The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a line of compact executive cars produced by Daimler AG. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 (W201) range, the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's lineup until the arrival of the A-Class in 1997. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany as well as numerous satellite factories in other countries. The first C-Class (W202) sedan was produced on 1 June 1993, and the first of the second generation (W203) rolled off the assembly line on July 18, 2000. The most recent third generation (W204) was launched in 2007.
Although originally sold as sedan and station wagon, the W203 series in 2000 debuted a fastback/hatchback coupe version that, when facelifted, became the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class. The CLC-Class remained in production until 2011 when it was replaced by a new W204-based C-Class coupe for the 2012 model year.
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Daimler AG |
| Production | 1993–present |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz 190E |
W202 (1993–2000)
| W202 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Production | 1993–2000 |
| Model years | 1994–2000 |
| Assembly | Bremen, Germany Sindelfingen, Germany East London, South Africa Santiago Tianguistenco, Mexico Toluca, Mexico Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 6th of October, Egypt (EGA) Thonburi, Thailand (TAAP) |
| Designer | Olivier Boulay; Murat Gunak(1988, 1989) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door sedan 5-door wagon |
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W202 |
| Related | Mercedes-Benz C208 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 1.8–2.3 L M111 I4 2.8 L M104 I6 2.4–2.8 L M112 V6 3.6 L M104 I6 AMG 4.3–5.4 L M113 V8 AMG 2.0–2.2 L OM604 diesel I4 2.2 L OM611 diesel I4 2.5 L OM605 diesel I5 |
| Transmission | 5/6-speed manual 4/5-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,670 mm (105.1 in) |
| Length | 4,505 mm (177.4 in) |
| Width | 1,720 mm (67.7 in) |
| Height | 1,425 mm (56.1 in) |
In October 1986, 3 years into W201 (190)'s production run, work began on a successor. Design work began in 1987, with the final design by Murat Gunak being selected in late 1988 and the production design by Olivier Boulay frozen in 1989, being later patented on December 19, 1990. Rough prototypes went into testing in 1989, with first production design prototypes commencing testing later that year. In May 1993, the first generation W202 C-Class was introduced as a replacement for the 190. The C-Class sedan was the company's entry-level model up until 1997, when Mercedes launched the A-Class. Styling themes were carried over from the previous W201 series, but the new series had a smoother and rounder design than the previous generation of compact Mercedes.
Engines
On its debut, the C-Class was the only Mercedes model with a complete lineup of multi-valve engines. The new family of four-cylinder petrol units, called M111, debuted in the C 180 (1.8 L, 122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)), C 200 (2.0 L, 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and C 220 (2.2 L, 150 PS (110 kW; 148 hp), the only four-cylinder of the range sold in the U.S.). In 1997 the C 220 was replaced by the C 230, enlarged to 2.3 L displacement but with the same output, although with torque increased to 220 N·m (162 lb·ft). The C 280 was the high end model of the class, with a four-valve-per-cylinder straight-6 engine, capable of reaching 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp).
Four-cylinder diesel models were equipped with the same OM601 engine of the 190, in the 2.0 L and 2.2 L versions. Many of these diesel variants were sold as taxis, due to their low fuel consumption and strong reliability. There were also more powerful OM605 five-cylinder engines which were available in naturally aspired (C 250 D) and turbocharged (C 250 TD) forms. The turbodiesel was introduced in 1995 and is one of the novelties in the engine range available from this year. The most important was a supercharged version of the M111 straight four, the C 230 Kompressor, using a Roots-type supercharger to generate 193 PS (142 kW; 190 hp) at 5300 rpm: Mercedes-Benz reused supercharger technology after 50 years. Due to the tax law in Italy and Portugal, models in those countries featured a supercharged version of the smaller 2.0 L (C 200 Kompressor), which had a similar output of the C 230 Kompressor.
The 1997 diesel models featured the OM611, equipped with a common rail direct injection system (co-developed with Bosch). The new model was named C 220 CDI, and had an improved output of 30 PS (22 kW; 30 hp) compared with the C 220 Diesel, better fuel average and lower emissions. Also, the inline six engines were replaced by a family of V6, the M112. The new engines featured SOHCheads instead of the previous DOHC, three valves per cylinder instead of four, and twin sparkplugs. The four-cylinder C 230 was replaced by the C 240 (2.4 L) and the I6 C 280 by the V6 C 280. These changes reduced emissions and improved fuel consumption, without sacrificing power (the C 280 in fact had a slight 4 PS (3 kW; 4 hp) increase with the change).
