Tag: Daimler

06.

March 2018

Affalterbach

Press Contact for this Press Release (2)

Birgit Zaiser

Manager Communications Mercedes-AMG

birgit.zaiser@daimler.com

Tel: +49 7144 302-581

Fax: –

Koert Groeneveld

Head of International Product & Technology Communications

koert.groeneveld@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-92311

Fax: +49 711 17-94365

Fuel consumption combined: 11.2-9.1l/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 256-209 g/km* (provisional data)Affalterbach. More space, more power, more goose pimples – the new Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door model delivers driving experiences in new dimensions and extends the AMG model family. The new coupé is the first four-door sports car from Affalterbach and draws directly on the legendary SLS and AMG GT models of success. As another vehicle developed autonomously by Mercedes-AMG it combines unique design, high comfort and outstanding sports car engineering with an athletic, four-door fastback layout. It thus offers more space and more potential uses. Systematic expansion of the AMG GT family with the 4-door Coupé opens up the sports car segment to those looking for a vehicle for day-to-day use, but unwilling to go without the unparalleled performance of Mercedes-AMG.
Longitudinal and lateral dynamics at the highest level, and a striking silhouette with classic proportions put the Mercedes-AMG GT 4‑Door Coupé in the portfolio of its two-door brother at first glance. The expressive design with the low bonnet, dominant front and muscular body language emphasises the sporty genes of the four-door coupé, which sets new standards as the youngest model in the AMG family: As the first four-door AMG GT model it combines high everyday comfort with diverse individualisation options and the latest sports car engineering.
“The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupé blends the impressive racetrack dynamism of our two-door sports car with maximum suitability for everyday use. It has a unique way of embodying our brand core, “Driving Performance” and with its systematic configuration it will attract new customers for Mercedes-AMG”, commented Tobias Moers, CEO of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.
The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupé delivers special driving experiences on all levels and with a top speed of up to 315 km/h and its driving dynamics it cuts an effortlessly superior figure wherever it goes. Powerful, up-to-date 6-cylinder in-line and V8 engines with outputs ranging from 320 kW (435 hp) to 470 kW (639 hp) allow completely new driving experiences and combine impressive performance with modern efficiency.
The interior of the first four-door AMG GT model is characterised by elegant coolness and also the latest features: innovative control panels can be intuitively operated and configured as required. The blend of high individualisation and sports car technology, placing yet more focus on the requirements of discerning customers, is also clear from the wealth of equipment packages and individual options. The latest coup from Affalterbach also lives up to the Mercedes-AMG brand pledge with regard to its high driving dynamics and sets the benchmark in its segment on the racetrack too.
Clear at first sight: the AMG GT family membership
Clearly recognisable as a member of the AMG GT family, the new AMG GT 4-Door Coupé follows the design philosophy of Sensual Purity. It takes the striking proportions with convex surfaces and a muscular body and develops them to exciting effect for a four-door variant of an AMG GT Coupé.
The front view with a long bonnet and two powerdomes leaves no doubt that this is the youngest member of the AMG GT family. The 4-door coupé follows the design tradition of the successful AMG GT models: the powerful body exudes dynamism and motivation. Sensuous shapes with convex surfaces lend the four-door GT timeless elegance, whilst the flowing silhouette with the lowered greenhouse flags up its sporting credentials. As in the AMG GT R radiator shutters, the Airpanel in front of the centre cooling air inlet improves the car's aerodynamic efficiency. Slim MULTIBEAM LED headlamps, the AMG-specific radiator protection grille, the Shark Nose and the front apron with its enhanced Jet Wing (with a flowing A-Wing on the six-cylinder model) also lend the youngest model from Affalterbach the hallmark presence of the AMG GT family.
With frameless side windows and a flat windscreen inclined far to the rear, features of the classic coupé architecture are also cited. With the additional seat row in the rear the characteristic lines of the AMG GT models are not compromised. The tailored upper contours and broad shoulders point to the athletic, sporty orientation of the car, which is additionally emphasised by very pronounced rear wheel arches.
The rear view of the new 4-door coupé picks up on familiar features of the AMG GT design idiom: extremely slim LED tail lights define the hallmark boot sill line, the rear aerofoil extendable in several stages not only underscores the family affiliation; it is also an important element of the active aerodynamics.
