German Car Zone

siko · 09-20-2007, 10:54 AM

Mercedes C Class Estate: Production Launched & Pricing Announced
Press Release

Bremen plant launches production of new Mercedes-Benz C-Class station wagon

Last weekend, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class station wagon that was unveiled at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt/Main celebrated its production launch at the plant. The first vehicle rolled off the assembly line during the Friday night shift.

“As our employees successfully mastered the launch of the new C-Class sedan last March, they are well prepared to also bring the station wagon version onto the road in top quality,” said Peter Schabert, head of the plant.

The predecessor of the new C-Class station wagon was phased out at the end of May. The plant’s staff had since then made extensive preparations for the production ramp-up of the new station wagon, which will be manufactured on the same assembly line as the sedan.

Whereas the Series 204 sedan is also manufactured at the Sindelfingen and East London plants, the station wagon will be produced exclusively in Bremen, from where it will be delivered to customers worldwide.

“We’re extremely proud that Bremen is the home for all C-Class station wagons worldwide,” added Schabert.

Just like the new sedan, the station wagon version of the new C-Class has also been awarded an Environmental Certificate, which attests to its environmentally oriented development process that conforms with the international ISO standard.

The station wagon takes the trademark strengths of the sedan, such as safety, agility and comfort, and combines them with a significant increase in spaciousness and versatility. Motorists can begin to place their orders for the new station wagon at Mercedes-Benz sales and service outlets and dealerships following the IAA in September.

New C-Class Estate from 31,713.50 euros

The new C-Class Estate, which will celebrate its world premiere at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), costs between 31,713.50 and 47,124 euros* in Germany, depending on engine version.

The new estate/saloon offers the largest loading volume (up to 1500 litres) and most diverse range of engine variants and equipment packages of all premium estate vehicles in this market segment. For instance, customers can choose between three turbo-diesels which consume up to twelve percent less fuel compared with their predecessor. The new C 200 CDI Estate (100 kW/136 hp), which uses only 6.0 litres per 100 kilometres, and the C 220 CDI Estate, which makes do with just 6.1 litres, cost 33,617.50 and 35,938 euros*, respectively. The C 320 CDI Estate (42,483 euros*) is optionally available with permanent all-wheel drive and costs 47,124 euros* in the 4MATIC version with seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.

With its petrol-engined versions, Mercedes-Benz has achieved fuel savings of over ten percent in comparison with the predecessor models. There is a choice of two four-cylinder variants with 115 kW/156 hp and 135 kW/183 hp as well as three V6 models with power outputs from 150 kW/204 hp to 200 kW/272 hp. The T Estate prices are 31,713.50 euros for the C 180 KOMPRESSOR and 46,053 euros* for the C 350 version, which is equipped as standard with a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Even the standard equipment package on the new C-Class Estate includes a host of technical innovations such as the AGILITY CONTROL suspension system with situation-responsive shock absorber control, the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system with extra functions for added safety and comfort as well as THERMATIC automatic climate control with dual-zone air-conditioning. As far as safety is concerned, the new estate vehicle leads the way in this vehicle class with, among other things, seven airbags as standard, crash-active NECK-PRO head restraints and flashing brake lights.

The ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines, which cost between 1999.20 and 2118.20 euros extra depending on engine variant, include additional equipment details such as comfort multifunction steering wheel, 4.5" display in the cockpit, light alloy rims, wide base tyres of size 205/55 R 16 (ELEGANCE) and 225/45 R 17 (AVANTGARDE), trim parts in fine wood (ELEGANCE) or aluminium (AVANTGARDE) as well as a silver-coloured roof railing. The C 320 CDI, C 320 CDI 4MATIC and C 350 V6 models are available from Mercedes-Benz as standard in the ELEGANCE or AVANTGARDE line.

In combination with the AMG sport package , the new C-Class Estate features, among other things, front sport seats, three-spoke leather steering wheel, sport pedals and shift paddles on the steering wheel. The bodywork is enhanced by front and rear aprons as well as side skirt panels in AMG styling. The body is lowered by 15 millimetres as a result of the sports suspension package with 17-inch light alloy rims and wide base tyres of size 225/45 R 17 (front) and 245/40 R 17 (rear). The AMG sport package costs between 2124.15 and 3367.70 euros* ex works, depending on engine version and equipment line.