In the last four years of production, the W202 received a few changes in the choices of engine. In 1998, a less powerful version of the 2.2 L turbodiesel was added, called C 200 CDI, which replaced the C 220 Diesel. In 2000, the C 200 Kompressor's output was cut to 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp), the C 240 displacement was enlarged from 2.4 L to 2.6 L, but output remained at 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) and the C 180 got a 2.0 L engine.
Transmissions
The original W201 "Baby Benz" came standard in Germany with a five-speed manual transmission, automatic transmissions were optional. In the United States automatic transmissions were standard, but individuals had the option of a manual transmission although few chose the option. At the launch of the "official" C-Class, all W202 variants were equipped with a five-speed manual gearbox. The 722.4 four-speed automatic transmission, also called 4G-TRONIC, was available as extra cost (standard on the C 36 AMG), which US dealers chose to mainly offer on sales lots. In 1996 this old transmission - which was on sale since 1981 - was replaced by a five-speed automatic gearbox (aka 722.5 or 5G-TRONIC), which received the manual shifting in 1999 (722.6). In 2000 the T-Modell, the only still on sale, was equipped with the G56 6-speed manual transmission.
Safety
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At the launch the C-Class had a standard driver airbag, ABS and integrated side-impact protection; the front passenger airbag became standard from 1995 onwards, and from the same period Traction control (ETS in the 4-cylinder models, combined with limited slip differential (ASD) or ASR in the 6 cylinders models) was available as extra cost. In 1997 ASR became standard in the C 280s equipped with the automatic transmission and in the C 36 AMG, as ETS in the 4-cylinder models, except for the C 180 and the C 220 Diesel.
With the 1997 restyling ASR became standard in all the models, except in the C 180 and C 220 Diesel. This last model continued to offer ETS available as extra cost. Moreover front side airbags and Brake assist (BAS) came in the list of standard safety features. The two basic models finally joined ASR in 1998, and, in 1999, the W202 was the first mid-size sedan to offer ESP as standard in all the range.
Crash test ratings
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| EuroNCAP pedestrian (pre-2002 rating): | |
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | |
| Side Rear Passenger: | |
T-Model
Mercedes-Benz introduced a station wagon model in 1996, internally designated T-Modell (T for tourenwagen - touring car). It shared the same trim levels as the sedan, with the exception of the AMG versions. The W202 T-model was not made available to the North American market, although the W203 version was.
US-spec models
W202s in North America included the C 220 (later replaced by the C 230), C 240, C 280 (both I6 and V6) and the AMG variants. It was launched in the U.S. in November 1993, and unlike models in Europe, featured a third stop light, no specific trim levels, and side lights at the end of the front-turn signals. The top speed was also electronically limited to 130 mph (210 km/h) in the US due to tire speed restrictions.
Restyling
On May 2, 1996, German design patents were filed for updates made to the W202 C-Class.Later on in June 1997, the C-Class was given a small midlife freshening, with new darker rear tail light lenses, new wheel rims as well as subtle interior trim changes, including on the door mouldings. The exterior radio antenna was no longer fender mounted and was integrated into the rear glass. The front and rear bumpers were also reshaped, colour-coded side skirts were also fitted. The revised C 200 and C 230 models were fitted with a supercharger and denoted on the trunk lid as a "Kompressor".
AMG models
In 1995, the C-Class received its first genuine performance model, the C 36 AMG, to counter the new six-cylinder BMW M3. Developed with AMG, the tuning house that had now become a subsidiary of Daimler-Benz, it had racing-tuned suspension (lowered by 25 mm (1 in)) and in the USA, a four-speed automatic gearbox, followed by a standard five-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.6 L engine had a general output of 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp) at 5750 rpm and 385 N·m (284 lb·ft) at 4000 rpm. AMG later conceded that since the engine was hand-assembled,power outputs could vary slightly from 276 hp (206 kW) to 287 hp (214 kW). The C36 AMG accelerates to 60 mph (97 km/h) from a stop in 5.8 seconds and top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Unlimited Top Speed was recorded at 272 km/h (169 mph).Only a total of 5200 C36 AMGs were produced.