The two eight-cylinder models can be identified through the three horizontal louvres in the side front air intakes, the Jet Wing with its trim element in Silver Shadow, the distinctive diffuser on the tail end and the two-pipe exhaust system with trapezoidal tailpipe trims. The six-cylinder variant, meanwhile, has one louvre in each of the air inlet grilles, round twin tailpipe trims and a somewhat less pronounced rear diffuser.
“The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupé is the ultimate four-door sports car and the ideal ambassador for Performance Luxury”, said Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Daimler AG. “It embodies a symbiosis of emotion and intelligence with breathtaking proportions and a puristic, surface-oriented design with sensuous shapes. It is both hot and cool at the same time.”
Visual emphasis on demand: the exterior packages
The new AMG GT 4-Door Coupé offers an extensive portfolio of exterior equipment packages, which can be used to add different highlights in terms of design. The Night Package comprises high-gloss black trim, whilst, for example, the Chrome package emphasises the luxurious character of the car with trim and an insert in high-gloss chrome. Two Carbon-Fibre Packages offer different versions of carbon-fibre trim, whilst the optional Aerodynamics package gives the car an even sportier look and is a new feature in this segment. It includes additional functional features in high-gloss black, the Jet‑Wing in Silver Shadow in the front apron and the fixed rear aerofoil and also naturally reduces lift at higher speeds. With the V8 style package the six-cylinder model can also be equipped with design features from the eight-cylinder versions.
Top sporting performance: V8 biturbo engines with up to 470 kW (639 hp)
The exciting AMG 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine is already used in numerous AMG models. Its output has been enhanced yet further for the new Mercedes‑AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ (fuel consumption combined 11.2 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 256 g/km)* and ensures superior performance on a par with a sports car. It delivers 470 kW (639 hp) and a maximum torque of 900 Nm, which is available over a wide engine speed range from 2500 to 4500 rpm. The top engine of the new four-door AMG GT thus exudes effortless superiority in every engine speed range. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds clearly illustrates this, as does the maximum speed of 315 km/h.
In the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4MATIC+ (fuel consumption combined 11.0 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 252 g/km) the V8 unit provides 430 kW (585 hp) and 800 Nm maximum torque. The sprint from standstill to 100 km/h lasts just 3.4 seconds, and the top speed is 310 km/h.
The AMG 4.0-litre V8 engine works with the proven biturbocharging, where the two exhaust-gas turbochargers are arranged not on the exterior, but between the cylinder banks. The advantages of the “hot inner V” are in the compact engine design and the immediate response of the exhaust-gas turbochargers.
In the AMG GT 63 S variant the eight-cylinder has active engine mounts. They solve the conflicting goals of achieving as soft a connection as possible to the powertrain for high comfort and as rigid a connection as possible for optimum driving dynamics, by steplessly and quickly adapting their rigidity to the respective driving conditions. As an option the AMG GT 63 can be equipped with active engine mounts as part of the Dynamic Plus package.
* The stated figures (provisional data) were determined in accordance with the prescribed measuring method. These are the NEDC CO2 figures according to Art. 2 No. 1 Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/1153. The fuel consumption figures were calculated based on these figures.
Direct response: the two twin-scroll exhaust-gas turbochargers
Two twin-scroll exhaust-gas turbochargers combined with another innovative technology ensure even more output and better response. For the first time Mercedes-AMG is combining the advantages of twin-scroll technology in the V8 engine with turbine wheels mounted in anti-friction bearings. Through the mounting in anti-friction bearings, friction is reduced to an absolute minimum inside the exhaust-gas turbocharger. The twin-scroll technology also ensures that the exhaust gas flow is optimally utilised. Put together these both improved the immediate response of the four-litre eight-cylinder from AMG, which was already the benchmark. Through the optimised cylinder charge the output and the maximum torque was raised further. Spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors, the all-aluminium crankcase, the four-valve-per-cylinder design with camshaft adjustment, air-water charge air cooling, alternator management, the ECO start/stop function and the gliding mode have all been retained.
