Meet the Baby S-Class — Mercedes-Benz’s All New C Breaks Cover
Hybrid models will follow
A 330 hp 405 lb.-ft plug-in hybrid C 300 e follows later in the year. It gets a 125 hp electric motor and up to 60 miles of purely electric range. A future plug-in hybrid will deliver 90 miles electric driving. The plug-in hybrids will have smaller fuel tank volumes. Because those cars will mostly be driven on electric power and require less fuel on board.
Flagship AMG C43 and C63e models also will be four-bangers only; but making comparable power and torque to the V6s and V8s they replace when they follow.
Three much improved OM 654 four-cylinder turbodiesels include the 165 HP C 200 d, 200 hp C 220 d and 147 hp C 300 d, with all-wheel optional on the 220 d. The new turbodiesels all share a new 3.7- inch stroke crankshaft to up displacement to 1,992 cm³. Both twin water-cooled turbochargers now have variable turbine geometry for improved response. There’s also a new NOX storage catalytic converter, diesel particulate filter and two SCR cats.
New Rear-wheel Steering
The new Mercedes C platform is designed to accommodate both combustion engines and electric drives. W206 rolls on new four-link front and steering multi-link rear axles. Add optional continuous adjustable damping and a sports suspension. That rear axle steering turns up to 2.5 degrees to reduce the turning circle by 17 inches.
Security system enhancements include latest digital headlights pioneered in the S. Add latest sensor technology for improved lane keeping and lane change, adaptive cruise control and emergency braking assistant performance. And the improved deployment of airbags more in the event of a collision.
Comfort Kit Improves Too
Comfort equipment is also improved with tweaked driver and front passenger seat massage functions. There are also heated rear seats for the first time optional filtered and ionized Air Balance package among the enhancements.
Expect the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan and C-Class T estates to arrive in US showrooms early in 2022.
Photos: Mercedes-Benz