The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class: C-Class at its best

The all-new C-Class heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes-Benz success story and sets new standards in the premium mid?range class. Thanks to an intelligent lightweight design concept boasting weight savings of up to 100 kilograms, excellent aerodynamics and new, economical engines, the C-Class establishes new benchmarks in its class. A host of new assistance systems offer safety of the highest standard, while a new suspension, optionally air-sprung, provides for exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling. In terms of appearance the new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its high-class interior. Many other innovations and interior touches underscore the saloon's energising comfort and refined sportiness. In all, the perceived quality of the new C?Class feels like an �upgrade to a higher class of travel�. The new C-Class Saloon is available for ordering now. The model range will initially comprise the C 180 from 33,558.- euros, the C 200 from 36,414.- euros and the C 220 BlueTEC from 38,675.- euros, (prices in Germany incl. 19% VAT in each case).

The C-Class is the biggest-selling model series from Mercedes-Benz. Sales of the preceding model, which was launched in 2007, total over 2.4 million. The new C-Class offers sensual and clear design and a host of technical innovations as well as a comprehensive scope of standard equipment and exemplary emission and fuel consumption values. This all adds up to substantial added value and long-term savings on motor vehicle tax and at the filling station.

"Mercedes at its best - that's the new C-Class, which sets new standards for the mid-range segment on many fronts," says Prof. Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "It is characterised by an emotional yet clear design which is continued in the high-quality and modern interior. Its efficient and high-performance engineering provides the basis for a high standard of driving enjoyment."

Ola K�llenius, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars, adds: "The new C-Class embodies Mercedes-Benz's claim "The best or nothing" in uncompromising style. This is immediately apparent when encountering our new saloon for the first time, as it creates the impression that one is sitting in a higher class of automobile. I am sure that our customers will be delighted by the high-class appeal and agility of the new C-Class."

The C-Class has grown to take account of people's increasing average height. With an 80-millimetre increase in the wheelbase (2840 millimetres) compared with the previous model, the vehicle is 95 millimetres longer (4686 millimetres) and 40 millimetres wider (1810 millimetres). The resultant additional space benefits first and foremost the rear passengers, who now travel in even greater comfort. The new C-Class also outstrips its predecessor in terms of boot capacity, at 480 litres (in accordance with ISO 3832).

Sensual purity and purist forms

On a visual level, the new C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor. Its striking, dynamic design exudes sensual purity and arouses emotions. Modern aesthetic was a source of inspiration for the new saloon's sensuous lines and surfaces, whose harmony and dynamism create an immediate effect. The designers have created minimalist, purist forms for the C-Class which emphasise its intelligent technology and engineering. The clearly defined surfaces deliberately display a degree of tension, lending them a modern and emotional character. Precise lines and sculptural surfaces create progressive light and shade effects.

As Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design Daimler AG, notes: "The new C-Class showcases automotive passion by way of a contemporary design idiom. Progressive and emotional highlights underscore the ground-breaking design style of the new C-Class and demonstrate sensual purity. The new C-Class interprets modern luxury on a new level."

In the side view a long bonnet, a passenger compartment set well back and short overhangs define the C-Class's classic, well-balanced Mercedes-Benz saloon proportions. Large wheels emphasize the rear and communicate a stylishly sporty character.

There is a choice of two different faces: sporty with centrally positioned star or � for the EXCLUSIVE line only � the classic saloon radiator grille featuring the Mercedes star on the bonnet. The fins of the radiator grille can be closed completely to optimise the vehicle's Cd value, highlighting the status of this cultivated saloon in duly self-assured style.

The new C-Class comes with H7 halogen headlamps as standard. In addition to the standard-fit headlamps, two energy-saving LED variants are available: a static system and a dynamic version with "LED Intelligent Light System". The characteristic night design lends the new C-Class its very own distinctive look in the dark, too. The rear lamp and brake light in the tail lights feature LED technology in all headlamp versions.

