Mercedes-Benz is planning to launch its C-Class sedan this July, CarToq had earlier reported that the 2012 C-Class will hit the US market this summer and will likely come to India sometime after that.
The new C-Class has more than 2,000 new parts when compared to the present model according to Motorbeam. The Exterior of the upcoming model has outstanding aerodynamics with class leading cd (drag coefficient) figure of 0.26. The front of the C-Class has bold new grille as featured in the SLS AMG. Also read: Mercedes Benz SL 350 and GL 500 India launch on May 3rd
The lower air intakes have a sporty mesh giving the car a muscular stance. The aluminium hood of the new C-Class reduces the weight of the car. The headlamps feature broad horizontal LED indicator units and LED daytime running lights located in the lower bumper where the fog lamps are usually placed.
The interiors of the new C-Class have a stylish new dashboard with premium fine-grain finish, high resolution colour display on the instrument panel. The luxury feel is emphasized by the new-generation leather steering wheel which was introduced with the all-new CLS and now available as standard in the C-Class.
Among the new C-Class variants, the C250 Sport and the C300 4MATIC Sport come with standard brushed aluminium trims while the C 350 Sport has distinctive Black ash trim.
The C-Class has a new V6 petrol motor for the C350 Sports sedan. This engine belts out 302 hp of maximum power and 273 lb-ft of maximum torque. We expect a marginal increase in fuel efficiency in the new engine. As per US ratings, the new C-Class returns a fuel efficiency of 24 mpg (10.20 km/litre).
The upcoming C-Class gets a total of five new driver assistance systems: Attention Assist, Adaptive High beam Assist, and Park Assist including Parktronic, Lane Keeping Assist and Blind Spot Assist.
Further, the 2012 C-Class is equipped with new generation of telematics featuring improved user-friendliness with larger 3-D displays, phone book transfer, text message display, wireless music via Bluetooth and a USB interface now located in the center armrest.
The new C-Class, when launched in India will take on the Audi A4 and the BMW 3 series.
Earlier, CarToq had reported that Mercedes-Benz is also planning to launch A-Class and B-Class in India. The expected price range of the A Class model is Rs. 15 – 20 lakh. Related: Mercedes small cars India launch confirmed
In India, among the German trio (Benz, BMW & Audi) BMW is presently leading the price game as it offers X1 5-seater SUV at a starting price of Rs. 22 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).