In late 1997 (1998 model year) AMG released a new flagship for the C-Class, the C 43 AMG, powered by a 4.3 L V8, which could now achieve 310 PS (228 kW; 306 hp) at 5850 rpm, with a torque of 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) at 3250 rpm. Unlike the C36, which was in fact a "ready-to-sell" C280 disassembled for tuning at the AMG factory, the C43 was the first AMG car to be completely assembled at the AMG plant in Affalterbach after the acquisition of AMG by Daimler-Benz in 1998. The C43 AMG can achieve a 0–100 km/h (0-60 mph) time in 5.7 seconds for the saloon version and 5.9 seconds for the estate. The C43 was the first C-Class to be equipped with a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine.
Two versions exist: a saloon (chassis W202.033) and estate also called the "T version" (chassis W202.093). The overall body of the C43 AMG estate version has many similarities with the C36 AMG, except for the front and rear bumpers as well as the side body, both of which were re-designed. The black engine cover with the chrome AMG and Mercedes-Benz star logos is also very typical from that period in this market segment.
Some differences have been reported between the 1998 and the 2000 version such as the ECU software on the 2000 version that seems to provide better gearbox performances and longer life to the gearbox. Also the 2000 model gives the possibility to up or down lift the steering wheel and has the AMG stamped letters on the brake calipers.
The car was manufactured for a little more than two years – from the end of 1997 to the spring of 2000 for a total of 4,200 units 20% of which are estates and 80% saloons, with only 25 C 43 vehicles of the 2000 model year imported to the US.
The C43 is powered by a tuned version of the 4.3-liter M113 V8 engine originally found on the W210 E 430 model. After modifications this engine delivers 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) at 5,850 rpm, up to 410 N·m (302 lb·ft) of torque at 3,250 rpm-5,000 rpm (taken at the crank) and up to 241 hp (180 kW) at 6,320 rpm measured at the wheels. According to Mercedes-Benz, the car can reach 155.5 mph (250.3 km/h), with electronic speed limitation and 168 mph (270 km/h) without.Transmission is an AMG-modified version of the five-speed automatic gearbox found on 1998-2000 R129 SL 500. Main modifications were made in order to achieve a crisper and better adapted gearbox to higher-rpm upshifts. Also the braking system has been taken from the W210 E 55 AMG.
W203 (2000–2007)
| W203 | |
|---|---|
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Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz C 200 K sedan (Australia)
| |
| Overview | |
| Production | July 2000 – December 2006 |
| Model years | 2001–2007 |
| Assembly | Germany: Bremen; and Sindelfingen Brazil: Juiz de Fora Egypt: 6th of October City (EGA) India: Pune Indonesia: Bogor Malaysia: Pekan (DRB-HICOM) Mexico: Toluca & Santiago Tianguistenco[10] South Africa: East London Thailand: Thonburi |
| Designer | Bruno Sacco (1995) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-door coupe 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
1.8–2.3 L M111 I4
3.0 L OM612 Diesel I5 AMG1.8 L M271 I4 Kompressor 2.0–2.3 L M111 I4 Kompressor 2.6 L–3.2 L M112 V6 2.5 L–3.5 L M272 V6 3.2 L Supercharged M112 V6 AMG 5.4 L M113 V8 AMG 2.1 L OM611 Diesel I4 2.7 L OM612 Diesel I5 3.0 L OM642 Diesel V6 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,715 mm (106.9 in) |
| Length | Sedan: 4,526 mm (178.2 in) Wagon: 4,541 mm (178.8 in) SportCoupe: 4,343 mm (171.0 in) |
| Width | 1,728 mm (68.0 in) |
| Height | Sedan: 1,426 mm (56.1 in) Wagon: 1,465 mm (57.7 in) Coupe: 1,406 mm (55.4 in) |
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In 1994, development began on the next C-Class. Design work commenced in mid-1994, with the final design being approved in December 1995 by the executive board. Design patents were filed on April 20, 1998 and March 4, 1999. Testing was conducted throughout the late 1990s, with development concluding in late 1999. The second generation C-Class was introduced in March 2000. The sedan debuted with a range of inline-four and V6 petrol engines and inline-four and -five diesels. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 160 kW (218 PS). The diesels now featured common rail direct fuel injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for the entire range, except the C 320. Notably, for the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the engine displacement, more specifically in the C 200 (1.8-litre), C 240 (2.6-litre) and C 200 CDI (2.2-litre).