Improved efficiency: the intelligent AMG Cylinder Management
For maximum efficiency, Mercedes-AMG has also equipped the V8 engines with the AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system. In the partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are deactivated, which crucially reduces the fuel consumption.
When the driver has selected the “Comfort” drive program, the cylinder deactivation system is available in the wide engine speed range from 1000 to 3250 rpm. A special display on the instrument cluster states whether the cylinder deactivation system is in use and whether the engine is presently operating in the four- or eight-cylinder mode. The transition between these two operating states is immediate, fast and torque-neutral, so the occupants do not have to relinquish any comfort.
Powerful and versatile: six-cylinder engine with innovative hybrid function
Alongside the two V8 engines the new four-door sports car is also available as the Mercedes-AMG GT 53 4MATIC+ (fuel consumption combined 9.1 l/100 km, CO2 emissions combined 209 g/km) with the innovative AMG six-cylinder inline engine. The 320 kW (435 hp) 3.0-litre unit is characterised by high performance, supported by a boost effect with an output of up to 16 kW (22 hp) and 250 newton metres of torque. The EQ Boost starter-alternator combines a starter motor and alternator in a powerful electric motor and is between the engine and transmission. This intelligent combination, along with efficient charging with the electric additional compressor (eZV) and exhaust air turbocharger helps ensure the hallmark AMG performance and driving dynamics but also cuts consumption and emissions at the same time. The four-door AMG GT 53 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 285 km/h.
More energy for yet more innovations: the new 48-volt on-board power supply
The EQ Boost starter-alternator in the new AMG GT 53 also generates the power for the 48 V on-board electrical system. This in turn uses a DC/DC converter to supply the conventional 12 V network for the lights, cockpit, infotainment displays and control units. Through the 48 V battery the battery capacity of the entire car is increased, which means that more electrical energy can be made available for new functions. The 48 V on-board electrical system thus also paves the way for the progressive expansion of infotainment and assistance systems.
Emotive gearshifting experience: the AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 9G 9-speed transmission is specially tuned to the requirements of the eight-cylinder variants of the new four-door AMG GT. A wet clutch is used here. This reduces weight and inertia and optimises the response. The extensively tailored software enables extremely short shift times and fast multiple downshifts and delivers an especially emotive gearshifting experience thanks to the double-clutching function. There is also a RACE START function, ensuring optimum acceleration.
The six-cylinder inline engine is coupled with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission. In conjunction with the torque converter the transmission is tuned to the special requirements of this engine. On the other hand, the extremely fast and emotive gearshifting characteristic of an AMG model is also possible depending on the drive program.
In total: the high driving dynamics of the AMG GT
In order to meet the high demands of impressive driving dynamics, Mercedes-AMG engages all the components this takes. With its sophisticated design the bodyshell of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63/53 plays an equally crucial role as the ingenious control strategy of the all-wheel drive system. And it is only in the optimum interplay together with the active aerodynamics, the rear axle steering and the ESP® that the complicated suspension tuning unleashes its full potential. Through the complex networking of all the systems and components the developers in Affalterbach were able to bestow on the car the high level of driving dynamics expected of it as a member of the AMG GT‑family.
Structure made in Affalterbach: the rigid AMG bodyshell
One aim during development of the new four-door AMG GT was to anchor the genes of a sports car in the bodyshell. In order to do this, analysis and simulation methods from racing were used in order to reinforce the structure where necessary for maximum performance. The very rigid front section prevents unwanted distortions about the longitudinal and transverse axle, which ensures precise steering and better feedback for the driver.
In the area of the centre and tail end of the vehicle new reinforcement concepts were used in conjunction with state-of-the-art CRP plastics. This, together with further individual measures plus close networking with Chassis Development right from the outset, ensured that the four-door AMG GT was given an optimum basis for high lateral dynamics potential.
Dynamism made in Affalterbach: the AMG chassis engineering
