Mercedes С-Class. The best-selling car
In 2021, a new, fifth generation of the C-Class was released.
The Mercedes С-Class is a series of compact executive cars from the Mercedes-Benz Group (Germany), produced since 1993 as a sedan, estate, 3-door hatchback, as well as coupe and convertible (since the third generation). In the today's market, there are four generations of the car. The latest one is available in Israel as the 2018 restyled version (as of 2020).
Before A-class has appeared in 1997, the series represented the smallest cars in terms of both size and Mercedes-Benz classification. The C-Class was the expected continuation of the company's first-ever compact car. It was Mercedes 190 that combined simplicity and reliability and was nicknamed "Baby Benz". The sports sedan was especially successful among the youth. In just 11 years, the count of the produced cars was 1.8 M cars.
Just like other products of the German automotive brand, C-class cars have high-performance modifications from the Mercedes-AMG unit. In addition, the only high-performance C30 CDI AMG diesel-powered model in the company's history was presented as part of the second generation. The C-class cars are produced in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany.
First generation
The first generation was produced between 1993 and 2001 and was restyled in 1997. Despite the success of the 190, by the early 1990s it was clearly outdated and needed to be replaced to keep up with the time. In 1993, it was replaced by the C-Class with the body designation W202. The sedan looked larger than its predecessor, and was available in four trim levels. In 1996, the C-Class Estate (S202) appeared. In 1997, the car was restyled, the main point of the restyling was the addition of a new, more economical four-cylinder engine equipped with a compressor. The total of 1.87 M-class cars of the first generation was assembled.
Second generation
The second generation was produced from 2000 to 2008 and was restyled in 2004. The second generation with the index W203 looked a lot like the S-class W220 with the same rounded body lines. However, its interior was roomier and cosier. Just like its predecessor, the second-generation C-Class had several trim levels: Standard, Luxury, and Sport. In 2001, the S203 estate and the CL203 Sportcoupe three-door hatchback were introduced. Production of the sedan and estate ended in 2007. In 2008, the hatchback was greatly upgraded and was included into a separate class - Mercedes CLC.
Third generation
The third-generation C-class was produced between 2007 and 2015 and was restyled in 2011. The third-generation with the index W204 borrowed the style of the S-class. It had several performance lines just as the second generation. Each one was different from others. For example, Sport version had the 3-point-star logo shifted from the hood to the radiator cover. The BlueEfficiency version has first appeared. It was the greenest and the most fuel-efficient version among the entire model range of the German brand. Besides sedan and estate, the С-class was available as a coupe version.
The С-Class was the best-selling Mercedes-Benz car for more than 10 years (as of 2011-2019).
After the restyling in 2011, headlight optics, bumpers, and taillights were redesigned. The interior and the engine range were also changed. In the same year, the Mercedes-AMG division introduced the strongest model in the series, the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe Black Series with an engine producing over 500 hp.
Fourth generation
It has been produced since 2013 until now and was restyled in 2018 (as of 2020), the fourth generation with the W205 index was available as sedan, estate, coupe, and convertible versions. However it should be remembered that the C-Class sedan has been the best-selling Mercedes-Benz car for more than a decade. The new Mercedes C-Class boasts of a new body, improved interior, and the S-Class-inspired design. Presented in Detroit, the first car of the German brand to be based on a new rear-wheel drive MRA platform. A double-lever independent suspension is used on the front axle instead of the MacPherson suspension. The rear one is traditionally equipped with a multilink suspension. The standard version became lighter: just 1380 kg. The new C-class sedan became 100 mm longer. Now it was 75 mm longer than that of 3-series BMW and the same as that of Audi A4.
Restyling in 2018
The restyled fourth-generation C-class boasts of an upgraded front face, as well as new headlights and taillights. The AMG-Line grille with a big 3-point star was included in the standard version. The headlights became all-LED. In terms of safety, the main innovation of the 2019/2020 Mercedes C-Class is the upgraded Intelligent Drive driver assistance system, which is now equipped with longer-range radar and a camera that scans the space 500 meters in front of the car. The Intelligent Drive can automatically maintain a safe distance to vehicles ahead, is able to warn the driver of a possible collision or the presence of cars in blind spots, recognize pedestrians, markings, traffic signs, etc.
The interior of the new sedan has an upgraded multimedia system with improved voice control. There is a 7-inch display in the standard version and a 10.25-inch display for an extra payment. A digital dashboard with a 12.3-inch display is now available as an option. There are touch control buttons on the steering wheel. Following the example of the S-Class, this model has the optional comfort management function ENERGIZING, which integrates various comfort systems, such as climate control, LED interior lighting, massage and fragrance functions, and allows you to configure the interior comfort to suit your needs. With the optional DYNAMIC BODY CONTROL system, the driver can select various modes, for example, Comfort or Sports modes. The 2020 Mercedes C-Class has received a long list of safety systems equipment. There is also a parking package with all-around vision camera. Besides the standard airbags, there is an optional airbag set for rear passengers: side airbags and adaptive belt tension limiters on the outer seats.