Mercedes-Benz debuted a coupe variant in October 2000, labelled the C-Class SportCoupé and given the model designation CL203 (see below). The third body variant, a station wagon codenamed S203 arrived in 2001. Then in 2002 for the 2003 model year, a new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271, debuted for the entire range C-Class range. All of them used the same 1.8-litre engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. The C 230 Kompressor variant sported 142 kW (190 hp). The newer 1.8-litre was less powerful but smoother and more efficient than the older 2.3-litre engine (141 kW (192 PS) compared to 142 kW (193 PS). For the C 240 and C 320, 4MATIC four-wheel drive versions were also offered in addition to rear-wheel drive.
Along with the C-Class Estate (wagon), the SportCoupé was discontinued in Canada and the United States after the 2005 model year. The SportCoupé continued on sale in other markets until 2008. From October 2000 until 2007, a total of 230,000 SportCoupé were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil.
As of Sep 20, 2006, over two million C-Class vehicles (including sedan, station wagon and SportCoupé) had been sold since March 2000, with 1.4 million sedans since May 2000, 330,000 wagons since spring 2001, 283,000 Sports Coupé since spring 2001. Over 30 percent of total sales occurred in Germany, and over 20 percent in the United States.The last W203 C-Class sedan was produced on December 14, 2006 at the Sindelfingen plant.
Facelift
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The C-Class was refreshed in early 2004. In North America, the refresh took effect for the 2005 model year. The interior styling was changed in all three body styles. The instrument cluster was revised to display a set of analogue gauges, and the center console and audio systems were revised. A fully integrated iPod connection kit was available as was a better Bluetooth phone system made optional. For the North American market C 230, the "sport" package was made standard which included AMG edition bumpers, side skirts and front four caliper cross-drilled brakes from the C 55.
Several all-new M272 and OM642 V6 engines were introduced later in the year. In North America, the changes took effect for the 2006 model year. The C 230, C 280, C 350 replaced the C 240 and C 320, the new-generation six-cylinder engines developed substantially more power than the older versions, by as much as 24 percent, whilst also increasing fuel economy and reducing CO2 emissions. The C 230, C 280 and C 350 developed 150 kW (204 PS), 170 kW (231 PS) and 200 kW (272 PS) respectively. The three-valve twin spark design was replaced by a four-valve design, now with variable valve timing. On the diesel side, Mercedes-Benz released a brand-new 3.0-litre V6. Fitted to the C 320 CDI, the new diesel cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption over the old C 270 CDI, and increased outputs to 165 kW (224 PS) and its torque of 510 N·m (380 lb·ft) made it the worlds most powerful diesel at the time. The C 220 CDI received a power increase from 105 to 110 kW (143 to 150 PS). In addition, these engines also received the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.
Coupe
2000–2008: SportCoupé (CL203)
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Introduced to Europe in October 2000, the C-Class SportCoupé (codenamed CL203) was a three-door hatchback coupe with a fastback profile, based on the regular W203 C-Class range. North American sales began in 2001 for the 2002 model year.
While the C-Class sedan and wagon had the traditional Mercedes horizontal bar grille with the hood ornament, the coupé had a star-grille front end. The coupé also had a swooping fastback roofline, and a functional rear spoiler at the short rear end that added downforce on the rear tires at high speeds. One exclusive option to the coupé was a panorama sunroof that was intended to make the rear seats feel less cramped. The coupé was seven inches (178 mm) shorter overall compared to the sedan but both share the same wheelbase length.Initial engine options comprised the C 180 (139 PS), C 220 (143 PS), C 200 Kompressor, and C 230 Kompressor. In 2003, Mercedes-Benz added the C 180 Kompressor, followed by the C 200 CGI in 2003, and finally the C 160 Kompressor in 2005. The C 230 SportCoupé was powered by a 2.3-litre supercharged, four-cylinder motor. It offered 143 kW (192 hp) and 270 N·m (200 lb·ft) of torque. However, the supercharged inline-four engine was considered to be coarse and noisy at the high end.
While BMW's 3-Series hatchback was criticized as looking like a full-sized 3-series with the rear chopped off, the Sportcoupé's fastback profile was considered a more stylist off-shoot of the C-Class sedan. While the C 230 base model enabled the automaker to reach a lower price point than existing models sold in North America, some suggested that the hatchback configuration (as "liftback" is almost never used in North America) and the "inexpensive Mercedes" moniker would undermine the marque which was traditionally composed of expensive cars. It also lacked standard leather seats and a CD player, amenities typically expected of German luxury imports (especially a Mercedes).