High-class interior with fine details

The Mercedes-Benz designers have styled the interior on a level which is rarely encountered even in higher vehicle categories. This applies to the carefully chosen high-class materials and their pleasant touch and feel as well as the precision of the finely crafted details. The interior also embodies a new design idiom which combines sensuousness and purity perfectly with dynamic sportiness and contributes to the quality feel of the interior.

The driver and front passenger enjoy plenty of space and luxury in a discreet, modern guise on board the new C-Class. This gives rise to a feel-good atmosphere which is new to this class of vehicle � settling into one�s seat in the C-Class is akin to the uplifting feeling of being upgraded from economy to business class on an aeroplane.

The interior design demonstrates a bold new approach by Mercedes-Benz. Here the designers combine in accomplished style the architecture of Mercedes-Benz sports cars with a totally new centre console featuring flowing lines. In automatic vehicles a large one-piece centre console panel performs an elegant sweep from the centre air vents to the armrest. These seamless clear-cut lines create a sense of open space and convey a thrillingly purist and modern feel.

On vehicles with manual transmission the centre console is slightly steeper and features two separate trim elements in order to create ample space for ergonomic operation of the shift lever.

A centrally positioned free-standing central display is the main eye-catching feature across the centre console � with a screen diagonal of 17.78 centimetres (7 inches), or 21.33 centimetres (8.4 inches) if COMAND Online is specified.

Five round air vents lend the dashboard a sporty touch. With their metallic cool-touch effect they create a fascinating, tangible contrast to the warm look of the other materials � such as the wood in the centre console or the leather on the dashboard. The "upgrade" feel duly continues with the controls. All switches feature a high-quality, three-dimensional design befitting a luxury vehicle and benefit from a clear layout.

The innovative touchpad in the handrest over the Controller on the centre tunnel marks a further evolutionary step developed in-house at Mercedes-Benz. As on a smartphone, this provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting � in any language. The user receives clear haptic feedback when operating the touchpad's control surface, which is highly conducive to genuine intuitive use.

A head-up display is also new to the C-Class. Like in a jet fighter, it displays important information directly in the driver's field of vision on the front windscreen, thus providing for clear legibility and ensuring that the driver is distracted less from the road ahead. The system provides information on vehicle speed, speed limits and navigation instructions and displays messages from DISTRONIC PLUS.

Three different design and equipment lines for the exterior and interior respectively offer further scope for individualisation in addition to the standard equipment and appointments. The AVANTGARDE line showcases the C-Class as a sporty saloon, the EXCLUSIVE line places the emphasis on sophistication and modern luxury and the AMG line lends the C-Class a decidedly sporty character.

Robust yet lightweight bodyshell

The body-in-white of the new C-Class provides an innovative basis for reduced weight, outstanding rigidity, including introduction rigidity for excellent handling, combined with optimum noise and vibration characteristics and a high level of crash safety. Thanks to intelligent and innovative lightweight construction, the aluminium hybrid body is around 70 kg lighter than a conventional steel body. The vehicle's overall weight is even reduced by around 100 kilograms. As such, the new C-Class leads the "lightweight rankings" in its segment. This spawns numerous benefits: the lightweight construction of the new C-Class cuts fuel consumption by up to 20 percent without any loss of performance, while at the same time enabling a lower centre of gravity, which in turn gives rise to the vehicle's noticeably sporty and agile handling.

Mercedes-Benz achieves this feat of lightweight construction by various measures, including a completely new structural design and the use of an unusually high proportion of aluminium for a mass-produced range. The share of aluminium has risen compared with the successful predecessor from under 10 percent to almost 50 percent.

In keeping with Mercedes-Benz traditions, the body is designed for exemplary crash safety. As a result, the saloon complies not only with all current national laws but also with all rating requirements, as well as meeting the more stringent internal Mercedes-Benz safety standards based on what actually happens during accidents.

