The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a sporty agility with its shock absorbers that change with the driving situation.

The unique blend of agility and comfort that forms one of the exceptional strengths of the new C-Class is basically down to the standard-fit AGILITY CONTROL package. This features shock absorbers which automatically adapt to the current driving situation for a noticeable improvement in ride comfort when driving normally. As soon as a more dynamic driving style is adopted, on the other hand, the maximum damping forces are set to stabilize the Estate effectively. A steering system that is six per cent more direct and a short-throw six-speed manual transmission also form part of the AGILITY CONTROL package.

The dynamic handling package that is available as an option bestows the new
C-Class Estate with a degree of agility worthy of out-and-out sports cars. The driver is able to choose from two drive modes which determine the fundamental suspension characteristic: Comfort and Sport. Within these modes, the shock absorbers at each wheel are regulated by means of an infinitely variable electronic control. What’s more, the body is lowered by 15 millimeters and the suspension equipped with shorter springs and thicker torsion bars. The dynamic handling package also encompasses the new speed-sensitive power steering with a more direct ratio and variable centring.

The body index devised by engineers at Mercedes clearly illustrates just how agilely the new C-Class Estate performs out on the road. This index is calculated from the readings for various driving maneuvers, thereby forming a new composite formula for a vehicle’s dynamic handling abilities. The larger the body index, the better the suspension is linked to the body and the firmer the suspension’s tuning. The standard AGILITY CONTROL suspension gives the C-Class a body index of 1.91 to 2.01 hertz, while the new model attains sports-car-like values of up to 2.46 hertz with the dynamic handling package fitted.

Kitting out the new Estate with the AMG sports package adds a sports suspension with shorter springs and firmer shock absorbers to the specification, along with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. The body is also dropped by 15 millimeters.

Source: Mercedes Benz

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

The market debut of the Saloon had been made just a few months earlier and now Mercedes-Benz is revealing its Estate version for its C-Class line. The Estate sports the Saloon’s trademark strong points like its safety, comfort and agility. These are then combined with a considerable increase in versatility and space. It is now able to hold a maximum load capacity of 1500 liters, making it the premium-class estate segment in this market segment to have the largest load capacity. Because of that, it also offers a lot of features that are specifically for the comfort of loading and safe transportation such as a tailgate that’s automatically closing and opening with just a push of a button. Its official NEDC consumption is 6.0 liters/100 kilometers, thus, the new C 200 CDI can make its single tank of fuel (66 liters) cover 1000 kilometers. The Estate version is just like the Saloon as it has also been awarded an Environmental Certificate. It attests to the environmentally oriented development process as it corresponds with the international ISO standard. When it comes to safety, the new Estate has PRE-SAFE and the Intelligent Light System, thus it prides itself as the safest car in its vehicle class. The standard specifications of the new Estate in its safety system include seven airbags, belt force limiters, belt tensioners, and crash-responsive NECK PRO head restraints.

For the design and equipment lines, the new Estate has taken the customer-focused concept of the C-Class Saloon. Three models highlight the comfort and agility of the vehicle and these are the Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde. The Elegance model features a three-dimensional louvred radiator grill and its exterior is emphasized by its high-gloss paint finish. In the radiator grill of the Avantgarde model, the large Mercedes star logo is situated in the center to highlight the model’s sporty and agile nature. On the other hand, the Classic model is made to have more traditional look and be more restrained.

The development of the Mercedes-Ben C-Class has been made to focus on environmental considerations as it has a 12 percent cut in its fuel consumption. Its efforts and development have been confirmed as it was awarded the Environmental Certificate by the TÜV Technical Inspection Authority in Germany. The German automaker is proud to eb the only automotive brand in the world to be recognized by the said certificate as it was able to comply with the terms set forth by the ISO standard 14062 for environmentally acceptable product development.

The C-Class Estate sports either a redeveloped engine or a brand new one under its hood. Thus, it is able to have 12 percent less fuel consumption than its previous generation.