Like the BMW 3-Series hatchback, the SportCoupé proved unpopular with the younger buyers it was targeted towards, due to high prices compared to the lower entry-level models it was competing against, as well as unfavorable exchange rates. The C 230 Sport Coupe and the C 320 Sport Coupe were the two most inexpensive models in the U.S. and Canadian C-Class lineup at the time.
Mercedes found that the Sportcoupé was a popular first Mercedes for new customers, 40 per cent of whom reportedly return to buy more expensive models later on.
2008–2011: CLC-Class (CL203)
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The SportCoupé was spun off into its own separate line called the CLC-Class in 2008. The car was presented at the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, which took place from 27 to 31 January. The CLC was produced in Brazil at the company’s plant in Juiz de Fora, close to the state border with Rio de Janeiro.
Although the CLC is still based on the W203 platform, it was facelifted with an updated front and tail inspired by the W204 series C-Class. The refresh reworked the rear and front along with some other refinements and new details (Mercedes claimed around 1,100 components), including a steering system borrowed from the SLK-Class and a revised suspension. Out of the sheetmetal of the CLC-Class, only the doors and roof were carried over from the Sportcoupé. The interior is still largely similar to the first-generation SportCoupé, although it did receive the W204 steering wheel and an updated optional navigation system.
Some auto journalists noted that the improvements were limited in order to differentiate the CLC-Class and protect the status of the more lucrative marques in the lineup; one reviewer stated the "CLC does just about enough to introduce new customers to the world of Mercedes" and that it had the "feel of an authentic Mercedes-Benz, which is more than I’d say about the A-Class and B-Class front-wheel-drive hatchbacks". Due to the age of the W203 platform which "exudes a level of float and wallow" not found in the W204 C-Class, the CLC received mixed reviews against sportier rivals such as the BMW 1 Series coupé (a successful replacement of the 3-Series hatchback).
In 2009 the CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY was added to the range, and the CLC 230 was rechristened as the CLC 250.
Daimler AG decided that the CLC would not continue production. Instead, the W204 C-Class received a traditionally designed coupé added to the lineup for the 2012 model year, coinciding with the facelifted W204 sedan/saloon in the fourth quarter of 2011. The 2012 C-Class Coupe is positioned directly against the BMW 3 Series Coupé.
W204 (2007–2013)
| W204 | |
|---|---|
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| Overview | |
| Production | 2007–present |
| Model years | 2008–present |
| Assembly | Bremen, Germany Sindelfingen, Germany East London, South Africa 6th of October City, Egypt (EGA) Juiz de Fora, Brazil Pekan, Malaysia (DRB-HICOM) Bogor, Indonesia Pune, India Beijing, China (Beijing Benz) |
| Designer | Karl Heinz Bauer (2003, 2004) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 4-door saloon 5-door estate 2-door coupe |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
1.6 L-1.8 L M271 I4 Kompressor
3.0 L OM642 Diesel V62.5–3.5 L M272 V6 6.2 L M156 V8 AMG 2.1 L OM611 Diesel I4 2.1 L OM651 Diesel I4 |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,760 mm (108.7 in) |
| Length |
4,582 mm (180.4 in) (sedan)
4,726 mm (186.1 in) (C63 AMG sedan)4,596 mm (180.9 in) (wagon) |
| Width |
1,770 mm (69.7 in)
1,795 mm (70.7 in) (C 63 AMG) |
| Height | 1,447 mm (57.0 in) |
Initial version
DaimlerChrysler introduced a new generation of the C-Class on January 18, 2007 and displayed it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales started on March 31, 2007 in almost all European countries. The new vehicle has an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer bodyshell and a design inspired by the most recentS-Class and some hints from the CLS-Class.
In the summer of 2003, the development of the W204 C-Class involved the use of a "digital prototype", which put a 2.1 terabyte digital replica of the car through a 15 million mile road course. This is an industry first which allowed for crash testing and more, before a physical prototype was actually constructed. The design of W204 was selected in 2003 and German design patents were first filed on September 9, 2004, showcasing a W204 fiberglass design model.
