Cheaper new C-class

MERCEDES-BENZ has announced ultra-sharp pricing for the redesigned C-class sedan range that goes on sale in Australia from late July.

Prices for the new W204 C-class line-up start at $56,990 (plus on-roads) for the C200 Kompressor Classic sedan five-speed auto - $1500 less than W203 C180K Classic it replaces, despite offering more standard features and a higher-output (135kW/250Nm) version of the same supercharged 1.8-litre four.

An even cheaper delete-option six-speed manual version will become available, to replace the current C180K manual ($55,890).

The slick new pricing structure, announced without fanfare today, applies across the C-class sedan range, with the turbo-diesel C220 CDI Classic priced at $60,300 and the 3.0-litre V6-powered C280 Elegance priced at $85,000.

More than 1.4 million examples of the outgoing C-class were sold globally, including more than 32,000 since 2000 in Australia.

All Australian C-class models will features, as standard: stability control, parking sensors, parameter steering, eight airbags and Mercedes’ Pre-Safe anticipatory occupant protection system, as well as the new Agility Control variable suspension damping system.

Both the base C200K and the C220 CDI sedan will come with Neck-Pro crash-responsive head restraints, 16-inch seven-spoke light alloy wheels, Artico faux leather upholstery, thermatic dual-zone climate-control, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, a multi-function steering wheel with cruise control, Audio 20 sound system with six-CD stacker and the Universal Handy Interface (UHI) mobile telephone facility.

The C280 adds the COMAND Cockpit Management and Data System (incorporating DVD navigation, CD player, AM/FM radio and telephone functionality), Linguatronic voice control for audio and telephone systems, full leather upholstery, 17-inch multi-spoke light alloy wheels and a memory function for front electric seats.

Standard on the C280 and a $3500 option on C200K and C220 CDI, the Elegance equipment pack comprises 16-inch light alloy wheels in multi-spoke design, Burr Walnut interior timber trim, automatically dimming rear-vision mirrors and electrically folding external rear-vision mirrors.

As a no-cost option on the C280 and a $5700 option on C200K and C220 CDI, the Avantgarde pack includes 17-inch light alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design and Bird’s Eye dark interior timber trim, plus full leather upholstery and dimming/foding wing mirrors.

An AMG Sports Package will also be available for $12,000 ($6300 with the C280), while a Vision Package (including active bi-Xenon headlights, a sunroof and Harmon Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, will cost $4500 on all variants.

"This is a great announcement to make because I know so many customers have been waiting for this great news," said Horst von Sanden, managing director of the Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

"The all-new C-Class is such an impressive car and now our new model proposition is even more compelling. With such an extensive level of standard equipment, this all-new car has an abundance of value to match its style, luxury, safety and driving agility."