Mercedes-Benz C-Class: More digital and efficient

As a pure electric vehicle, the new C-Class will not (any longer) come. But once again as a plug-in hybrid, which, thanks to a highly efficient battery system, is supposed to achieve around 100 kilometers of electric range according to WLTP. And since the C-Class is one of the company's highest volume series, this should reduce the CO2 footprint. Technically, Daimler still goes big: with rear-axle steering and "Digital Light" as well as an even smarter MBUX system with over-the-air updates. The Sedan and T-Model (station wagon) will premiere together, can be ordered from March 30, and will be available from summer 2021 at dealerships.

Mild electrification of four-cylinder engines – no more six and eight cylinders, but plug-ins and nine-speed automatic as standard

The engine program consists exclusively of four-cylinder units from the current modular Mercedes-Benz engine family FAME (Family of Modular Engines). Thus, the engine program significantly contributes to the flexibilization of the international production network while ensuring demand-appropriate electrification.

Both the diesel and petrol engines, in addition to turbocharging, for the first time feature intelligent support in the low speed range with an integrated starter-generator (ISG) as a second-generation mild hybrid. The ISG includes a 48-volt electrical system that ensures functions such as coasting, boost, or recuperation, enabling significant fuel savings. Furthermore, the engines are intended to start very quickly and comfortably, so the start-stop function is almost imperceptible to the driver, as is the transition from coasting with the engine off to powerful propulsion with engine power. In idle mode, the intelligent interaction of ISG with the combustion engine ensures outstanding smooth running. In addition to the mild hybrids, there will also be a plug-in hybrid petrol engine with up to 100 km of pure electric range. It will start with three petrol versions (C180, C200, and C300) and two diesels (C220d and C300d).

Daimler remains loyal to plug-in diesels!

Shortly after launch, fourth-generation plug-in hybrids will follow. Using the same base engines, electrification here, according to Daimler, makes another big step. With an electric drive power of 95 kW (129 PS) and a purely electric range of around 100 kilometers (WLTP), the plug-in hybrid models of the C-Class should be on the road more often without the combustion engine being used. This is the highly modern four-cylinder M 254 in the two-liter variant. Important: Diesel plug-in hybrids as a sedan and T-Model will also follow again.

The new high-voltage system is said to be more compact and powerful. According to Daimler, the number of high-voltage interfaces has been significantly reduced. The integration of power electronics into the transmission housing reduces the required installation space and simplifies assembly processes in the vehicle plant. Also, by increasing system voltage, drive power is enhanced without necessitating larger conductor cross-sections.

The high power density of the hybrid drive head is achieved using a permanently excited internal rotor synchronous machine. The maximum torque of the E-machine of 440 Nm is available from the first motor rotation and results in high agility when starting and dynamic driving behavior. Full electric power is available up to 140 km/h and is then gently limited.

The battery is an in-house development

The high-voltage (HV) battery is an in-house development by Mercedes-Benz AG. It belongs to a fourth-generation battery family and represents a consistent further development of the previous generation. It consists of 96 cells in so-called pouch design. The total battery capacity is 25.4 kWh. This leads to a significant increase in range to around 100 kilometers. To account for the high power density, the HV battery features internal cooling. The operating temperature can be regulated independently of the interior air conditioning through thermal management. Besides continuous operation in hot and cold countries, this also enables fast charging with direct current. Even with an empty battery, a full charge with the optional 55-kW DC charger is achievable in around 30 minutes. For charging at home on the AC grid, an 11-kW charger (market dependent) for three-phase charging at the wall box is standard.

Finally no step in the luggage compartment with the plug-in

The battery arrangement in the vehicle brings practical advantages compared to its predecessor: The luggage compartment now has no step and offers a through-loading option. The progress is particularly evident in the T-Model: The length of the luggage compartment floor increases by 63 mm to 1,043 mm. Large beverage crates can be easily loaded under the cassette of the cover roller and luggage net, as the luggage compartment height increases by 150 mm to 732 mm. The luggage volume has increased by 45 liters to 360 liters compared to its predecessor, and with the rear seats folded down, the T-Model can accommodate 1,375 liters (plus 40 liters). Air suspension and level control in the back are standard for both the sedan and station wagon.

Striking: "Cab-backward design" with classic proportions, now only with central star

The hood star is a thing of the past with the new C-Class. It allegedly was rarely ordered even for the predecessor and disrupts the even sportier orientation. Inside, many highlights from the new S-Class are adopted, but with sporty accents.

All models now feature a central star, with the design and character of the grille differing in detail. The base model features a central star with slats. The Avantgarde trim adds decorative elements in the slats as well as chrome frames around the radiator grille and bumper. The AMG Line is characterized by the diamond grille in star design with chrome. Like BMW, the new sportiness is marked by driver orientation of the center console: Instrument panel and central display are slightly tilted six degrees towards the driver.

Large central display like in the S-Class

The driver's area is marked by a high-resolution LCD screen. It stands freely and appears to float in front of the wing profile and decorative surface. Thus, the driver display distinguishes itself from traditional cockpits with classic round instruments. Buyers can choose between a 10.25-inch (26.0 cm) and a 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) version.

