(December 16, 2013) Mercedes-Benz says its all-new 2015 C-Class "heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes- Benz success story and sets new standards in the premium mid-range class." Mercedes is moving new C-class sedan further upmarket making it lighter, bigger and better equipped than its predecessor.

The new C class — due in U.S. showrooms next fall — will be more luxurious and positioned further away from the new entry-level CLA sedan. The all-new, front-wheel-drive CLA is priced at $30,825, including destination. It went on sale in September.

"A host of new assistance systems in the 2015 C-Class offer safety of the highest standard, while a new suspension, optionally air-sprung, provides for exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling," Mercedes said in a press release.



In terms of appearance the new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its high-class interior. Many other innovations and interior touches underscore the sedan's luxurious comfort and refined sportiness. In all, the perceived quality of the new C-Class feels like an "upgrade to a higher class of travel."

The C-Class is the top-selling model series from Mercedes-Benz. Sales of the preceding model, which was launched in 2007, total over 2.4 million. The new C-Class offers sensuous and clear design and a host of technical innovations as well as a comprehensive scope of standard equipment and exemplary emission and fuel consumption values.

The U.S. market launches with two C-Class models: C300 4MATIC with a 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection in-line four cylinder engine with preliminary power figures of 235 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque and a C400 4MATIC with a 3.0L turbocharged direct-injection V6 at 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque.

"Mercedes at its best - that's the new C-Class, which sets new standards for the mid-range segment on many fronts," says Prof. Dr Thomas Weber, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "It is characterized by an emotional yet clear design which is continued in the high-quality and modern interior. Its efficient and high-performance engineering provides the basis for a high standard of driving enjoyment."

The C-Class has grown to take account of people's increasing average height. With a three-inch increase in the wheelbase (112 inches) compared with the previous model, the vehicle is 3.7 inches longer (184 inches) and 1.6 inches wider (71 inches). The resultant additional space benefits first and foremost the rear passengers, who now travel in even greater comfort. The new C-Class also increases its trunk capacity to 17 cubic feet.

On a visual level, the new C-Class represents a bold departure from its predecessor. Its striking, dynamic design exudes sensuous clarity and arouses emotions. Nature was a source of inspiration for the new sedan's aesthetically sensuous lines and surfaces, whose harmony and dynamism create an immediate effect.

The designers have created minimalist, purist forms for the C-Class which emphasize its intelligent technology and engineering. The clearly defined surfaces deliberately display a degree of tension, lending them a muscular and sensuous character. Precise lines and sculptural surfaces create lively light and shade effects.

As Gorden Wagener, vice president Design Daimler AG, notes: "The new C Class showcases automotive passion by way of a contemporary design idiom. Progressive and emotional highlights underscore the ground-breaking design style of the new C-Class and demonstrate sensual clarity. The new C-Class interprets modern luxury on a new level."

In the side view a long hood, a passenger compartment set well back and short overhangs define the C-Class's classic, well-balanced Mercedes-Benz sedan proportions. Large wheels emphasize the rear and communicate a stylishly sporty character.

There is a choice of two different faces: sporty with centrally positioned star or the classic sedan radiator grille featuring the Mercedes star on the hood. The fins of the radiator grille can be closed completely to optimize the vehicle's Cd value, highlighting the status of this cultivated sedan in duly self-assured style.

Prices have not been announced for the new sedan.