Mercedes C220

New entry-level Executive SE version of the Mercedes C-Class gets more kit and styling tweaks

The C-Class faces very stiff competition from the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4, but this new basic trim level proves that Mercedes can do value for money. It comes loaded with kit that similarly priced rivals don’t have. Plus, it makes a good case for itself versus costlier C-Class models, thanks to its fantastic ride quality and low emissions.

There have been some changes to the Mercedes C-Class line-up, including the introduction of a new entry-level Executive SE trim that replaces the previous SE. But this is more than a name change: Mercedes has added more kit, too.

That means the most basic C-Class you can buy now comes with a sports grille, LED daytime running lights, new 16-inch alloy wheels and imitation leather seats. All of that comes for only £35 more than the outgoing SE, so our C220 CDI Executive SE saloon sells for £28,305.

Aside from the extra kit, Mercedes has also made the dials a little easier to read and the indicator stalk simpler to use by moving it further from the cruise control stalk.

But the changes end there, and despite the generous equipment list, the Executive SE’s interior looks a bit bland, with too much dark plastic.

Mercedes hasn’t made any changes to the way the C-Class drives, so buyers can expect the same great all-round ability that has made it so popular.

The C220 CDI is powered by a 2.1-litre 168bhp diesel engine and comes as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. Even without the impressive optional seven-speed automatic fitted, there’s enough torque from the diesel engine to make sure you’re not constantly shifting up and down through the gears. There’s plenty of punch, too, with the 0-62mph sprint taking only 8.1 seconds.

While the 16-inch wheels on the Executive SE look a bit small, they do wonders for ride comfort. A C-Class with larger wheels is sometimes jittery on rough roads, but the Executive SE seems to float over them and makes short work of speed bumps and potholes.

It’s worth noting that the small wheels reduce CO2 emissions to 116g/km; the car emits 133g/km on 18-inch wheels.

It all goes to show there’s absolutely nothing wrong with opting for the most basic C-Class you can buy – in fact, there are some very good reasons why you should. And although it costs £35 more than the old SE trim level, it’s predicted to retain over five per cent more of its value when you sell it.

2012 Mercedes C250

Is a mid-cycle refresh successful if it makes owners of the current car feel like suckers? Absolutely. When the fourth-generation C-class arrived in 2007, the dour, cheap interior made us wonder if Mercedes-Benz was serious about calling it a luxury car. For 2012, Mercedes gutted it, refinishing the C with soft, rich plastics befitting the pricier E-class. There are new gauges with higher-quality displays, the seats are more comfortable, and the switchgear looks to have been lifted from the new CLS. It’s so much nicer inside that we actually feel a little bad for customers who already bought a C-class.

Just as Fresh under the Hood

If Mercedes-Benz had stopped at the new interior, we probably still would have considered the remodel a triumph, but there are many more changes. Under the new aluminum hood, U.S. buyers will find one of two new engines, both of which will be paired with a seven-speed automatic. At the bottom of the lineup is the new C250. Available in August, the C250 will get a turbocharged 201-hp, 1.8-liter four. If you’re in a big hurry, you’ll find yourself regularly revving past 4000 rpm, but the turbo does provide a good percentage of its 229 lb-ft of torque from just 2000 rpm. Most of the time, the four is barely audible, but it emits a healthy growl when worked hard. Figure on a 0-to-60-mph time of about seven seconds flat. Fuel-economy numbers have not yet been set, but we expect to see a city number of about 23 mpg and a highway figure of about 31.

For those craving a bit more speed, the C350 has more horsepower, courtesy of a new V-6. For this engine, Mercedes adopted a 60-degree design, its ideal bank angle eliminating the need for a balance shaft. At high rpm, the V-6 feels slightly smoother than before, but not remarkably so. A high 12.2:1 compression ratio and direct fuel injection endow the V-6 with 302 hp and 273 lb-ft. Mercedes claims a 0-to-60 time of 5.9 seconds. Our brief drive of the C350 gave us enough confidence to call that guess conservative by about a half-second. The C300 sticks around, its carry-over 3.0-liter V-6 shuttling power exclusively to all four wheels. It is the only C-class available with 4MATIC.

Updated Looks and Safety Roster, Similar Pricing

To mark the inward changes, the C-class has a few exterior tweaks—basically, if it’s plastic and on the outside of the car, it’s new. New bumpers front and rear help update the C-class to the latest Mercedes-Benz styling, as do the new head- and taillights. Like before, Sport models have their grilles laid back with an inset Mercedes star; Luxury models get a more upright grille with a stand-up hood ornament. The overall effect of the changes is subtle, but it helps bring the C-class in line with the rest of Mercedes’ sedans.

For the collision-prone, the C-class is now offered with the brand’s latest safety equipment. To ensure you’re awake, there’s Attention Assist. To keep you in your lane, there’s active lane-keeping assist, which vibrates the steering wheel when the car senses it has wandered from its lane. And active blind-spot assist will tell you if a car is lurking in your blind spot.