The outstanding agility and racetrack-ready driving dynamics of the four-door AMG GT are also down to the special AMG suspension. On the six-cylinder model a suspension with steel springs and adjustable damping is used as standard. The suspension on the eight-cylinder variants is based on the fully load-bearing multi chamber air suspension AMG RIDE CONTROL+. A rigid integral carrier bears the front axle, engine, transmission and steering gear.
In conjunction with the wide track width and the configuration for large tyre dimensions, wheel location and spring elements which are independent of one another facilitate high lateral acceleration, whilst the low unsprung masses promote the agile driving feel yet further.
The rear axle differential also has a new specially reinforced mount to improve the NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) characteristics. As on the AMG GT R, an anti-roll bar made of tubular material reduces the overall weight of the rear axle.
Intelligent all-wheel drive: AMG Performance 4MATIC+
All AMG GT 4-Door Coupé models are equipped with the AMG Performance 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. An electro-mechanically controlled clutch connects the permanently driven rear axle variably to the front axle. The best possible torque split is continuously computed according to the driving conditions and driver's input. The transition from rear-wheel to all-wheel drive and vice versa is seamless, as the intelligent control is integrated into the overall vehicle system architecture. Alongside traction and lateral dynamics, the all-wheel drive also improves the longitudinal dynamics for even more powerful acceleration.
It is still possible to drift thanks to fully variable torque distribution. The Drift Mode is suitable for this; in the S version of the four-door AMG GT it is standard, and in the other models it is available as an option. This can be activated in the “RACE” drive program using the shift paddles, provided that ESP® is deactivated and the transmission is in manual mode. When activating the Drift Mode the four-door sports car thus turns into a model with purely rear-wheel drive.
Optimum traction: rear-axle limited-slip differential
To improve traction and dynamism the AMG GT 63 S has an electronically controlled locking differential at the rear axle as standard. The slip is thus suppressed at the inner wheel on bends, ensuring optimum grip. The driver is therefore able to accelerate out of corners earlier and with more power thanks to the improved traction. The vehicle remains more stable when braking from high speed, while the limited-slip differential also improves traction when accelerating from rest. The electronic locking differential is part of the Dynamic Plus package and in this combination it is also optionally available for all further variants of the four-door AMG GT.
Enhanced agility and precision: the active rear-wheel steering
The AMG GT 4-Door Coupé responds even more sensitively to steering commands thanks to the active rear axle steering which comes as standard in the V8 models and is optional in the six-cylinder versions. The system facilitates an even better combination of agility and stability and thus reinforces the dynamism and the handling safety of the new AMG GT four-door model.
Up to a speed of 100 km/h, the rear wheels point in the opposite direction to the front wheels via two electric actuator motors. As a result, the car turns into corners with significantly higher agility. Under everyday driving conditions, the driver also benefits from a smaller turning circle.
At speeds higher than 100 km/h, the system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels. That noticeably improves driving stability. At the same time, the lateral force on the rear wheels builds up considerably faster on changes of direction, thus improving the response to the steering. The driver can also rely on extreme rear-axle grip and high stability when changing direction quickly, without the usual tendency for the rear end to break out.
Direct and immediate: AMG speed-sensitive sports steering
The electromechanical speed-sensitive power steering has a variable ratio. It impresses with its precise feedback thanks to the AMG-specific rack-and-pinion steering with a variable ratio. Power assistance also varies between the three stages “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+”. The corresponding characteristic is automatically activated depending on the selected AMG DYNAMIC SELECT transmission mode or can be personalised as required in “Individual” mode.
Good control and fade-resistant: the AMG high-performance braking systems
In line with the high output values and their associated performance the eight-cylinder models have a large-dimensioned brake system consisting of compound discs with 6-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston floating brake callipers at the rear. The S variant is characterised by yellow brake callipers, whilst the base variant of the eight-cylinder sports red brake callipers.
The six-cylinder model is also equipped with internally ventilated and perforated compound brake discs with brake callipers painted silver ..

