The Engines

The 2015 C-Class is available with a range of powerful yet efficient engines. The new Euro 6 compliant range of engines are equipped with a standard start/stop system, contributing to the 20 percent gain in efficiency over the outgoing model.

In total the C-Class will hit the market over the next few months with eight different engine choices. At the base lay 7 four-cylinder engines and one V6 petrol engine. Out of those there are three diesel engines, four petrol engines and one hybrid diesel. In C180 guise the C-Class will have a 1.6 litre four cylinder petrol engine producing 154 horsepower and 147 lb-ft of torque. The Mercedes-Benz C200, is powered by a 2.0 litre four cylinder producing 184 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. The C250 also has a 2.0 litre four cylinder producing 211hp and 350Nm of torque. The petrol line-up is topped by a Mercedes-Benz C400 variant that comes standard with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel drive system. It is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering a total of 333 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.

The diesel line-up includes the C200 Bluetec with a 1.6 litre four cylinder engine (136hp / 300Nm), C220 Bluetec with 2.0 liter four cylinder (170hp / 400Nm) and C250 Bluetec also with a 2.0 liter four cylinder (204hp / 500Nm). The C300 Bluetec Hybrid features the same 2.0 liter four cylinder engine as the C250 but thanks to the pairing with a 27hp strong electric engine has a reduced fuel economy of only 3.6 liters per 100 km compared to 4.3 l / 100km in the C250. The entire lineup has a strong focus on efficiency and fuel economy with even the 333hp strong C400 reaching scores below 8 liter per 100 km.

Technology

A slew of new technology is offered on the 2015 C-Class, starting with safety amenities. Mercedes standard Attention Assist system alerts drivers if they are becoming inattentive or drowsy. On motorways, the car will suggest points where the driver can stop to take a break and inform them of how long they have been driving since they last took a break.

Additionally, the C-Class features Adaptive Brake Assist, designed to slow the car down from speeds of up to 5mph in the event of a potential collision. Another system, Collision Prevention Assist Plus, will provide autonomous braking from speeds of up to 200 km/h, slowing down the car and reducing the severity of potential collisions.

Available options now offered are Distronic Plus with active steering, which will follow the car in front of you while in traffic, BAS Plus, a system that can detect crossing traffic and provide additional braking force and Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist which can prevent the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of the lane.

Numerous assistance technologies make an appearance as options on the C-Class including Active Parking Assist, a 360 degree camera, Heads-up display, Traffic Sign Assist with wrong way alert and Adaptive Highbeam headlights.

The New Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs the Old C-Class

During our road test with the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 Bluetec we passed a previous generation C220. A good opportunity to see how the new C-Class compares to the last generation. As you can see from the pictures the new C-Class also looks considerably larger and looks much more stylish than the previous generation. Although its length and equipment increased, the new C-Class is 50kg lighter than the previous generation. The weight reduction is mainly thanks to extensive use of aluminium for the new C-Class.

The C-Class vs S-Class

The appearance of the new C-Class continues many similarities with that of its bigger S-Class brother. At first glance the C-Class brings a lot of S-Class to this segment, both in the exterior as in the interior. Back in January we put a brand new C220 next to the S550. The direct comparison in terms of styling is not entirely possible due to different specifications and quite basic equipment on the C220, noting that it is a development vehicle with over 10,000 kilometers on the clock, but overall putting the cars next to each other shows the similarities quite well.

Noteworthy is the number of systems that made its way from the S-Class down to the C-Class. Both safety as entertainment systems have found their way to the new C-Class which puts the new C-Class ahead in its class. However if you do like to spec your new C-Class like a little S-Class prepare to spend quite a bit of money on optional extras.

Driving Experience

For our first driving experience with the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class we flew out to Marseille in France. At Marseille airport a full range of C-classes was waiting for us. We picked up the keys for a stunning silver C250 Bluetec with AMG line exterior. Our first stop was set at the Mediterranean coastal village of Cassis, a mere one hour drive over some of France most horrible roads. I can hear you think why set out a test route over some horrible roads? The answer is easy; to demonstrate the new Airmatic air suspension. Although the Airmatic system is an optional extra virtually every car in the fleet was riding on Airmatic.

So what is it like to drive than? It actually works very well and unlike any other suspension we have seen in this segment. It takes both long bumps and small holes with ease. Keeping the drive smooth and pretty quiet. It has to be said the 2 liter bluetec diesel engine in the C250 offers plenty of torque and great fuel economy. But it comes with a terrible diesel engine sound both in idle as on the road.

Making our way along winding roads and narrow tracks through villages in the South of France the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C250 Bluetec is quite a pleasant car to drive. It filters out most of the noise and inputs from outside. But the moment a clear stretch of country road opens up it imminently becomes clear that the emphasize on this new C-Class is on comfort and not on sport. Even when we shift the ‘Agility Mode’ to Sport+ the steering remains fairly indirect and the air suspension feels a bit to unconnected with the road despite coming down 15mm from the comfort mode. For more sport-oriented drivers the car screams for a sport suspension and directer steering. Both are available as optional extras but none of the available test cars had those equipped leaving us without a chance to test it.