Source: Mercedes-Benz press Release via Autoblog

Car enthusiasts would think that a new C-Class is enough for Mercedes-Benz, but there are still so many possibilities. In fact, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has released a special edition version of the much-awaited awaited 2008 C350 Sport Sedan in order to raise funds for Saks Fifth Avenue’s KEY TO THE CURE, a women’s cancer initiative developed in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s (EIF) Women’s Cancer Research Fund. MBUSA will be contributing $1 million as a national sponsor of the fund raiser. The company will do this through the sale of 1,000 exclusive C-Class vehicles scheduled to arrive at Mercedes-Benz dealerships this month. It was reported that the sales of the limited edition of MB C-Class will help the programs dedicated to finding new detection methods, treatments and a cure for women’s cancers nationwide. MBSUSA has been part of Saks Fifth Avenue’s KEY TO THE CURE for five consecutive years and has contributed $5 million for women’s cancer research.
The new 2008 C350 Sport Sedan is packed with the right power in a 268- horsepower, 3.5 liter V-6 engine and state-of-the-art technology available today. It also features a Sahara Beige and Black leather interior specially made for Saks Fifth Avenue’s KEY TO THE CURE.  Not only will it give the right drive and performance, car enthusiasts will also get a chance to help fight cancer.

The Special Edition C350 is all set with an Obsidian Black Metallic Paint, Exclusive Sahara Beige / Black Leather Interior, 18 inch AMG twin-spoke aluminum alloy wheels, Multimedia Package that includes HDD Navigation, Harman Kardon sound system, DVD changer, Voice Control and an iPod Integration Kit.

A sportier look is what the Special Edition C350 Sport Sedan sets apart among the rest with its AMG lower bodywork and rear spoiler. It continues in the interior with a sportier gauges, sport steering wheel and pedals. Along with the styling and performance elements of the new Sport Sedan, it also includes several standard equipments such as, power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support, two-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a central controller, and an LCD display screen.  SIRIUS satellite radio, heated front seats, rain sensor, garage door opener, and power-folding and auto dimming mirrors.

In September 10, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) will begin airing the broadcast advertising components for the all-new 2008 C-Class. This is said to be the most significant marketing campaign in recent years. These new commercials from Mercedes-Benz will introduce the newest vehicle in its diverse product portfolio by asking, “Why did we devote seven years to creating the new C-Class?” The answer: “Because we promised you a Mercedes-Benz.”

The theme used throughout the broadcast and print executions informs buyers that through and through, the entry-luxury C-Class is every bit a Mercedes-Benz.

“This is one of our most critical launch campaigns in recent years,” said Steve Cannon, vice president of marketing for MBUSA. “The 2008 C-Class raises the bar in the entry-luxury segment and is the gateway to the Mercedes-Benz brand for many of our customers — a good number of whom will move up through the brand over the next decade and beyond. When you combine that with the fact that once our customers join the brand, they tend to stay, then you understand why the C-Class is so crucial to us at Mercedes-Benz.”

The advertising campaign includes two national television spots, two radio spots, and five print ads, with regional versions of each produced as well. The commercials are scheduled to air on both network television and national cable stations, beginning Monday, September 10, and they will continue airing through November 4th on various top-rated programs like CSI, Grey’s Anatomy, Law & Order, and Ugly Betty, as well as the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards. Spots will also air on national cable channels including Bravo, ESPN, and National Geographic.

Meanwhile, Print advertising will run in major magazines, primarily focused on lifestyle, technology, travel, shelter, sports and business publications such as BusinessWeek, Conde Nast Traveler, Domino, Fast Company, Gourmet, New Yorker, Self, Sports Illustrated, and Wired. Newspaper advertising includes USA Today and The Wall Street Journal.

Engineering, safety features, design and luxury amenities is what Mercedes-Benz 2008 C-Class is all about.

By focusing on performance, Mercedes aims to show potential buyers that its entry-level offering, at a starting price of $31,975, is as solid and dependable as its most expensive models, according to Steve Cannon, V, marketing at Mercedes Benz USA. “It all comes back to product,” said Cannon. “This isn’t a shared platform. This is a Mercedes-Benz.”

One version of the new C-Class has been redesigned to look more “sporty,” with, for example, the Mercedes mark incorporated into the face of the front end but no hood ornament. And that version—which Mercedes hopes will appeal in particular to first-time buyers—appears in most of the new ads.

Besides two TV executions, which break Sept. 10, the campaign includes radio, print, outdoor, direct mail, Internet banners, a microsite, test-drive events and product placement in the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures’ film, National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

Cannon declined to provide a budget for the effort, the first phase of which will extend into early 2008. But he described the campaign as the “biggest launch ever,” with spots running on network TV for the first time in years.

Last year, Mercedes spent more than $200 million in major measured media on all models, including more than $33 million on the C-Class alone, according to Nielsen-Monitor Plus. Mercedes spending in the first half of 2007 totaled $75 million, per Nielsen.

Mercedes’ core target for the C-Class is 35 to 45 years old, equally male and female, educated and with a household income of about $100,000, according to Cannon.