06.

March 2018

Stuttgart

Press Contact for this Press Release (2)

Steffen Schierholz

Manager Communications C-Class, E-Class, CLS

steffen.schierholz@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-75852

Fax: +49 711 17-98646

Koert Groeneveld

Head of International Product & Technology Communications

koert.groeneveld@daimler.com

Tel: +49 711 17-92311

Fax: +49 711 17-94365

Fuel consumption combined: 9.4 – 4.6 l/100 km; Combined CO2 emissions: 214 – 123 g/km*Stuttgart. The most successful model series from Mercedes-Benz is entering its fifth year in production with extensive modifications. The design of the exterior and interior benefits from a stylish makeover. The electronic architecture is completely new. The customer benefits from a user experience with an optionally fully digital instrument display and multimedia systems with tailor-made information and music. The assistance systems are now at the level of the S‑Class. The new C-Class will have its world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show (6 to 18 March) and deliveries to sales partners will begin in June.

The C-Class in its current generation was Mercedes-Benz's top-selling model in its fourth year on sale. More than 415,000 units of the Saloon and Estate were sold worldwide in 2017. The C‑C lass is produced at four plants on four continents. These are the lead plant in Bremen (Germany) plus East London (South Africa), Tuscaloosa (USA) and Beijing (China). The Beijing plant also produces the long version of the C‑Class Saloon, which is built and sold exclusively in China. China was the biggest market for the C‑C lass in 2017.
Power and efficiency: Completely new range of engines
The C-Class Saloon and Estate will enter the market with completely new engines. The following models are e.g. available on market launch in July, with further engine variants to follow:
C 200
C 200 4MATIC
C 220 d
C 43 4MATIC
Transmission
9G-TRONIC
9G-TRONIC
9G-TRONIC
AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G
Cylinders/arrangement
4/in-line
4/in-line
4/in-line
6/V
Displacement (cc)
1497
1497
1951
2996
Output (kW/hp) Combustion engine
135/184
135/184
143/194
287/390
at rpm
5800-6100
5800-6100
3800
6100
Output of electric motor (kW) Recuperation Boost
12 10
12 10
–
–
Max. torque Combustion engine (Nm)
280
280
400
520
at rpm
3.000-4.000
3.000-4.000
1.600-2.800
2.500-5.000
Max. torque Electric motor (Nm)
160
160
–
–
Fuel consumption, NEDC 2.0 (l/100 km)
6,0 (6,2)[1]
6,5 (6,7)1
4,4 (4,6)1
9,1 (9,4)*
Combined CO2 emissions (g/km), NEDC 2.0
136 (142)1
148 (153)1
117 (123)1
209 (214)*
Acceleration
0-100 km/h (s)
7,7 (7,9)
8.1
6,9 (7,0)
4,7 (4,8)
Top speed (km/h)
239 (235)
234
240 (233)
250**
Figures in brackets: Estate; *provisional figures, **electronically limited
Electrification continues: C 200 with EQ Boost
A new generation of four-cylinder petrol engines is being launched in the new C-Class. At the same time these models are equipped with an additional 48 volt onboard network with a belt-driven starter/alternator (EQ Boost). The new petrol model will be launched as the C 200 and C 200 4MATIC with a displacement of 1.5 litres, with a 2.0-litre variant to follow later.
The combination of a 48 volt onboard network and EQ Boost creates the conditions for additional functions that help to reduce fuel consumption even further, while improving agility and comfort characteristics. When accelerating, EQ Boost can assist the 135 kW (184 hp) engine with an additional 10 kW (14 hp), bridging the brief moment until the turbocharger has built up its full charge pressure. This boosting is also used to reach the engine's ideal rpm as quickly as possible during gearshifts. The shift time of the automatic transmission is shortened as a result. During deceleration, the starter/alternator recuperates kinetic energy and charges the battery. The water pump is electrically driven and actuated by a characteristic map. This optimally adapts the cooling output to the current need.
Other advantages include gliding mode with the engine switched off, and the recuperative brake with intelligent engine stop when the vehicle is coasting: recuperation only begins with overrun cut-off when braking. When the speed falls below a certain minimum level, the powertrain is decoupled and the engine is switched off. This has the advantage of maximum fuel savings through recuperation together with comfortable vehicle response. The start/stop system operates particularly comfortably thanks to the belt-driven starter/alternator, as the engine restarts almost silently, with low vibrations and very rapidly.
The exhaust gas turbocharger uses a twin-scroll system. Thanks to its dual-flow configuration (the exhaust ducts fed by two cylinders each are separate from each other and only come together directly before the turbine), the torque characteristics have been improved while keeping the exhaust back pressure low. The charge pressure is electronically controlled, which makes it possible to set the optimum charge pressure more rapidly and precisely compared to purely pneumatic control.