On the performance side the C250 Bluetec offers plenty with 500Nm of torque it sprints away with ease. That being said we are very keen to see the engineers at Mercedes-AMG add their V8 to the mix. It is just a matter of time until a turbocharged V8 AMG model will complement the line-up. Back to our C250 Bluetec than. We leave the country roads and enter the highway towards the coast. On this bit of highway we can test some of the safety systems including blind spot detection and adaptive cruise control. Both are a pleasant addition to every daily driver and we already can’t live without it on our many autobahn journeys. Along with the adaptive cruise control comes a lane assist system we are familiar with from the S500 and E-Class. It actually helps you keep your lane by supporting the steering input. There are some limitations to the system so you have to keep your hands on the wheel mostly and it won’t be able to turn around tight bends, impressive and useful feature nonetheless.

A little while later we arrive in the coastal town of Cassis, a beautiful location for lunch and more importantly the starting point for a spectacular road up a nearby cliff. This road called ‘Route de Cretes’ connects Cassis with La Ciotat. With the highest point at 394 meter and a fairly limited distance it might not be the highest peak we ever reached or the longest mountain road we ever drove but with panoramic views in every direction its certainly worth the detour if you ever find yourself in the area.

It is along the Route de Cretes that we notice the new C-Class with AMG line is attracting quite a few looks from local and tourists alike. Thanks to the similar design to the S-Class it looks certainly more exclusive than its direct competitors. The design of both the exterior and interior of the new C is certainly a strong feat of the car. Of course personal taste plays an important role regarding the design but there is no denying Mercedes-Benz has taken a huge step forward with the new C-Class compared to its predecessor.

What to Spec?

7G-Tronic Plus: The 7-speed automatic gearbox offers smooth gear changes and much nicer interior due to the ‘free’ center console.
AMG Line Exterior: For those who have a sporty driving style. Not only will you get a sportier look, but the AMG Line exterior also includes the Sport Suspension and the Sport Direct Steering.
Airmatic: For those who prefer comfort. The C-Class is the first car in this segment to offer air suspension, it makes the ride pleasant and subtle. You can select four different modes from Eco+ to Comfort and Sport, Sport+ over the Agility Select button to make the ride harder or softer depending on what you want.
Comand Online: Make the most of your infotainment. Includes the 8.4″ display and WIFI hotspot.
Heads-up display: Never take your eyes off the road again, displays all important information include navigation directions, radio stations, current speed and more on the road in front of you.
Drive Assistance Package Plus: Includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist and other safety features. We can’t live without Adaptive Cruise and Lane Assist anymore!

The Competition

The most obvious competitors in this segment are the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4. The BMW 3-Series offers a sportier ride but the new C-Class is no match for both the 3-Series and the A4 when it comes to comfort and luxury. If we were in the market for a new C-Class today, its not the 3-Series or A4 that would hold us back from ordering the C-Class but another car from the Mercedes-Benz line-up: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA! A GLA 250 offers a bit less luxury and comfort than the new C-Class but as a daily driver offers more character and a sportier ride.

Conclusion

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes a huge step forward from its predecessor, from the new looks to the infotainment and safety systems alike. Its worthy of the ‘baby-S’ nickname and in certain aspects clearly sets the new benchmark in this segment. However it is clear that Mercedes-Benz emphasizes on comfort, sacrificing a sporty side that some customers might crave. With that said we can’t wait for an AMG version to show us the dark side of the new C-Class!

More a Compact S-Class than a Sport Sedan

Because it competes with the BMW 3-series, which almost singlehandedly coined the term "sport sedan," the Mercedes-Benz C-class often gets compared as one. But it's not a sport sedan, and that's just fine, as European bureau chief Georg Kacher makes clear in his review of the European-spec, rear-wheel-drive Mercedes-Benz C250. Mercedes will introduce the car in the United States exclusively in all-wheel-drive form, as the four-cylinder C300 4Matic and the six-cylinder C400 4Matic. We had the opportunity to drive the new Benz C400 4Matic a couple of weeks after Georg's review of the not-for-U.S. C250.

