CisternaChyli

yeah i dont know how many AWD C classes they will sell out here in California; seeing as how this is probably one of the biggest markets for the C class. The dealers will be wanting those RWD models pretty quickly.

cookstar

Canada seems to be completely different, most MB'S either come in AWD or are very limited in availability if they are RWD, the 2014 S550 does not even come with RWD option.

payam81

The interior is nicely done but I don't personally like a few things:

- Doesn't look like there is much storage at all on the front console. There seems to be some cubby but the cover implies that it's not like the rolling covers like the ones on the redesigned X204 or W211.

- I don't like the floating displays on the newer models. It takes away from the cabin's design.

- I notice the rudimentary display for HVAC is gone, presumably to show up only on the center screen. This is sadly a cost cutting measure and means you won't see the HVAC system's current settings in some situations and probably have to move between screens to get that info.

- I love the round screen in the I/P in the current W204/X204/W212. I think it's one of the most harmonious designs as you can read the speed and see the screen in one glance. Not a fan of the screen between dials that MB seems to be putting in CLA/GLA/ML/GL and now the new C. They stuck the screen between dials in the refreshed W203 but went back to the round center display in W204 but looks like a step back again in W205.

Overall it looks great though and the design surely sets it apart from the herd.

alsyli

On the refreshed W204, the climate control setting pop up in a small strip at the bottom of the COMMAND display whenever you change the settings. I presume the W205 will have something similar Perhaps not as convenient as being able to see the settings at all times, but at least there probably won't be a need to toggle btw screens. The current position of the climate controls is so low that it's not easy to look at, anyway, unless you're at a full stop.

djejglk

Agreed...I think the controls will be pretty intuitive once we see it in person. It's similar in design to the current e class, minus the led readout just below the a/c controls.

Mike@Vossen

Rendering sent to us featuring our CV5 wheels in a custom bronze with some bronze accents on the car...

djejglk

that's fun...

I'd like to see that in black (the bronze parts)

bluegene

Thought I would chime in on this thread instead of starting a new one.

Things I like compared to the W204...

Classier looking rear end.
Better overall performance.
Better looking interior mostly.
Full LED, HUD, and 360 camera options.

Things worse than the W204.

All made in Alabama for US? This is really worrying. They haven't exactly covered themselves in glory with new line launches.
I have seen these up close in Germany and is it just me or are the lighter colored versions better looking. The darker ones accentuate the bulbish front end.
Not a fan of column shifters or where they moved the signal stalk since MY13.
The floating display as well as the square center cluster really cheapens an otherwise excellent interior.
The transmission is still basically the same as before.
Could this be a one off engine once they phase in the inline 6? Turbo doesn't bode well for reliability either.

Aminian

Seems like mercedes has invested a lot to alabama quality control, we may have that on check. not a fan of column shifters either, but if thats the trade off for paddle shifters standard,I'm fine, not a manual anyway, doesn't need to pretend like one i presume. Could be a 2 year engine or they might stick with this and only implement this engine in the higher classes til the next major facelift/chassis. I have a good feeling they have done some work on this motor and will play around with it for us for the next few years though, if it does only last a couple years, let's hope it's a legend.

Transmission has been revised heavily, so we'll see how that turns out.

nyca

So much of these cars are assembled by robots now, that I worry less and less about where its built these days.

For sure, you will see a 2017 C with the I6 turbo from the 2016 E, and probably a 9G transmission. MB will use up their remaining V6 engines and 7Gs in the 2016 model year cars, that I6 is the future. But the V6 is a proven engine, and it will likely see two model years in this car.

joshg1001

great...screwed back in 2011 with the W204 and looking forwarded to get screwed again in 2016 with the W205

ddarko

Robotics play a large part in assembling a car but how much of it is fully automated versus robots controlled by human operators? The fact that these plants have thousands of workers suggests to me that human judgment and skill is still a big factor in a car's assembly. The workers in Germany have generations of experience building the C-Class platform and that intangible isn't there in Alabama. And it isn't just the Mercedes plant, there's also the stateside supply chain. Lots of components will be imported from Mercedes regular suppliers but you'd think a lot of parts will be made in the USA by local suppliers who are new to the C-Class. Experience counts, no matter how precise the specs or high the degree of automation. The Alabama C-Class won't be lemons but I think they'll have a higher defect rate than C-Class built in Germany. The only question in my mind is how long it'll take to get the Alabama plant's output to match the more experienced factories.

djejglk

The phrase " a few thousand dollars more than the current version" keeps resonating in my head. I'm really ready to start seeing msrp's! (for US)

Glyn M Ruck

Tjdehya

I don't think the starting MSRP will go up by much, however I think a loaded C class will be well into the E class territory.

MBNUT1

When do you expect to drive one?

Glyn M Ruck

I have just returned from travelling & atill clearing PM's. Went past the dealer yesterday after a trustees meeting & they are decorating the showroom for launch. Hope to get behind the wheel in next week or two. Stock is locked up out of sight. They are running slightly late for some reason.

djejglk

no kidding there...just for fun I loaded up a c250 sport online for $49,300. It's pretty easy to do for sure.