Unlike the previous generations, the Estate (station wagon) version is no longer sold in North America, likely due to poor sales of the W203 model.
The Mercedes E-class coupe (W207) shares its platform with the C-class.
The W204 C-Class is the second best-selling entry-level luxury car in Canada and the United States, after the E90 BMW 3 Series.and is the most popular mid-priced sedan in Mexico.Early models include C 200 KOMPRESSOR, C 230, C 280, C 350, C 220 CDI, C 320 CDI. C 180 KOMPRESSOR, C 230, C 200 CDI were available beginning August 2007.
In 2012, the W204 C-Class featured in the Top 10 Best Selling Cars in Britain with over 37,261 sales, a first for Mercedes-Benz, although just behind it's rival, the BMW 3 Series at 44,521 sales.
Trim levels
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The W204 C-Class has 4 trim levels of equipment – Classic, Elegance, Avantgarde, and AMG. The Classic is the base trim found only on the smaller four-cylinder engine models and come with Brighton cloth seats (ARTICO leather optional), while the Elegance has ARTICO leather (vinyl) upholstery standard (leather optional), and the Avantgarde has Liverpool/ARTICO fabric seats (leather optional). The Classic and Elegance lines retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz radiator grille usually on sedan models, with a three-point star bonnet emblem, and is designed to appeal to regular luxury buyers. The Avantgarde and AMG have a grille similar to that on Mercedes' sport coupe models, with three horizontal bars and a large centre-mounted star, plus there is additional equipment such as a three-spoke steering wheel, AMG bodykit, lower sport suspension, upgraded brake piston calipers, and larger alloy wheels, and these configurations are designed to position the C-Class as a sports sedan. Unlike previous generations of the C-Class and other contemporary Mercedes sedans which stayed with the traditional grille and hood ornament, the W204's advertising predominantly features the sport grille and AMG bodykit, especially in Canada and the United States.
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In the United Kingdom, the Classic line is known as the SE, while the Avantgarde line is known as the Sport which has an AMG bodykit and AMG alloy wheels as standard. Most of the lineup consists of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, there is also a 3.5L V6 petrol and 3.5L V6 diesel, and the V8 petrol for the C63 AMG.
In the United States, the Elegance trim is on the C300 Luxury (RWD with 4MATIC option), while the Avantgarde is on the C300 Sport (only US market C-Class with available manual, RWD with 4MATIC option) and C350 Sport (RWD only). There is no Classic/SE trim, no four-cylinder engines, and no wagon body style. Both lines have an additional amber light in front of the front wheel well.
In Canada, only the AMG trim line is used, while Elegance/Luxury and Avantgarde/Sport trim names are not used. There is no Classic/SE trim, no four-cylinder engines, and no wagon body style. The base C230 (renamed the C250 from 2010 model year onward) is exclusive to the Canadian market and is the only model that has amenities similar to the Elegance/Luxury trim with the traditional grille and three-point star hood ornament. The other C-Class models (C300, C350, C63) all have the AMG bodykit and sport grille standard like the Avantgarde/Sport, and these are optional on the C230 via an $800 Sport Package (which rises to $1200 for the 2011 model year due to the new LED fog lights). All models, except for C63 AMG, are available in both RWD and 4MATIC.
Equipment
For the 2008-11 model year vehicles, the middle of the dashboard has a sliding panel that reveals the color LCD screen, which displays radio and other vehicle secondary functions when the car is in operation. C-Class cars that have the COMAND APS with navigation receive a larger TFT screen (7-inch), which retracts to allow the panel to cover it when the vehicle shuts down.The 2012 model year facelift chances the interior layout considerably, as it removes the retractable cover and replaces it with a fixed screen connecting into the instrument cluster, making it similar to the E-Class and GLK-Class.
The 2010 models of the C-Class received a new style of turn signals on the side mirrors. For 2011 model year onwards, the bumper fog lamps in the AMG bodykit have been replaced by LED lights, except for the C63 AMG which retains its unique bumper.
There is a special system exclusive to this class, named 'Agility control' package, which through its unique concept provides drivers with excellent agility and ride quality. It achieves this feat through a hydro-mechanical set up, which constantly analyzes road conditions and driving 'habits', then it adjusts damper & suspension settings accordingly to provide the driver the best possible balance between ride comfort and agility. Buyers can opt for 'Advanced agility control' package that offers the 'sport' mode button.
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