A high-strength safety passenger compartment forms the core of this concept. It is surrounded by specifically configured and field-tested deformation zones which ensure maximum safety for the occupants by virtue of optimised force paths and a combination of aluminium castings and ultra-high-strength materials. An outer skin consisting almost completely of aluminium provides a protective shell for the body.

Leading the field in aerodynamics and quiet running

Low drag is crucial to achieving outstanding efficiency. From a speed of just under 70 km/h, aerodynamic drag exceeds the sum total of all other driving resistance factors. As such, drag constitutes a major parameter in efforts to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. With a Cd value of 0.24 for the C 220 BlueTEC ECO, the new C-Class Saloon sets a new benchmark in the mid-range segment. The wind noise level, which was already very low in the preceding generation of the C-Class, has been lowered still further.

The engineers have also devoted painstaking attention to optimising other potential sources of disturbance which may have an adverse effect on the driver's and passengers' wellbeing and concentration, even though they may not consciously notice the effects. NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) is the technical term for such nuisance factors. The specialists have optimised the noise characteristics of the interior blower, the power windows, the seat adjustment functions and many other actuation and operating noises, for example. As a result, the new C-Class occupies a benchmark position in its segment.

Outstanding CO2 values with new small diesel engine

Powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines, all equipped with the ECO start/stop function and complying with the Euro 6 emissions standard, provide for lively performance and great driving enjoyment. They also cut fuel consumption by up to 20 percent compared with the preceding model.

Three engine variants are available at the market launch � a diesel in the guise of the C 220 BlueTEC and the two petrol models, C 180 and C 200:

Soon after the market launch, Mercedes-Benz is already set to expand the range of engines substantially. A new small diesel engine with a displacement of 1.6 litres is to be added. Reduced weight, compact design and low specific fuel consumption are among its special merits. Depending on its configuration, the single-stage supercharged four-cylinder engine generates 85 or 100 kW (115 or 136 hp) of power from a cubic capacity of 1598 cc and delivers 280 or 320 Nm of torque. Its common rail direct injection system operates at a maximum injection pressure of 1600 bar. This engine places the new C-Class in a leading position within its segment in terms of CO2 emissions.

In addition to this new small diesel engine, an advanced version of the proven 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is also to become available in several output variants. The diesel engines will then cover an output range from 85 kW (115 hp) to 150 kW (204 hp). The C 220 BlueTEC will also be optionally available with an output of 125 kW (170 hp) as the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. All the diesel engines of the new C-Class are equipped with the established SCR technology (selective catalytic reduction) for particularly environment-friendly driving and ensure that the C-Class models with diesel engines attain efficiency class A at least, and in most cases even efficiency class A+.

BlueDIRECT petrol engines with third-generation direct injection

Five four-cylinder petrol engines rated at 115 to 175 kW (156 to 238 hp) will also be available. These will include the special C 180 ECO Edition model, which qualifies for efficiency class A as the BlueEFFICIENCY Edition. A six-cylinder petrol engine rated at 245 kW (333 hp) will follow in due course.

The BlueDIRECT four-cylinder petrol engines of the C-Class combine spontaneous response and exemplary power delivery with high efficiency and best-in-class emission performance. To this end, Mercedes-Benz has transferred the BlueDIRECT technology from the V6 and V8 engines to the four-cylinder engine. The direct injection system with spray-guided combustion, which was introduced into series production by Mercedes-Benz as the first automotive manufacturer, employs a multiple injection process which is precision-controlled by means of an electronic system. The third-generation direct injection technology is complemented by "fast multiple ignition".

Hybrid with four-cylinder diesel and petrol engine

As in the S and E-Class, Mercedes-Benz will additionally be offering a diesel engine combined with a hybrid module. The C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID with four-cylinder diesel engine and a compact electric motor generates an output of 150 + 20 kW (204 + 27 hp) and runs on only 3.9 litres of diesel per 100 km/h in NEDC combined mode (provisional figure). A further particularly economical hybrid model which is to follow at a later juncture will feature state-of-the-art plug-in technology.