Technical innovations from the luxury class

The Estate is optionally available with a series of innovations from top Mercedes models which provide even greater safety, comfort and agility - from the Intelligent Light System (1457.75 euros*) and PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection (392.70 euros*) through multicontour front seats (452.20 euros*) and panoramic sliding sunroof (1898.05 euros*) to the COMAND APS multimedia system with hard drive navigation and voice control (3403.40 euros*). A further special option is the dynamic handling package, which allows continuously variable electronic control of the shock absorbers and costs 1118.60 euros*.

The variability of the load compartment and securing of cargo can be even further improved with the EASY-PACK system, which costs 249.90 euros* and includes a fixing kit with aluminium rails, four additional anchoring lugs, telescopic stick

and retractable belt. The new C-Class Estate is optionally also available with a newly developed EASY-PACK boot lid tailgate (416.50 euros*), which opens and closes at the press of a button.

The basic prices* of the new C-Class Estate at a glance:

C 180 KOMPRESSOR - 31,713.50 euros
C 200 KOMPRESSOR -33,796.00 euros
C 230 - 36,176.00 euros
C 280 - 37,366.00 euros
C 350 - 46,053.00 euros
C 200 CDI - 33,617.50 euros
C 220 CDI - 35,938.00 euros
C 320 CDI - 42,483.00 euros
C 320 CDI 4MATIC - 47,124.00 euros

Range of genuine accessories for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate: Twin use for family and business

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate combines high practicality with elegant design and lifestyle attributes. The Classic and Elegance models embody the traditional values, while the Avantgarde version emphasizes the sporty genes of the brand. For both styles the Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH offers a tailor-made accessories range which further enhances the level of individualisation. The outstanding innovations include the “easy-fix” roof carrier system, the space-saving concertina-type folding bag, the 18-inch incenio light-alloy wheels and the wood/leather steering wheel.

Traditional Mercedes-Benz values determine the appearance of the ELEGANCE line with the star standing on the bonnet in the classic fashion. The standard equipment includes two bag hooks, side stowage compartments with nets as covers and the combined luggage cover and retaining net. These practical details are tailored exactly to family and leisure needs. Available options are the new EASY-PACK tailgate, which opens and closes at the push of a button, and the EASY-PACK load-securing kit with four additional load-securing rings, telescopic bar and retractable belt.

Four compartments for optimum tidiness

Even more ingenious stowage options are provided by the new concertina-type folding bag, which divides the load space into four flexible compartments and keeps cargo from sliding around. The robust nylon construction consists of two separate bags, each with a chamber opening downwards, which are slipped over two aluminium frame sections. The two frame sections first are firmly screwed, with no trouble at all, to the optional side floor rails on either side of the load compartment. In longitudinal direction their position is individually adjustable.

Once the bags have been slipped over these retainers, the two halves of the bag can be unfolded like a concertina and then connected with each other in the centre of the load compartment by four Velcro fasteners. The total of four compartments of the bag fully open in the process. The concertina-type folding bag also has loops by which it can be quickly removed and used outside the vehicle, too. If the bag is not needed, the two halves are simply pushed together again like a concertina and fixed to the frame sections by straps to save space. The robust, easy-care nylon fabric is washable. The scope of delivery includes a practical carrying bag with two handles in which the concertina-type folding bag can be safely stored when it is not needed.

Perfectly adaptable new roof carrier system

In order to permit transporting sports and leisure equipment like bicycles, surfboards and snowboards even more conveniently, Mercedes-Benz has developed the new “easy-fix” roof carrier system, which initially is reserved exclusively for the new C-Class Estate. Owing to the well-thought-out design, the “easy-fix” carrier bars automatically adjust to the necessary width of the roof rails. Carrier bar and mounting base simultaneously are attached with the aid of a central tensioning screw, for particular quickness and ease. The supplied torque wrench ensures that the screw is optimally tightened and cannot be inadvertently overtightened. The dynamic design of the “easy-fix” carrier lends emphasis to the sophisticated styling of the new C-Class Estate.

Of course, the aerodynamically optimised Mercedes-Benz roof boxes also can be combined with the new system without any limitations. The tough and easily mounted roof boxes are available in three sizes with capacities of 330, 400 and 450 litres. Especially the family box in XL format is an answer to any transport problem for holidaymaking and recreation purposes: it has enough space to carry the complete skiing equipment, surfing paraphernalia or camping equipment of a family of four.