CAMTRONIC variable valve timing is also on board. This allows two-stage adjustment of the valve lift on the intake side. In the partial load range this allows a smaller valve lift so that less air is fed to the combustion chamber, thereby avoiding high gas cycle losses. In higher load ranges the system switches to the higher valve lift to achieve the engine's full power delivery. The well-proven BlueDIRECT combustion process and an improved combustion chamber help to ensure low exhaust emissions. In-engine measures to reduce friction round off the efficiency strategy of the new four-cylinder power unit. These include the Mercedes-Benz patented CONICSHAPE® process, known in-house as conical honing: When form-honing the cylinder walls, the cylinder wall is opened out slightly towards the bottom, so as to reduce friction at the piston skirt for lower wear and fuel consumption. Alongside the diesel engines, all the petrol engines are also equipped with a particulate filter in Europe.
Future outlook: Plug-in diesel hybrid in the C-Class
For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is uniting an externally chargeable hybrid system with a diesel engine. At the same time, the combination of the new four-cylinder OM 654 diesel engine and the latest-generation 9G-TRONIC 9-speed hybrid transmission is a special technological highlight. 90 kW of electrical output, an additional electrical torque of 440 Nm and an intended electric range of around 50 km (NEDC) will enhance the experience of locally emission-free mobility.
The planned plug-in diesel hybrid is based on the third generation of the plug‑in hybrids that had their debut at the 2017 IAA in the S-Class S 560 e (combined fuel consumption 2.1 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 49 g/km, combined electrical consumption 15.5 kWh/100 km[2]). This has a new lithium-ion battery with a capacity of 13.5 kWh. The new onboard charger increases the charging capacity from 3.6 kW to 7.2 kW, which means that the battery is fully recharged at a wallbox after approx. two hours. This should be possible within seven hours even at a domestic power socket.
The third-generation hybrid technology will support the driver with further improved, intelligent drive management. Through the extended use of data from the navigation system and information from the camera and the radar sensor, the third hybrid generation looks ahead and adapts itself to the speed and route profile. Events such as negotiating towns on the way to the destination are taken into account when planning the available electrical energy, and during recuperation and thermal conditioning of the drive components.
Apart from a serene driving experience, the hybrid technology will ensure extra comfort. This is because in addition to the drive compoinents, the high-voltage onboard electrical system also supplies the electric refrigerant compressor and the high-voltage heater booster. Both will allow pre-entry climate control of the interior not only in summer but also in winter.
State-of-the-art diesel: C 220 d
The new C 220 d shares the four-cylinder diesel engine with the planned plug‑in diesel hybrid. This ultra-modern engine family opens up new dimensions in efficiency. It is the first passenger car diesel engine to use the stepped-bowl combustion process – named after the shape of the combustion bowl in the piston. The innovations also include the combination of an aluminium engine block and steel pistons, as well as the further-improved NANOSLIDE® coating of the cylinder walls.
Despite having a lower displacement than its predecessor, reduced to just under two litres, and weighing around 16 percent less, the new diesel powerplant in the C 220 d has an output of 143 kW (194 hp), precisely 18 kW more than the previous engine, and delivers an NEDC combined consumption of 4.4 (Estate: 4.6) litres per 100 kilometres. This is equivalent to CO2 emissions of 117 (123) grams per kilometre. Alongside optimised airflow on the intake and exhaust sides and the use of fourth-generation common-rail injection with pressures up to 2050 bar, the fuel saving is due to a reduction in internal friction by around 25 percent. On top of this, the engine is also more compact than its predecessor. All components relevant for efficient emissions reduction are installed directly on the engine. Thanks to the near-engine configuration, exhaust aftertreatment has low thermal losses and optimal operating conditions.
Mercedes-AMG: More performance for the C 43
The biturbo engine of the Mercedes-AMG C 43 excels with a powerful output together with low consumption and emissions. Installed close to the engine, the two turbochargers are especially spontaneous in their response.