Optimised drive train

Depending on the installed output ratings, Mercedes-Benz is offering two new 6-speed manual transmissions for the four-cylinder engines in the new C-Class which stand apart first and foremost by virtue of their enhanced ease of shifting coupled with increased shifting precision and a harmonious gear-change sequence. Smooth automatic gear shifting is provided by the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission, which has undergone further development at Mercedes-Benz in the interests of enhanced environment-friendliness and driving pleasure.

The 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive system serves to improve traction and driving stability in the C-Class, too, while additionally underscoring the vehicle's refined sportiness.

Suspension � sporty yet comfortable

The suspension on the new C-Class is a totally new development. It provides for nimble and agile handling that makes driving a great pleasure on winding roads while also offering the highest standard of ride comfort in the segment.

A newly designed 4-link front axle plays a major part in the agile handling characteristics. Thanks to the 4-link principle, the front independent suspension is fully decoupled from the spring strut. The resultant favourable axle kinematics allow more grip and higher lateral stability. As a result, the suspension responds more sensitively to steering movements and allows a sporty, agile driving style. An optimised multi-link independent rear suspension with 5-link concept ensures unsurpassed wheel location qualities and supreme straight-line stability.

The new C-Class Saloon is fitted as standard with a steel suspension. Three DIRECT CONTROL suspensions with selective damping system are available in conjunction with this suspension:

- a comfort suspension
- a comfortable Avantgarde suspension with a sportier character
- a sports suspension lowered by 15 millimetres

First air suspension in this category

Alternatively, the new C-Class is the first vehicle in its segment that can be fitted with an air suspension (AIRMATIC) on the front and rear axles. Thanks to electronically controlled, continuous variable damping at the front and rear, it offers outstanding road roar and tyre vibration characteristics even with the vehicle loaded. The driver can use the AGILITY SELECT switch to choose between the various characteristics: "Comfort", "ECO", "Sport" and "Sport+". The additional "Individual" option enables drivers to configure their vehicle according to their own wishes. AIRMATIC also features all-round self-levelling for optimum ride comfort even when the vehicle is loaded.

The new C-Class also comes with an electric parking brake as standard. This brake is released automatically when the driver ends parking mode with the aim of moving off.

Steering with a sporty character

All models of the C-Class family will feature the electromechanical Direct Steer system as standard in future. This combines road-speed-dependent power assistance from the speed-sensitive power steering system with a steering ratio which varies according to the given steering angle. The power steering assistance provided by the rack and pinion steering gear is controlled on-demand, thereby contributing towards efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive: The intelligent car

It is the declared aim of Mercedes-Benz to make the highest standard of safety available to everyone. To this end, the new C-Class incorporates almost all of the new assistance systems with a host of enhanced functions which celebrated their world premiere in the S-Class and E-Class only a few months ago. The assistance systems enhance both comfort and safety. Mercedes-Benz calls this Intelligent Drive.

The new C-Class offers numerous innovative safety and assistance systems. It is fitted as standard with ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness. On motorways, the COMAND system navigation function flags up nearby break options as stopovers, providing the system has been specified in the vehicle. The ATTENTION ASSIST function offers an adjustable level of sensitivity and can inform the driver in a separate view in the instrument cluster about their level of drowsiness and how long they have been driving since their last break.

In addition to Adaptive Brake Assist, which offers protection from collisions from speeds as low as 7 km/h, standard-fit COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS also features an additional function: when a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system is able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, thereby reducing the severity of collisions with slower or stopping vehicles. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

New assistance systems and existing assistance systems with a host of enhanced functions from the new S-Class and E-Class are also optionally available, combining data from various sensor technologies as part of the Intelligent Drive concept to enhance comfort and safety substantially:

- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and integrated Stop&Go Pilot is a semi-automatic traffic jam assistant which at speeds under 60 km/h is able to follow the vehicle ahead even where lane markings are unclear or completely lacking, thus providing a safe and convenient means of following the flow of traffic.