High-quality gas-operated struts facilitate opening and closing the splash- protected boxes, made of a high-grade plastic. Valuable cargo is well secured inside with the straps provided as standard. Specially designed holder inserts for up to five pairs of skis or practical made-to-measure bag sets additionally make for optimum use of space, tidiness and convenient loading and unloading.

More lifestyle and dynamism

The AVANTGARDE version of the new C-Class Estate emphasises the brand’s sporty side without sacrificing that characteristic Mercedes comfort. The Mercedes star set in the centre of the radiator grille - a styling element used for the first time in an Estate - in conjunction with the broad tyres and aluminium interior trim suggests sportiness and effortless superiority. This design and equipment line appeals to business-minded customers who also stress lifestyle aspects.

An even greater sense of dynamism is conveyed by the incenio designer wheels of Mercedes-Benz. With their progressive design they underscore the versatile Estate’s aura of effortless superiority. Optimising the weight of the wheel reduces unsprung masses, making the response characteristics of the suspension even more direct. The crowning touch is provided by the 18-inch model “Pulaha” , with five slender twin spokes, in siz e 7.5J x 18 ET 47 with 225/40 R18 tyres for the front wheels, and size 8.5J x 18 ET 58 with tyres 245/35 R18 for the rear wheels.

In addition, two further exclusive incenio designer wheels, 17-inch and 16-inch models, are available for the new C-Class Estate. The entire incenio range features a brilliant “sterling silver” paint finish with an impressively deep lustre. All wheels are luxuriously finished with up to four paint coats and optimally protected against corrosion. The light-alloy wheels are either forged or cast in high-grade aluminium alloy and subjected to ten hours of special heat treatment, which significantly increases the strength of the wheels. As with standard equipment, all wheel and tyre sizes are entered in the European Certification of Conformity (COC) or are supplied with equivalent certificates.

Those who wish to further individualise the dynamic look can set accents of their own with the harmoniously matched roof spoiler. This beautifully designed add-on part can be fitted by any Mercedes-Benz dealer with no problem at all and painted the colour of the car. High-gloss chrome-plated exterior mirror housings and door handle recesses along with indicator lamps in chrome look add tasteful highlights.

The spacious interior also can be individually refined to match the exclusive exterior. The four-spoke wood/leather steering wheel emphasises dynamic elegance and affords additional comfort with a thumb rest. It can be had in any of the three fine woods bird’s-eye maple, eucalyptus or burr walnut to go together with the rest of the interior. Illuminated door sill panels made of brushed stainless steel let the “Mercedes-Benz” lettering gleam in blue every time the doors open.

Convenient phone use via Bluetooth® link

The high-end Bluetooth® telephony solution permits almost unlimited freedom of phone use. With the phone module Bluetooth® SAP Profile on board, your mobile phone can simply stay put in your jacket pocket or handbag. The connection to the vehicle is set up fully automatically and wirelessly via Bluetooth ® radio. The module has merely one pushbutton which initiates the so-called pairing process to establish the very first connection between mobile phone and module. Afterwards the connection always functions automatically. Thanks to the SAP profile (SIM Access Profile), the phone module automatically accesses the SIM card. In addition, it is possible to access the phone’s internal memory, too, allowing the user to make direct use of data such as stored phone numbers. Owing to integration in the vehicle, the phone functions can be safely and conveniently used via the multifunction steering wheel, the audio system and the central display in the instrument cluster.

Just as comfortably, safely and user-friendly, travellers can take along their personal choice of music on their tours. With the iPod® Interface Kit Mercedes-Benz enables complete incorporation of the Apple iPod® into the car audio system, making direct access to as many as 15,000 stored pieces of music possible. When the iPod® is joined with the interface plug in the glove compartment, the on-board electronics communicate directly with the MP3 player. Networking with the audio system takes place automatically. Switching the player on merely requires pushing a button on the car radio. The driver then navigates through the iPod® menu with the buttons of the standard-fit multifunction steering wheel . The display cluster on the dashboard shows among other things the title being played and the performer as well as the playback mode of the MP3 player.

A special advantage of the Mercedes-Benz solution: other connected devices, for example a CD changer, remain fully functional because the iPod® Interface Kit is connected with the audio system by means of a separate interface. The mobile jukebox is held securely in place by the snug-fitting iPod® cradle, which fits into the glove compartment.

[Source: WCF]