2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class no longer the ‘Baby Benz’
New to market last fall, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class represents a comprehensive redux of the automaker’s top-selling model.
Once the smallest car in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the “Baby Benz” has grown up to become the top moneymaker for this luxury automaker. Other models may earn more per sale, but the C-Class pays the bills. As important as the C-Class is to Mercedes-Benz’s health, it no longer has the responsibility of entry into the luxury brand. That chore gets passed on to the smaller CLA-Class, which now becomes the new Baby Benz.
With the CLA in place as the entry model in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, the automaker has repositioned the 2015 C-Class to fill out what it characterizes as the “premium mid-range” market. A bigger C gives Mercedes a balanced progression in cars, size and price, starting with the CLA and includes the E-Class and S-Class.
The fourth-generation 2015 C-Class sedan benefits from a host of major upgrades that give it a more sophisticated appearance, better performance, upgraded technology from its pricier E-Class and S-Class siblings, and a longer list of premium creature comforts.
Larger than the model it replaces, the 2015 Mercedes C-Class is 3.7 inches longer, 1.6 inches wider and sits on a wheelbase stretched by 3 inches. The additional space benefits mostly the rear passengers. At 17 cu.-ft., the trunk is larger than that of the typical midsize sedan.
Despite its growth, Mercedes reports the C-Class is up to 220 pounds lighter than its predecessor, with a chassis and body that is nearly 50 percent aluminum (compared with 10 percent for the outgoing model). Offered with either a base or sport suspension design, the C-Class uses a new four-link front suspension design intended for improved grip and sharper turning. An optional self-leveling air suspension with driver-adjustable modes is available.
As with the previous generation C-Class, buyers can choose between Luxury and Sport styling themes, the former providing a traditional grille design with a stand-up hood ornament, with the latter providing a sportier appearance with the Mercedes star emblem embedded into the grille. An optional Sport package adds a more aggressive appearance to the Sport model.
The 2015 C300 will come with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged direct-injection fourcylinder engine producing an estimated 235 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. Like many other automakers, Mercedes is getting six-cylinder power out of a four-cylinder engine while maintaining four-cylinder fuel economy.
The C400 will have a 3.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection V-6 that produces an estimated 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. Both models will be offered exclusively with seven-speed automatic transmissions and 4Matic allwheel drive. Rear-wheel drive versions will be added later, along with an AMG performance model.
The cabin has received plenty of attention and has a much less cluttered look. Interior design themes include an elegantly sculpted dash and one-piece console, fine wood and leather accents, a new 12-button multifunction steering wheel, M-B’s embrace2 connected-car technology plus a standard 7-inch central display that increases to 8.4 inches if the car is fitted with the optional Multimedia Package.
Topping the options list is a new version of the automaker’s “Comand” telematics system with Navigation that features a multifunction touch pad controller with supplemental handwriting recognition functionality that allows it to operate all of the car’s infotainment functions, as well as a new head-up display.