- The BAS PLUS Brake Assist System can now also detect crossing traffic and boost the braking force if the driver fails to apply the brakes sufficiently; the PRE-SAFE� Brake can detect stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, brake automatically if the driver fails to react, thus preventing accidents up to 50 km/h and mitigating the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 72 km/h. In flowing traffic the PRE-SAFE� Brake provides assistance according to the same mode of operation throughout the speed range from 7 to 200 km/h.

- Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist can now also prevent the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of lane when broken lane markings apply and a risk of a collision arises, e.g. as a result of vehicles overtaking at high speed, parallel traffic or even oncoming traffic, by applying the brakes on one side.

The numerous assistance systems also include

- Active Parking Assist, which enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention in both parallel and end-on parking spaces,

- a 360� camera, which is able to show the vehicle and its surroundings from various perspectives, including a virtual bird's eye view,

- Traffic Sign Assist with Wrong-Way Alert, which warns of speed limits and alerts the driver to no-overtaking zones and no-entry signs,

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus, which allows the high-beam headlamps to be kept on permanently without dazzling traffic by masking out other vehicles in the cone of light from the high-beam headlamps.

Airbags for safety

In addition to 3-point seat belts with pyrotechnical belt tensioning and belt force limitation for the driver, the front passenger and those in the outer rear seats, numerous airbags serve to protect the vehicle's occupants in an accident. These include:

- pelvisbags for driver and front passenger
- a newly developed windowbag
- sidebags for the outer rear seats
- a kneebag for the driver

The front passenger seat can additionally be fitted with automatic child seat recognition, which dispenses with the previous transponder in favour of a weight mat. This enables any child seat to be used. The airbag is automatically deactivated when a child seat is fitted and reactivated once it has been removed.

Air conditioning: signals from space

Mercedes-Benz has undertaken systematic further development and substantial improvement of the air conditioning system in the new C-Class. This applies in particular to the control quality, performance, efficiency and air quality. The new C-Class is also the only vehicle in the segment to offer tunnel detection via satellite navigation. It uses the map information from the navigation system and the GPS location data to close the air recirculation flap automatically when the vehicle enters a tunnel, subsequently re-opening it when the vehicle emerges from the tunnel.

Another highlight contributing to a feel-good atmosphere is the AIR-BALANCE package with active fragrancing, air ionisation and more efficient filtration than is available on the standard model.

Vibrant infotainment

A completely new multimedia generation offers intuitive operation in the new C-Class, featuring elaborate animations and visual effects which present all the functions in a clear and highly attractive manner. The new C-Class is also equipped with the unique Frontbass system. This avant-garde acoustic system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers to conjure up a listening experience almost on a par with a concert hall. A Burmester� surround sound system is optionally available.

The navigation system presents its contents in interactive mode. Its features include an animated compass, a "Drive Show" with information for passengers similar to the on-screen presentations on board aeroplanes and Google Maps displayed on the head unit. The navigation system is also able to provide more accurate real-time information about the situation on the roads when it receives its traffic data via internet by means of the "Live Traffic Information" service.

Internet and diverse data sources already available in the basic version

A Bluetooth�-capable mobile phone with data option is all it takes to make theAudio 20 system internet-capable. This enables the internet to be surfed without restrictions when the vehicle is stationary. While on the move, Mercedes-Benz Apps such as Weather, GoogleTM Local Search with StreetView and Panoramio, Destination/Route Download and Facebook can be used.

Audio and video playback is possible from various sources, e.g. via Bluetooth�, from the Apple iPod� and iPhone�, from SD card, USB stick or CD/DVD (with Audio 20 CD or higher and with COMAND Online).

