With the rest of its sedan lineup refreshed or all-new, it’s time for the Mercedes C-Class line of compact sedans to get a makeover. The all-new 2015 model is still about a year away, but Mercedes has begun releasing information and teaser images of the next-generation car. More elegant styling, higher technology and a more efficient lightweight body are the highlights. This week, we’ve got a look at the C-Class’ new interior.
At a glance, the photos show that Mercedes’ compact sedan gets some influence from the new S-Class, and upgraded materials should set it apart from the competition. Mercedes has given the C-Class a new luxury ambience that pushes the envelope of interior design. An open center console is complemented by a free-standing center stack and smooth, organic surfaces. A head-up display projects important information into the driver’s field of view, including speed, navigation directions and information from the DISTRONIC PLUS active safety system. The center stack takes some inspiration from smartphones, with finger-gesture operation and haptic feedback on the touchpad.
The C-Class’ new, lighter body contributes to reduced interior noise as well as better handling. The new body shell shaves about 150 pounds from the new car with aluminum-intensive construction, for a total reduction in curb weight of 221 pounds. Handing is further enhanced by a new four-link front axle that improves steering and road feel. Mercedes’ AIRMATIC air suspension is available for the first time in the C-Class. It is one of many technological advances that have trickled down from the larger E-Class and S-Class cars, including Mercedes’ Intelligent Drive suite of radar-based driver-aid systems, a climate control system that uses the navigation system to detect tunnels and automatically switches on air recirculation, and the quaint AIR-BALANCE interior ionization and perfuming system.
The new C-Class goes on sale in the fall of 2014.
