Mercedes C-Class now with start/stop and four-wheel drive

Mercedes-Benz now equips the successful C-Class C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models featuring a six-speed manual transmission with a sophisticated ECO start/stop function, which reduces the four-cylinder models' fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 10 percent, while direct petrol injection makes these models even more responsive than their outgoing counterparts.

The C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY will likewise feature the ECO start/stop function and a six-speed manual transmission, which means that this already exceptionally economical and ecofriendly model will consume just 4.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres - knocking 0.4 litres off the previous figure. CO2 emissions are therefore reduced from 127 g/km to 117 g/km.

Another new addition to the line-up is the C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, which combines the powerful and economical four-cylinder diesel engine with four-wheel drive for the first time. Thanks to its innovative technology, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class takes efficiency and driving pleasure to new levels.

Mercedes-Benz systematically employs direct petrol injection - a technology that allows a further reduction in fuel consumption. Previously the four-cylinder petrol engine with direct injection was only available for C-Class models equipped with an automatic transmission, but now this sophisticated powerplant can also be specified in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission and the new ECO start/stop function.

Compared to conventional port injection, direct fuel injection allows higher compression and thus improved thermodynamic efficiency. Offering the same power output as the outgoing models, the four-cylinder engines with direct petrol injection therefore impress with their higher torque, meaning that the new Mercedes-Benz models provide even more driving pleasure yet are even more economical and ecofriendly.

The new C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model has a displacement of 1.8 litres and an output of 135 kW (184 hp) yet consumes a mere 6.8 litres of premium unleaded petrol per 100 kilometres (combined NEDC consumption) - around 0.8 litres (10 percent) less than the previous four-cylinder engine with conventional fuel injection and a supercharger. CO2 emissions from the direct-injection model with a manual transmission are 158 grams per kilometre (12 percent lower than previously).

Despite the lower fuel consumption, the peak torque has been increased from 250 Nm to 270 Nm, enabling the new C 200 CGI to complete the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds (outgoing model 8.6 seconds).

In the C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY, the direct-injection petrol engine develops 115 kW (156 hp) and, thanks to its higher peak torque of 250 Nm (outgoing model 230 Nm), the version with manual transmission is half a second quicker from 0 to 100 km/h (9.0 seconds). All of which means that the driver experiences noticeably greater response and a high level of driving pleasure.

In the C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY models, a new ECO start/stop function in conjunction with a six-speed manual transmission complements the powerful direct-injection petrol engine and helps to reduce fuel consumption.

The engine is stopped automatically when the car is coasting up to traffic lights - as soon as its speed falls below 8 km/h, and once the driver has applied the brakes and moved the gear lever to neutral. The engine starts again immediately when the driver presses the accelerator or clutch pedal. Availability of the ECO start/stop function is indicated on the instrument cluster.

C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY - the most fuel-efficient C-Class of all time:
This effective ECO start/stop function likewise features in the new Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model with a six-speed manual transmission, which has a displacement of 2143 cc, an output of 125 kW (170 hp) and a peak torque of 400 Nm, allowing the Saloon to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds.

Yet its combined fuel consumption is just 4.4 litres per 100 kilometres - 0.4 litres lower than previously - meaning that its CO2 emissions have been reduced from 127 g/km to 117 g/km. The new C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with ECO start/stop function is therefore the most fuel-efficient C-Class of all time.

C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY - four-cylinder model with four-wheel drive:
Another new addition to the line-up is the C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, which for the first time combines the powerful four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150 kW (204 hp) and a peak torque of 500 Nm with the sophisticated 4MATIC four-wheel drive system developed by Mercedes-Benz.

Hallmark features of this model include high efficiency, low weight and compact design. 4MATIC is permanently active and therefore responds instantaneously, assisting the driver at all times in adverse weather conditions - in the wet, on black ice or on snow - and helping the driver to cope safely and confidently in critical situations.

Furthermore, as standard, Mercedes-Benz combines the permanent all-wheel drive system with the Electronic Stability Program ESP?® and the traction system 4ETS, which enables controlled braking of spinning wheels and thus increases the drive torque at the wheels offering good traction. In this respect, 4ETS has the same effect as conventional differential locks and offers noticeably better comfort than other all-wheel drive cars. The C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY is equipped with a seven-speed automatic transmission as standard.

As well as an exciting design and hallmark Mercedes refinement, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class displays state-of-the-art technology such as the AGILITY CONTROL package with selective damper control, the Intelligent Light System with five different lighting functions and the PRE-SAFE?® system with anticipatory occupant-protection measures. Furthermore, independent studies confirm that the C-Class has the highest resale value in the medium-size category, while the latest breakdown statistics compiled by the ADAC (German Automobile Association) reveal that it is the most reliable car in its class.

The new Mercedes-Benz C 180 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (from around EUR 26,000) and
C 200 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY (from EUR 28,000) models can now be ordered from all authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers. The C 250 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY model (from EUR 37,000) and the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY model with ECO start/stop function (from EUR 29,000) are available from autumn 2010.

All new Mercedes-Benz C-Class model variants are available in either Saloon or Estate guise.