Mercedes says the high take rate for all-wheel drive in the northern half of the United States prompted the decision to launch the 4Matic cars first. We think the automaker also wants to establish a clear break between the front-wheel-drive CLA that now serves as the entry-level model and this new, upscale C-class. The rear-wheel-drive C-class currently sells for $36,725, versus $30,825 for the CLA. We expect the new models to start closer to $40,000, which is the base price for the current C300 4Matic. Those buyers who walk into a Mercedes-Benz dealership uncertain whether to opt for a CLA-class or C-class will be able to perceive instantly what the extra ten grand buys. The upright roofline and clean body sides of the new C-class sedan scream "real Mercedes." Design chief Gorden Wagener notes that he does not need to add ornamentation to his rear-wheel-drive cars (that is, those with longitudinal engines) the way he did with the front-wheel-drive CLA-class. That restraint is evident here, and it enhances the elegance of the C-class. Most cars sold in the United States, like the model we drove, will feature three-pointed star badges integrated into body-colored grilles, but Mercedes still offers a traditional chrome grille and upright star badge for those who prefer it. The C-class has grown 3.7 inches in length and 1.6 inches in width. When one passes you in traffic, you'll need a split second to realize it's not an E- or S-class.

That increase in stature pays dividends in the cabin. The back seat feels spacious enough to seat real adults. The interior design graduates from entry luxury to true luxury. Our AMG-package test car features beautiful open-pore Ash trim, blood-red leather seats, and a stitched synthetic leather dash. The new infotainment system combines a touchpad and click wheel, which sounds like a disaster but actually works well. The two inputs have large areas of overlap, meaning you can use any combination of touching and clicking to access any function. Later this year, Mercedes will introduce CarPlay, a syncing service for Apple iPhones.

The C400 4Matic nominally competes against the likes of the BMW 335ix and the Audi S4, but Mercedes tacitly admits it has not aimed to build a full-tilt sport sedan. The automaker thinks its buyers, who range from practical 55-year-old men in Europe to style-conscious 45-year-old women in the United States and 35-year-old professionals in China, aren't looking for in-your-face performance.

That's reflected in the C400's polite manners. Outside the car, one only hears the subtle chatter of the fuel injectors. Climb inside, roll up the windows, and enjoy near silence. Only when you dip deep into the accelerator pedal does the 329-hp, turbo V-6 clear its throat and sing a raspy baritone deep into triple-digit speeds. The six-cylinder acts like a basketball player in a business suit—it's not looking to play, but if you ask it to, it'll lay down a tomahawk slam-dunk.

Airmatic air suspension, standard on the C400 and optional on the C300, makes the car feel more like an athlete who's arrived at training camp out of shape. It leans heavily into turns and jounces in reaction to fast lane changes. In sharp turns, it wants to plow straight past the turn-in point, although the strong brakes and grippy Continental tires prevent it from doing so. Chief engineer Christian Früh blames the all-wheel-drive componentry, which adds some 150 pounds, nearly all of it over the front axle. Then there's the mass of a 3.0-liter V-6 compared with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the C250.

Indeed, the C250 we drove for comparison feels like a different car. It's nimble and balanced, and it enjoys being pushed in corners. While it does lean into turns, it does so in a more controlled and predictable fashion. All C-classes feature variable-ratio steering that tightens as you turn in more, a feature that bothers us in other vehicles but feels just right in this application. It makes the C-class easier to park and easier to point into the apex of a turn.

So, those who want a Mercedes sport sedan should wait for next spring, when the rear-wheel-drive C300 -- essentially a more powerful version of the C250 -- arrives at Benz's U.S. dealerships. Or you could buy a CLA45 AMG right now. However, those who want a comfortable luxury sedan that looks and feels very much like an S-class will do just fine with the C400 4Matic.

The all-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a blast to drive, so the upcoming AMG variant should be an absolute hoot. Prototypes for the car have been spotted wearing the least camouflage gear we’ve seen yet, which means an auto show debut can’t be far.

The AMG variant of the latest C-Class is expected to retain the C63 AMG moniker, although instead of the current model’s 6.2-liter V-8 the 2015 C63 AMG is expected to downsize to a 4.0-liter V-8 aided by a pair of turbochargers. Power and torque should rise above the current model’s 451 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, while fuel consumption should drop.

Also benefiting mileage and performance will be the lighter and more rigid MRA platform underpinning the car. The MRA is Mercedes’ new modular platform designed for everything from the size of the C-Class up.

Other features of the 2015 C63 AMG will be an AMG SPEEDSHIFT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and AMG DRIVE UNIT, the latter allowing owners to modify many of the vehicle’s settings, from the speed of gear shifts to the suspension stiffness. The new car is also expected to retain a rear-wheel-drive setup in the U.S. despite AMG’s recent moves to make the E63 AMG and S63 AMG models all-wheel-drive as standard here.

As for styling, look for a similar design to that found on the latest E63 AMG. Key elements will be an A-wing front splitter, gaping intakes in the lower bumper, light alloy wheels, chunky brake discs, a trunk lid spoiler, and an integrated rear diffuser housing quad-exhaust tips.

In addition to this C63 AMG sedan, a C63 AMG ‘Estate’ wagon variant is also in the works and likely some two-door variants as well. And yes, there will be a new Black Series model at some point.

Look for a debut in the coming months.