COMAND Online with hotspot functionality

COMAND Online not only offers a larger display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and a special bonded glass cover such as is familiar from consumer devices like the iPhone� or iPad. It also enables digital TV / radio reception, for example, and offers a host of other features including fast hard-disc navigation, automatic tailback avoidance via up-to-date and accurate "Live Traffic Information" traffic data, integrated WLAN hotspot functionality and the LINGUATRONIC voice control system.

Telephony via Bluetooth� as standard

The basic Audio 20 system as well as Audio 20 CD and COMAND Online all offer basic telephony as standard, which links up a mobile phone to the vehicle via a standardised Bluetooth� interface.

Available for ordering now

The new C-Class Saloon can be ordered now from all authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers. The initial range of models available at the market launch comprises the C 220 BlueTEC, starting at 38,675.- euros, the C 180 from 33,558.- euros and the C 200 from 36,414.- euros, (prices in Germany incl. 19% VAT in each case).

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

Michael Schumacher tests the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The record-breaking world champion in SimCity: Last week Michael Schumacher tested the safety systems of the new C-Class at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen. SimCity is a secluded test site where new assistance systems can be tested. Schumacher is a brand ambassador for Mercedes-Benz, and a development partner for Mercedes?Benz Intelligent Drive. This is the collective name the company has given to the networked assistance systems that relieve driver workload and improve traffic safety.

"Nobody is able to give 100% concentration all the time over a longer period to cope with the car and traffic situation. Sometimes just a moment of inattention is enough. And that is precisely why I support intelligent assistance systems for passenger cars," Schumacher says about Intelligent Drive. The record-breaking Formula 1 world champion has given his support to traffic safety projects for many years. "Assistance systems are never distracted and never get tired. Assistance systems have no delay for reaction time. They can save lives."

"With Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive we have ushered in a new era of active safety, and are once again confirming our position as a safety pioneer," says Jochen Hermann, chief engineer responsible for assistance systems and active safety at Mercedes-Benz. "Preventing accidents and minimising their consequences: this is the holistic approach taken by the Mercedes-Benz safety philosophy, which the company refers to collectively as 'Real Life Safety'."

Mercedes-Benz is consistently pursuing this strategy with the C-Class, which has numerous new assistance systems and significantly extended functions. Comfort and safety are enhanced at the same time. The new functions use the same sensor system � a new stereo camera and multi-stage radar sensors.

Schumacher and Hermann intensively discussed the philosophy behind the systems: How rapidly and for how long should the visual warning be given? How intensive should the acoustic warning be? And at what point should the automatic lane-correcting brake application intervene? The central focus of Schumacher's test drives with the C-Class was on assistance systems such as

- COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS: At speeds of 30 km/h and above, it issues a visual warning if the gap between the driver's vehicle and the vehicle ahead is too small, with an additional acoustic warning at 7 km/h and above if there is a danger of collision, and provides an adaptive braking assistance function which, depending on the situation, can boost braking if the driver is not braking hard enough. If the driver does not react, now, for the first time in a series-production system, a collision with slower or stopping vehicles ahead when driving at speeds of up to 200 km/h can be prevented or at least minimised by automatic, autonomous partial braking. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 50 km/h, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 40 km/h.

- DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot helps the driver to maintain a suitable distance, even in stop-and-go traffic. The steering assistance feature is new and helps the driver with lateral control of the vehicle, even on gentle bends, and offers a traffic jam vehicle following function.

- The PRE-SAFE� Brake provides autonomous braking in the absence of a driver reaction. In typical urban driving scenarios, it can prevent collisions with pedestrians or stationary vehicles at speeds of up to approx. 50 km/h; or, at speeds of up to approx. 70 km/h reduce the impact of such collisions.

- Brake Assist PLUS with Cross-Traffic Assist can, depending on the situation, boost the braking strength applied by the driver, if necessary up to full brake application and, for the first time, can also react to crossing traffic and pedestrians.