The central display also highlights the paradigm shift towards digitality: vehicle functions can be controlled via the high-quality touchscreen. Its portrait format offers significant advantages, especially for navigation. Like the instrument panel, the surface of the large touchscreen is also slightly oriented towards the driver. The central display comes standard with a screen diagonal of 9.5 inches (24.1 cm). An optional larger version with 11.9 inches (30.2 cm) is available.

Individually adjustable screens

And of course, driver and central displays can be adjusted individually. The screen appearance can be customized with a total of three display styles (subtle, sporty, classic) and three modes (navigation, assistance, service). In "Sporty," for example, the color red dominates, and the central tachometer is dynamically staged. From the Avantgarde line onwards, the new C-Class comes standard with ambient lighting with light guides.

The C-Class also now gets the latest MBUX generation

The new C-Class also features the second generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system. The interior becomes even more digital and intelligent, as hardware and software have made a big leap forward: Brilliant views on the LCD screens facilitate the control of vehicle and comfort functions. In the new "assistance mode," traffic is depicted in real-time and supplemented with important display information. The fullscreen navigation was adopted from the S-Class and aims to provide the driver with the best possible orientation while driving.

Hey Mercedes: The voice assistant is intended to be even smarter

The "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant is more dialog- and learning-capable through the activation of online services in the Mercedes me app. Furthermore, certain actions can be triggered without the activation phrase "Hey Mercedes." This includes, for example, answering a phone call. "Hey Mercedes" also explains vehicle functions with the voice command "help" and supports if you want to connect your smartphone via Bluetooth or search for the first aid kit. Even occupants' voices can now reportedly be recognized by the C-Class.

Integration with Smart Home to enable remote comfort control

With the MBUX Smart Home function, the C-Class now becomes a mobile control center for the home. Under the term "Smart Home," WLAN, sensors, and actuators make the home increasingly intelligent and communicative: temperature and lighting, shutters, and electrical devices can be monitored and controlled remotely. Motion detectors and window contacts inform about wanted or unwanted visits. Cooperation with MBUX is also possible, such as:

"Hey Mercedes, is anyone at home?" "I've checked. The last detected movement was an hour ago in the kitchen."

Thus dialogues between the driver or passenger in the C-Class and the user's Smart Home can take place via the MBUX voice assistant. At launch, the MBUX Smart Home function will support numerous devices from major Smart Home providers – contracts with Bosch Smart Home and Samsung SmartThings have already been concluded. Further providers will follow and be announced at a later date, according to Daimler.

Initially, Hey Mercedes understands queries and commands in four languages (German, Chinese, American, and British English). Lamps, sockets, thermostats, shutters and blinds, motion detectors, and door/window contacts as well as temperature sensors can be addressed. So, you can also get an answer to the question, "Did I turn down the heating?" And depending on the response and thermostats installed at home, you can adjust the setting: "Set the temperature in the whole house to 18 degrees!" Therefore, Smart Home integration in MBUX contributes to reducing home energy consumption. Convenience is enhanced as the heating can be reactivated in time from afar.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz has fully integrated the largest music streaming providers into the MBUX infotainment system with the “Online Music” service. MBUX enables seamless access to the personal user profile at the linked music provider. The system is operated intuitively via the MBUX voice assistant “Hey Mercedes,” touch controls on the steering wheel, or directly on the central display.

“Augmented Video” is also offered as an optional feature. A camera captures the surroundings in front of the vehicle. The moving images are displayed on the central display. Additionally, virtual objects, information, and markings are overlaid on the video image. These include, for example, traffic signs, turn-by-turn directions, lane change recommendations, and house numbers. This can significantly ease navigation, especially in urban areas.

A colored head-up display is available as an optional feature. A virtual image with a size of 9 x 3 inches (approximately 23 x 8 cm) is projected in front of the driver, appearing to float about 4.5 meters away above the hood. This represents a significant step akin to the S-Class. Ergonomically positioned below the central display is a fingerprint scanner, allowing users to log into MBUX quickly, comfortably, and securely. Personal settings and data such as favorites, recent destinations, behavior-based predictions, calendar professional entries, or emails are protected. Payment processes via Mercedes me are also reserved for the authenticated user.

“Updates over the Air” (OTA): The Software is Always Up to Date

As soon as a new update from Mercedes-Benz is available, a notification appears in MBUX. Download and installation of the update occur in the background. The user must then explicitly agree to the activation. This way, the vehicle always remains up to date. Even features that haven’t been invented yet can be brought into already sold vehicles through over-the-air updates. To transfer the data, Mercedes-Benz relies on mobile technology and the communication module installed in the vehicle due to the high-security standards. Another way to an updated and improved user experience is adding new functions through the Mercedes me Store, such as music streaming services or in-car office. Subscription services can also be directly renewed or newly subscribed online via the Mercedes me Store.

What Does It Mean?

The new C-Class could already be the last: If Daimler accelerates its electrification program as rapidly as other manufacturers and the compact but more spacious EQE soon comes into the lineup, the C-Class, which follows its conventional predecessor in terms of drive and package technology, could face tight competition in a few years. However, in terms of digitalization, it leaves nothing to be desired and remains committed to plug-in diesels.