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Mercedes-Benz tries to rejuvenate the C-Class

You may not immediately notice it, but the update is legit

Do you perceive the subtle changes made to the front part of the C-Class? PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been a resounding success for the German automaker ever since the series was introduced in 1993 as the replacement for the 190 model. The current-generation baby Benz has been the brand’s top-selling car in recent times, shifting an impressive 415,000 sedan and wagon units worldwide in 2017 alone. To keep this success story going, Mercedes has just unveiled the latest version of its bestseller, giving it a slightly new look on the outside and some new gizmos and gadgets on the inside.

A redesigned front bumper that includes a chrome-plated trim strip for certain variants, and slightly different rear lights and headlamps that now feature multibeam LED with 84 individually controllable light-emitting diodes and ultra-range high-beam technology are pretty much all there is to see of this gentlest of revamps. Inside, visual changes are also largely on the subtle side, with new color combinations of magma gray paired with black and a saddle-brown interior for the AMG Line being among the noteworthy new options.

The C-Class remains to be a popular model from the Mercedes-Benz stable. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

Drivers of the new C-Class can now also look forward to enjoying the control and display concept from the current S-Class, which, in typical Mercedes fashion, has now trickled down the model lines and offers buyers the option of having a fully digital instrument display with three individually selectable display styles. The steering wheel has touch-sensitive controls and now also allows for the operation of the adaptive cruise control, while the onboard infotainment system can be operated via the center console controller that now comes with haptic feedback, or through Linguatronic voice control.

The C-Class shown here is the AMG Line. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

To make sure your new Chedeng stays shiny side up, Mercedes has included some of its latest driver assistance features as well, such as Active Distance Assist Distronic, a system that uses map data to support the driver in certain situations by, for example, predictively adjusting the speed if the car is approaching a corner or a change in road layout. Other semi-autonomous systems include Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

That soft blue light is almost hypnotic. PHOTO FROM MERCEDES-BENZ

With the car doing most of the driving, the German engineers have included an Energizing feature that is designed to positively affect the driver’s well-being and prevent him or her from nodding off by combining the functions of the air-conditioning with the cabin lights, the music and even the seat massager for maximum relaxation and happiness while driving. Essentially, when you buy a new C-Class, you’re now buying an elegant spa on wheels that—in the wagon version at least—also has enough room for a family road trip.

Mercedes-Benz will be unveiling more details about the revamped C-Class at the Geneva Motor Show in March, alongside other new models such as entry-level versions of the AMG 43 series, a new four-door AMG GT Coupe, a refreshed version of the Maybach flagship limousine, and the first series-production model of the new EQ brand that comes with battery-electric drive.



Frank Schuengel

Frank is a German e-commerce executive who loves his wife, a Filipina, so much he decided to base himself in Manila. He has interesting thoughts on Philippine motoring.



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