- Active Blind Spot Assist issues a visual and - if the indicator is activated - an acoustic warning of the presence of a vehicle in the blind spot area; and can prevent a potential side-on collision by applying the brakes unilaterally at the last moment.

- Active Lane Keeping Assist warns against unintentional drifting across a lane through vibrations of the steering wheel; and if the vehicle actually crosses a lane marking, corrects the vehicle's position through unilateral brake application. It also applies the brakes unilaterally if the vehicle drifts across a lane marking and the neighbouring lane has, for example, oncoming traffic, overtaking or overtaken vehicles in it.

For Jochen Hermann, the tests with Michael Schumacher are a useful supplement to the millions of test kilometres in the simulator, on the roads and on test tracks around the world. "It is enormously enjoyable to work with Michael Schumacher. He is not only sensationally good at manoeuvring cars, he has an extraordinary understanding of technology and driving physics combined with the ability to identify potential solutions precisely and rapidly. I think this cooperation will bear a great deal of fruit in the future. Our shared aim is more safety for all road users."

"What I personally find very good is this: it is not necessary to buy an S-Class to obtain the latest systems; instead Mercedes-Benz is rapidly making this technology accessible to many car drivers now - in the new C-Class, for example; or even, in the case of COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST and ATTENTION ASSIST, as standard equipment right from the A-Class upwards. This is an approach I can only applaud � safety must be made available to everyone," Schumacher said after concluding the test drives.

Credits: Daimler AG

Copyright � 2013, Mercedes-Benz-Blog. All rights reserved.

The C-Class as trendsetter in powertrain engineering

The 201 model series was of key importance for the introduction of new internal combustion engines and the testing of drive configurations � a tradition that all subsequent C-Class model series continued seamlessly. It was not just internal combustion engines that won their place in the history of technology in this way. Alternative drives were also tested in the various model series of the Mercedes-Benz compact class. These systems made the vehicles pioneers in forward-looking mobility.

Modern-era diesel drive systems

One of the main reasons behind the success of model series 201 from 1983 onwards were the then newly developed diesel engines with four (OM 601) or five (OM 602) cylinders. They all had the characteristics of a modern compression-ignition drive system � low fuel consumption, low emissions, lower friction losses, low noise emissions � yet they offered a higher engine output and more torque. The turbocharged variant of the OM 602 also successfully dispelled the image that diesel vehicles were ponderous affairs: it propelled the 190 D 2.5 Turbo launched in 1986 from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11.5 seconds.

Another famous feature was the encapsulation of the diesel engines in the 201 model series to reduce noise emissions. This led to the vehicles being given the nickname �whisper diesel�. This sound-minimising package was a key factor behind the diesel engine�s successful march towards greater acceptance and higher volumes.

Model series 202 was then made ready for a big premiere: at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September 1997, Mercedes-Benz ushered in a new era by introducing the first passenger car diesel engine with common-rail injection. The OM 611 in the C 220 CDI was the first engine to be based on this principle, which revolutionised diesel drive and remains the preferred injection concept for compression-ignition engines to this day. It makes the diesel engine even more economical and can be developed even more exactly to ensure low emissions. The Mercedes-Benz abbreviation �CDI� became synonymous with efficient drive systems. From 2003 onwards, all diesel engines in C-Class model series 203 were based on the common-rail principle.

C-Class model series 204 marked another big premiere at the end of 2008: the OM 651 engine, which combined the latest technology with high output, high torque, low fuel consumption and low emissions. It was even later used in the S-Class, making this the first luxury-class vehicle to feature a four-cylinder engine. The engineers enjoyed installing the OM 651 in a test vehicle � a W 201 model from 1982 � firstly to emphasise its role as a pioneer in diesel technology and secondly to underline the progress made in developing the compression-ignition engine over a period of 25 years.

