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The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

With the new Estate model Mercedes-Benz will expand the C-Class family starting in September 2014. The Estate has a clear, emotional-sporty design, innovative technology, variability and a cargo volume greater than its predecessor. Its high-class, sophisticated interior makes modern luxury tangible with design highlights. With these qualities the Estate reinforces its reputation as a multifaceted lifestyle vehicle - outstanding for everyday use. In addition, with its many new assistance systems it not only offers the highest standards of safety, but thanks to intelligent lightweight construction, exceptional aerodynamics and new economical engines it also sets new efficiency benchmarks in its segment. The Estate model provides the stage for the world premiere of the Mercedes connect me services, which, among other things, make it possible to connect to the vehicle from anywhere at any time and retrieve the current fuel level online.

The new C-Class Estate combines a striking, dynamic design with outstanding adaptability and adapts to a wide variety of requirements. As a stylish, sporty vehicle it accompanies active, modern people on shopping sprees, on vacation or when playing sports, and is suitable for families in every respect. Consequently, it continues the tradition of the C-Class Estates, which have all combined demands on lifestyle with practicality, and takes it to a new level in this fourth generation.

Prof Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: "The new C-Class Estate is not only extremely practical thanks to its large, variable load compartment. With its state-of-the-art technical features it also stands out in its segment in regards to safety, efficiency and comfort."

Variable and practical

The dimensions of the new C-Class Estate have grown considerably. With an 80‑millimetre increase in the wheelbase (2840 millimetres) compared with the previous model, the vehicle is 96 millimetres longer (4702 millimetres) and 40 millimetres wider (1810 millimetres). The resulting increase in space primarily benefits the rear-seat passengers who now enjoy 45 millimetres more legroom. There is also more shoulder room, elbow room and headroom than in the previous model.

The sporty rear of the new C-Class Estate provides a maximum load capacity of 1510 litres (according to ISO 3832). It thus surpasses its predecessor by ten litres. The load compartment volume behind the rear seats has increased by five litres to 490 litres.

Variability and consequently functionality also increase significantly. The rear seats now have a 40 : 20 : 40 split instead of the 60 : 40 split in the predecessor. This opens up a wide range of possibilities to use the interior as a five-seater, four-seater, three-seater or two-seater.

Practical details ensure that the load compartment is even more versatile and easier to use, and as a result it can be conveniently tailored to the driver's need. The rear-seat backrests can be unlocked and folded electrically at the push of a button to create an enlarged and level load compartment.

The exceptional loading convenience can optionally be further enhanced with the Easy Pack power liftgate and, likewise, optional Hands-Free Access system. It allows opening and closing the tailgate without touching it. All it takes is a motion of the foot in the area of the rear bumper.

Efficient and lively engines

The powerful and efficient petrol and diesel engines with ECO start/stop function comply with Euro VI emissions standards and ensure sporty performance and driving pleasure. Compared with the predecessor they consume in excess of 20 per cent less fuel.

The diesel models of the new C-Class are powered by the further advanced four-cylinder or the new small four-cylinder engine, which as BlueTEC models are all equipped with SCR technology (selective catalytic reduction). They cover an output range from 115 hp to 204 hp.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers a diesel engine combined with a hybrid module. The C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid with four-cylinder diesel engine and compact electric motor generates a power output of 204 + 27 hp and despite its high power output delivers 74 mpg in NEDC combined mode.

Three BlueDirect four-cylinder petrol engines and one BlueDirect six‑cylinder petrol engine with power outputs ranging from 156 to 333 hp will initially be available for the new C-Class. The four-cylinder C 350 Hybrid with plug-in technology and a power output of 208 + 67 hp will follow in due course.