On sale this August, the 2012 C-class should come in at the same price point as today’s car. We expect the C250 to command $34,500—basically what a rear-drive C300 costs now—and the C350 should open at $41,000. The all-wheel-drive C300 4MATIC is expected to arrive in showrooms at the end of 2011. With this latest C-class, Mercedes has addressed the small sedan’s major interior deficiencies and added a couple of compelling engine choices. If Mercedes can hold the line on pricing, expect to see a lot of disappointed owners of pre-face-lift C-classes—making this a very successful refresh.
Specifications>

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear- or 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: C250, $34,500; C300, $38,000; C350, $41,000

ENGINE TYPES: turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 1.8-liter inline-4, 201 hp, 229 lb-ft; DOHC 24-valve 3.0-liter V-6, 228 hp, 221 lb-ft; DOHC 24-valve 3.5-liter V-6, 302 hp, 273 lb-ft

TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.7 in
Length: 180.8 in
Width: 69.7 in Height: 56.3–56.9 in
Curb weight (C/D est): 3400–3900 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST):
Zero to 60 mph: 5.5–7.0 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 14.1–15.6 sec
Top speed: 130 mph

FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 18–23/25–31 mpg

2012 C Class – The Most Powerful Version

2012 C Class – Geneva. By seeing its appearance, maybe many people will think that this is just an usual Mercedes-Benz 2012 C Class. But don’t be wrong. Because this car indeed the most powerful Mercedes-Benz 2012 C Class in the world.

Dubbed with the name of “Brabus Build Coupe”, this Germany 2012 C Class car now reincarnate as a powerful car. The power blasted from this 2012 C Class now could make people shaking their head, it is 800 horse power.

This power of 2012 C Class gained from the use of V12 engine which the capacity being upgrade from 5,5 liter become 6,3 liter.

This 2012 C Class then combined with a pair of turbocharger which at the end made this Mercedes-Benz 2012 C Class Coupe has the power up to 800 horse power with torque being limited to 811 lb-ft.

Brabus said that this 2012 C Class engine actually still can produced torque up to 1047 lb-ft, but the transmission feared could handle it.

By that power, no wonder this 2012 C Class at the end could accelerate up to 100km/hour only ini 3,7 second. This number half second faster than Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series which use V8 engine with 6,2 liter capacity.

By that power also, speed 200km/hour could be attained only in 9,8 second. The top speed of 2012 C Class could reach 370km/hour.

However, to get that crazy power, 2012 C Class which being showed in Geneva Motor Show has the price that could make the owner drain his wallet deeper because the price of this 2012 C Class is 449.820 Euro.

So, beside this could be the most powerful Mercedes-Benz 2012 C Class in the world, this car also could be said as the most expensive Mercedes-Benz 2012 C Class in the world.

Honda Civic 2012

Germany – One day before Honda release their C segment hatchback, Civic, in Frankfurt Motor Show arena, this H logo producer showed official picture of this legendary car.

From outside, appearance of this newest civic looks different frontally and more futuristic compared to previous edition. Look at the appearance which combine sharp element through newest headlamp and bumper along with unique design through black front fascia organized as Y corner.

In addition, side section of body slope at fender area looks force full, so that this Civic looks more muscular. While back figure, narrow rear lamp with sharp corner and notched bumper represent futuristic image for Civic.

Although have much difference, the basic element of this 5 door hatchback still same as previous Civic, including split-glass in back area, that separate by back lamp, as well as back door handle hidden in C pillar.

Regrettably, we still have to be patient to know about the newest machine which fulfill European emission standard. Because Honda still keep the detail until they release this car.

New 3 Series BMW with 3 Cylinder Machine

Munich - Feels like yesterday BMW AG launch the sixth generation of 3 series newest variant, now this German producer is developing ongoing product, the seventh generation. Concept of car that will be present at 2020 will give more emphasize in safety, efficiency, and user-friendly sector together with eco-friendly by cutting CO2 emission level lower.

Rumors says which is around machine development. The machine later will use model of 3 cylinder turbocharged with electric motorized. Modernity in machine include in use of self-ignition running mode that calculating the combination of injector and spark plug.

The movement transference will use 9 level acceleration automatic gearbox could be adjusted to driver character with the result that give better fuel efficiency.

Suspension system also will be remodeled with the use of model that high-low adjusted. In addition to keep under car condition stuck when passing the broken road, this car also could be lowered to gain better aerodynamic level when high speed.

From design aspect, many change take place, such as laser headlamps and new fender design which aerodynamic to reduce coefficient of drag like i8 product. Body material use carbon fiber to reduce weight. Wheel selection, except consider art value, also must give contribution to aerodynamic factor and brake cooling.

Other features adhere such as full head-up display, 3D Sat-Nav, and touch sensor at door handle. Most interesting, the technology that could guide you choosing not jamming street with build-in SIM card.