It’s bigger…
Mercedes has stretched the wheelbase of this new model by 80mm compared with the outgoing car. It’s also 90mm longer and 40mm wider overall, which has boosted rear legroom and boot space.
…but it’s also lighter
The new car’s body is built from a new aluminium hybrid metal, which allowed the engineering team to shed about 70kg compared with a traditional steel body. Over the whole car, Mercedes managed to cut 100kg from the kerbweight of the old C-Class.
You can get air suspension – a first in this class
Mercedes is now giving C-Class buyers the option of fitting AIRMATIC air suspension to their new car – a first in the segment. Mercedes says the system offers “outstanding road roar and tyre vibration characteristics”. Suspension settings can be changed between Comfort, ECO, Sport and Sport+.
It’s the safest C-Class yet
As well as a whole host of airbags, including pelvisbags, kneebags and windowbags, the Mercedes C-Class also comes as standard with an auto-braking system which can apply the brakes for you at up to 125mph if it senses a collision. There are systems to keep you in your lane on the motorway and spot pedestrians, too.