Powering ahead with petrol engines

�Business as usual� � this motto initially applied to the petrol engines for model series 201. The engines had already featured in other Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The four-valve version of the M 102, which premiered in the 190 E 2.3-16 model in 1983, caused a sensation: not only was it the first series-produced petrol engine with four valves for a Mercedes-Benz passenger car, it also proved a success by being installed in some 19,487 vehicles. This engine became the basis for further production development of four-valve engines that have now long been the technological norm.

In 1995, the Mercedes-Benz designers remembered the legendary supercharged engines with belt-driven supercharger. The renaissance of this technology in passenger cars began with the 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine M 111, which had its production premiere in the C 230 Kompressor at the 1995 Frankfurt International Motor Show. The engine was around a fifth more economical than a similarly powered naturally aspirated engine. This technology allowed high torque with low fuel consumption and low emissions.

At the other end of the power spectrum, the C 43 AMG was unveiled in 1997. It was the first vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz compact class to feature a V8 engine. An output of 225 kW (306 hp) speaks for itself � in the language of AMG, Mercedes-Benz�s performance brand. The C 63 AMG model (204 model series) impressively continued this tradition from 2007 onwards. Its 6.2-litre V8 engine (M 156) remains the largest-displacement and highest-torque engine in a compact-class vehicle to this day.

Electric drive in model series 201 and 202

It was not just internal-combustion engines that continued to set trends in the Mercedes-Benz compact class. Alternative drive systems did too, pointing a way ahead for the automotive industry. A test car based on model series 201 was presented at the Hanover show�s innovation market in 1990 and the Geneva Motor Show in 1991. It featured two permanent magnet excited electric motors fed by sodium/nickel chloride batteries, each of which had an output of 16 kW (22 hp) and was used to drive one rear wheel. One key advantage of this design was the omission of weight-intensive mechanical components. The vehicle paved the way for further developments in electric drive systems.

Between 1992 and 1996, a road test involving 60 passenger cars and vans made by various manufacturers was conducted on the island of R�gen. Several Mercedes-Benz vehicles took part in the four-year test, including 10 passenger cars from the 201 model series with various electric motor/battery combinations. One of these vehicles was used particularly intensively, and clocked up an annual mileage of 100,000 kilometres on the island.

Seven of the electric 190 models weighing around 1,400 kilograms each had a sodium-nickel-chloride high-temperature battery, were used for testing various asynchronous engines and achieved a range of around 110 kilometres. Thanks to the torque characteristics of the drive system, no transmission was required. Three of the test vehicles with synchronous drive system featured nickel-cadmium batteries with a range of around 40 kilometres; these were equipped with a standard manual transmission. All of the vehicles were fitted with two batteries � one at the front and one in the boot � which were connected using heavy-duty cables in view of the peak currents of up to 400 A. The vehicles were charged at special filling stations with solar collectors to ensure systematic testing of the environmental credentials.

An electric vehicle with an asynchronous motor developing 35 kW (48 hp) and a range of around 110 kilometres, based on model series 202, was then exhibited at the 1993 Frankfurt International Motor Show. This vehicle featured powerful ZEBRA high-energy batteries; the acronym stands for �Zero-Emission Battery Research Activities�. One special feature of this vehicle was the innovative positioning of the batteries and powertrain components which. thanks to their size and installation locations, ensured spaciousness on a par with the standard saloon. Also on display at the Frankfurt International Motor Show were two early research vehicles with hybrid drive based on model series 202: one with a parallel hybrid drive, the other with a serial hybrid drive. Both provided key information for the introduction of hybrid technology into production at Mercedes-Benz several years later.

Model series 201 and 202 were therefore technology pioneers used for the early testing of electric and hybrid drive systems in passenger cars. This pioneering spirit lived on in all subsequent Mercedes-Benz vehicles with forward-looking drive systems, whether test vehicles or ultimately production vehicles.

Credits: Daimler AG

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