price the all-new C-Class range sharply, especially considering its completely-new ground-up design and generous levels of standard equipment across all three models.

Commenting on the new model’s pricing, Horst von Sanden expressed excitement at the fact the new C-Class enters the Australian market at a price lower than the outgoing C 180 Kompressor.

“This is a great announcement to make because I know so many customers have been waiting for this great news,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

“The all-new C-Class is such an impressive car and now our new model proposition is even more compelling. With such an extensive level of standard equipment, this all-new car has an abundance of value to match its style, luxury, safety and driving agility.”

Australian recommended retail prices for the all-new C-Class are as follows (all with automatic transmission):

C 200 Kompressor CLASSIC	$56,990
C 220 CDI CLASSIC	$60,300
C 280 ELEGANCE	$85,000

The C-Class sedan range includes the following standard equipment:

C 200 Kompressor Sedan & C 220 CDI Sedan

• PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system
• ESP® Electronic Stability Programme
• Eight airbags (adaptive airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags for the front occupants and rear side airbags for the outer rear occupants, and two large windowbags from the A- to the C-Pillars)
• NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints
• 5-speed automatic transmission (6-speed manual available)
• 16-inch 7-spoke light alloy wheels
• AGILITY CONTROL suspension
• Full ARTICO man-made leather upholstery
• Parameter steering
• PARKTRONIC parking aid system
• THERMATIC dual-zone climate control
• Rain-sensing windscreen wipers
• Leather steering wheel and shift knob
• Multi-function steering wheel and cruise control
• Audio 20 sound system with 6 x CD-stacker
• Universal Handy Interface (UHI) mobile telephone facility

C 280 Sedan

As per C 200 Kompressor and C 220 CDI but also includes the following additional equipment:

• COMAND Cockpit Management and Data System (incorporates DVD navigation, CD player, AM/FM radio and telephone functionality)
• LINGUATRONIC voice control for audio and telephone systems
• Full leather upholstery
• 17-inch multi-spoke light alloy wheels
• Memory function for front electric seats

The following lists detail the features of the ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE design and equipment lines available for the C-Class sedan range:

ELEGANCE Model Line - $3,500 (C 200 Kompressor, C 220 CDI), standard on C 280

• 16-inch light alloy wheels in multi-spoke design
• Burr Walnut interior timber trim
• Automatically dimming rear vision mirrors
• Electrically folding external rear vision mirrors

AVANTGARDE Model Line - $5,700 (C 200 Kompressor, C 220 CDI), no-cost option for C 280

• 17-inch light alloy wheels in a 5 x twin-spoke design
• Bird’s Eye dark interior timber trim
• Full leather upholstery
• Automatically dimming rear vision mirrors
• Electrically folding external rear vision mirrors

Also available are two special option packages: The AMG Sports Package and the Vision Package. They are detailed below.

AMG Sports Package - $12,000 (C 200 Kompressor, C 220 CDI), $6,300 (C 280)

• Includes the Avantgarde design and equipment line
• AMG Body Styling (front apron, rear apron and side skirts)
• 17-inch light alloy wheels in AMG 6 x twin-spoke design
• Larger cross-drilled brakes with embossed callipers
• Sports seats – front
• 3-spoke sports steering wheel
• Steering wheel-mounted gear shift (paddle-shift - automatic transmission only)
• Stainless steel pedals with rubber studs
• Black fabric roof lining
• Gear shift lever finished in aluminium trim

Vision Package - $4,500 (all models)

• Bi-Xenon headlamps with cornering light function
• Glass electric sunroof with tilt and slide functions
• Harmon Kardon LOGIC7® surround sound system