For the new C-Class, the AMG development engineers have increased the output of the 3.0-litre V6 engine by 17 kW (23 hp) to 287 kW (390 hp). The peak torque of 520 Nm is available from 2500 to 5000 rpm. This package allows impressive performance figures: the new C 43 4MATIC Saloon accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, and the Estate in 4.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The engine is combined with the AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission, which the Mercedes-AMG developers have specially configured for a dynamic driving experience. This has a model-specific software application to achieve very short shift times.
4MATIC all-wheel drive: traction even in difficult road conditions
On market launch the C 200 is available with 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive for improved traction and driving stability, especially in adverse road conditions. The 4MATIC has an active all-wheel torque distribution of 45 % to the front and 55 % to the rear. As ever, the combination of the ESP® driving dynamics control system with the 4ETS electronic traction system makes regular differential locks superfluous. This saves weight and noticeably improves handling safety as well as ride comfort.
The all-wheel drive is standard equipment for the Mercedes-AMG C 43, and features rear-biased torque distribution with a front/rear axle split of 31 to 69 percent.
The exterior: headlamps with new interior design
The new-look C-Class combines emotionality with intelligence. The vehicle's appearance is defined in particular by its front and the design of the headlamps and tail lights.
With the model facelift, the AMG line features the diamond radiator grille as standard. The front bumpers have been redesigned for all lines. These new designs render the EXCLUSIVE exterior even more expressive and lend the AVANTGARDE exterior a yet more dynamic character. The front bumper features either a silver trim strip (standard), a chrome-plated trim strip (in combination with AVANTGARDE exterior) or a three-part chrome trim strip (EXCLUSIVE exterior). In conjunction with AMG Exterior, the vehicle sports an AMG front apron with a new geometry and at the rear the insert in diffuser-look comes in a new design. The rear bumper of these models has a new lower section; geometry, trim and tailpipe trim vary according to the selected equipment and engine variant.
The design of the front and rear lamps is defined by clear-lined contours. Exquisitely crafted details add highlights and underscore the modern character. The C-Class comes with halogen headlamps incorporating LED daytime running lamps as standard. LED High Performance headlamps featuring a particularly purist interior design are optionally available. For the first time in this model series, MULTIBEAM LED headlamps with ULTRA RANGE high beam are additionally available (see below for details).
The colour spectrum has been broadened by the addition of Mojave silver metallic and emerald green metallic for Saloon and Estate.
Interior design: exquisite fine-tuning
The sporty interior exudes class, featuring flowing forms in a new interpretation of modern luxury.
The centre console is characterised by an elegant flowing trim element – optionally with new materials: open-pore brown walnut or open-pore anthracite oak. The 3D real wood veneer in the centre console combines a hand-crafted character with a modern feel. Newly available interior colours include magma grey/black, plus saddle brown for the AMG Line interior. A change of colour also applies to the option of seat belts in a special colour, which now come in magma grey instead of crystal grey.
The KEYLESS-GO starting function is standard. The start/stop button comes in a new turbine-look design. The vehicle key also features a new design. Customers have a choice between three variants here: black with high-gloss chrome surround, white with chrome surround or high-gloss white with matt chrome surround.
The Multicontour Seat package is new. With this package, the side bolsters and lumbar support can be individually adjusted by means of an electrically driven pneumatic pump. A massage effect in the lumbar area is provided by air chambers which are inflated and deflated in a pulsing or wave-like motion when the function is activated. The seat's pneumatic functions are operated via the multimedia system.
The display concept: fully digital instrument display available as an option
The C-Class has a new display concept which includes an optional, fully-digital instrument cluster with the three visually distinguishable styles “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”.
The screen options at a glance:
Instrument cluster: The basic model features a classic two-tube instrument cluster. Between the tubes there is a 5.5-inch colour display (resolution: 383 x 600 pixels). The display style here is “Classic”.
