During the concept phase for the new Estate, the designers and engineers at Mercedes-Benz took the expectations of the brand’s customers as their yardstick. Consequently, spaciousness, versatility and functionality were given top priority. Compared to its predecessor, the rear of the new Estate is slanted far more steeply, a crucial factor for enlarging the vehicle’s load volume. This now varies between 485 and 1500 litres (VDA measuring method), depending on the position of the 1/3 : 2/3 split-folding rear seat — more than any of the model’s rivals in this class of premium estate car are able to offer. Measured against the outgoing C-Class Estate, load capacity has been increased by as much as 146 liters.

This makes the Estate a thoroughly practical vehicle in every respect. It is able to accommodate, for example, four golf bags including trolleys, nine large packing cases or a total of 44 drinks crates each containing six 1-litre juice bottles. The largest possible cuboid that fits into the load compartment now has a volume of 827 litres - that is an increase of 66 liters compared to the previous model and between 50 and 100 litres more than other premium estate models in this class are able to handle. The maximum utilizable interior length is a whole 2.82 meters, as measured between the tailgate and the front passenger footwell — 17 centimeters more than previously.

It even has a new benchmark figure for its maximum load capacity of 1500 liters.

Convenient loading: EASY-PACK tailgate and load-securing kit

Thanks to a host of practical details, the new Mercedes Estate can be loaded more easily, more conveniently and more safely. For instance, two bag hooks and four rings for anchoring loads are included in the load compartment as standard. Stowage compartments with net covers and a collapsible shopping crate can likewise be found in all models, as can the combined luggage cover and retaining net. The new EASY-PACK tailgate opens and closes as the push of a button, representing a first in this segment. Finally, the optional EASY-PACK load-securing kit presents drivers with even more possibilities for both partitioning the load compartment — that measures around 1.80 meters long and up to 1.20 meters wide — and for securing the load being carried. The new C-Class Estate also makes a perfectly good towing vehicle and, indeed, offers a class-beating towing capacity of as much as 1800 kilograms. The self-leveling suspension that is optionally available keeps the vehicle at a constant ride height regardless of the load it is carrying. Convenient loading: EASY-PACK tailgate and load-securing kit

Source: Mercedes Benz

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 19th, 2007 at 7:14 am and is filed under Mercedes Benz C-Class, Mercedes Benz News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.