The fully digital instrument display is available as an option. The screen has a 12.3-inch diagonal and offers high resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels. The cutting-edge screen design offers the three very different display styles “Classic”, “Sport” and “Progressive”. The styles can be switched quickly according to personal tastes or to suit the selected interior. Alongside certain menu items such as trip data or consumption figures, the driver can now additionally view the navigation display data or the ECO display in the instrument cluster. The latter supports the driver in adopting a fuel-efficient driving style.
Central display: The multimedia screen above the centre console is also available in two sizes. In combination with Audio 20 it has a 7-inch screen diagonal and a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels. Here too, the display style is “Classic”.
In combination with Audio 20, a high-resolution central display in 16:9 format is available for the first time, with a 10.25-inch screen diagonal and a resolution of 1920 x 720 pixels (standard in conjunction with COMAND and optional with Audio 20). As with the instrument cluster, a choice of three display styles is also available here. The state-of-the-art mode of presentation enables the displayed information to be grasped intuitively, with clear and informative graphics accompanying the text information under the Vehicle menu item, for example.
The C-Class has touch-sensitive controls in the steering wheel. They respond to swiping motions like the screen of a smartphone. They enable the driver to control the functions of the instrument cluster and of the entire infotainment system without having to take their hands off the steering wheel. The operation of DISTRONIC and cruise control with controls directly on the steering wheel is another new feature.
The infotainment system can additionally be operated via the touchpad with controller (new: haptic feedback) in the centre console or by means of LINGUATRONIC voice control. Vehicle functions such as the seat heating can now also be voice controlled. The optional head-up display is now adjustable over an even wider range.
Intelligent Drive: State-of-the-art active safety
The new C-Class features the latest Mercedes-Benz driving assistance systems offering the driver cooperative support, and therefore provides a higher level of active safety than its predecessor. The C-Class is able to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations. To do this it keeps a close eye on the traffic situation: improved camera and radar systems allow it to see up to 500 m ahead. The vehicle's surroundings are scanned by radar across a distance of up to 250 m to the front, 40 m to the sides and 80 m to the rear, while with the camera a range of up to 500 m is possible to the front, including 90 m in 3D.
The C-Class also uses map and navigation data for assistance functions. For example, Active Distance Control DISTRONIC as part of the Driving Assistance Package is able to give the driver map-based support in numerous situations, and predictively adjust the speed e.g. when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts. Other new developments include intuitively understandable Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist as new functions of Active Steering Assist.
The new C-Class comes with extended Active Brake Assist as standard. Depending on the situation, this can help to mitigate the consequences of rear-end collisions with slow-moving, stopping or stationary vehicles ahead, and even with crossing pedestrians and cyclists, or prevent them altogether.
MULTIBEAM LED headlamps: Optimum visibility in all conditions
The optionally available MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are new to the C-Class. Each headlamp incorporates 84 individually controllable LEDs. These allow extremely quick and precise, electronically controlled adjustment of the headlamps to suit the current traffic situation.
New functions in comparison to the previously available LED Intelligent Light System are junction light, roundabout light, city light and bad-weather light.
In high-beam mode, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus enables continuous long-range illumination of the road ahead without dazzling oncoming traffic. When no other road user is detected, the road ahead is straight and the vehicle speed is above 40 km/h, ULTRA RANGE high beam is switched on automatically. This produces the maximum light intensity permitted by law, which results in the brightness of the main beam headlamps only falling below the reference value of 1 lux after a distance of more than 650 metres. When there are oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead, the LEDs of the main beam modules are partially switched off, masking out a U-shaped area of the light beam. The other areas of the road continue to be illuminated with the high beam (partial high beam). The ULTRA RANGE high beams are only always active if high beam mode has been manually switched on.
ENERGIZING comfort control: for enhanced well-being
ENERGIZING comfort control (optional) links various comfort systems in the vehicle. It systematically uses the functions of the climate control system (including fragrancing) and the seats (heater, ventil..