All-New 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans Go On Sale
19 September 2000
All-New 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans Go On Sale Sleek New C240 and C320 Blend Advanced Design, Driving Fun,
Industry-Leading Safety
MONTVALE, N.J., Sept. 18 The long-awaited 2001 C-Class is
beginning to arrive at Mercedes-Benz retailers around the U.S. An all-new
sport sedan that promises to continue the impressive success of its
predecessor, the sleek new C-Class features a unique interpretation of the
familiar elliptical headlight design, resembling overlapping ovals with a
figure-eight outline. Inspired by the award-winning S-Class, the sleek,
eye-catching body shape is jam-packed with useful, innovative technology,
raising the bar yet again in its market segment. With a suggested price of
$29,950 for the C240 and $36,950 for the C320, the C-Class line for 2001 comes
with such industry-leading standard safety features as dual-force front
airbags, head protection curtain airbags and door-mounted side airbags, ESP
stability control, Brake Assist, the BabySmart child seat recognition system
and the Tele Aid emergency call system.
Youthful Design
The C-Class builds upon the dynamic and youthful visual language of the
2000-model S-Class -- a coupe-like profile, twin headlamp face, a sculpted
hood tracing the headlamp shape, curvaceous C-pillars, triangular taillights,
a trim waistline and strong shoulders. Though it seems significantly larger
than the predecessor C-Class, it's longer by less than an inch.
Aerodynamics is a key component of design, and the C-Class excels with a
16-percent-improved drag coefficient of 0.27. Furthermore, seemingly minor
details add up. The A-pillars, even though triple-strong with three-layer
construction, are shaped to minimize wind noise at speed, as are the crafty
door seals and side-view mirrors. Airflow over the windshield wipers is
minimized for sound as well as air turbulence. A notched sunroof deflector
effectively eliminates interior booming.
Interior
The new C-Class interior uses revised and upgraded materials, clearly
arranged controls and a multifunction steering wheel to access useful
information and to make control adjustments. Even higher standards of
materials, feel, and a quality appearance led designers to a significant
redesign.
To minimize reflection, the upper segment of the dashboard is finished in
Charcoal, while the lower section is finished in the dominant color of the
interior. Central, side and side-window defrost vents grow out of the upper
dash, as does the new instrument panel with multifunction display. The lower
dash is home to interior lighting and side mirror adjustments, as well as the
large glove box that offers 500 cubic inches of storage.
Many of the interior surfaces have been created by spraying a layer of
polyurethane into a mold with the desired texture. While this alone isn't
revolutionary, Mercedes has established a process to repeat these coats to
arrive at the desired skin thickness and pliability.
The new instrument cluster has a central LCD display within the
speedometer for the standard-equipment stereo adjustments, plus odometer, trip
computer and optional COMAND system information. Three analog gauges monitor
engine speed, road speed and fuel level, while the multifunction display can
call up a variety of other detailed information, including water temperature.
Dual-zone climate control with rear-seat outlets and activated charcoal
filtration is standard, as is a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, genuine wood
trim and an AM/FM/cassette audio system. On C240 sedans, seat height and
backrest adjust electrically. On C320 models, full power memory front seats,
Bose premium audio system and five-speed automatic transmission with Touch
Shift are also standard. The front seats feature headrests that expand
forward, enhancing comfort and safety. All three rear seating positions
benefit from adjustable head restraints and three-point seat belts, while
outboard rear seats have belt height adjustments and belt force limiters.
The center console echoes the curved contour of the central dash, in
genuine wood trim. A redesigned gear selector gate for automatic models
requires less space, while six-speed manual C240s receive a one-piece leather
shift lever boot. Each programmable SmartKey hold memory information for seat
adjustment, steering wheel, rear view mirror and the automatic climate control
to the driver's preferred settings.
Complete Control From The Steering Wheel
The all-new C-Class steering wheel provides the driver with large,
illuminated rocker buttons for an easy and convenient way to control many of
the car's systems. Two rockers with eight detents control the dash display
and adjustment of more than 50 different functions: trip odometers and the
trip computer with fuel tank range; audio system (radio station seek, cassette
deck operation, volume, CD changer track and seek); fault memory with error
messages (for vehicle diagnostics); clock; interior and exterior light
dimming; and system language. Within each of the basic menus displayed in the
instrument cluster, the driver can scroll forward or back between additional
"windows" using the scroll buttons on the left side. These same buttons also
provide selection of various functions within each system.
A V6-Powered Lineup for the U.S.
The C-Class lineup for the U.S. will include two V6-powered models: the
C240 and the C320. Both Mercedes-Benz V6 engines provide spirited
performance, yet with super-low exhaust emissions which enable the C-Class to
be categorized with the coveted LEV or Low Emission Vehicle status. These
engines capitalize on a twin-spark/three-valve per cylinder arrangement that
simultaneously offers high power and torque output, plus clean emissions. Two
intake valves assure quick cylinder filling of the precise air/fuel mixture.
One large exhaust valve helps the engine breathe, yet also reduces emissions
by retaining exhaust heat.
Both of the C-Class V6 engines take advantage of dual-resonance intake
manifolds, which help maximize torque at all engine speeds. Below 3,700 rpm,
flaps in the intake manifolds remain closed to direct air through a longer
intake route, which boosts torque and efficiency at lower engine speeds. At
higher speeds, the flaps open, allowing intake air to take a more direct route
to the cylinders for high-speed power. The result is the C240's 2.6-liter
engine generating 168 horsepower and 177 lbs.-ft. of torque. The C320 sedan
uses a 3.2-liter, 215-horsepower V6 that develops 221 lbs.-ft. of torque from
3,000-4,600 rpm, delivering substantial midrange punch. Sequential fuel
injection and electronic drive-by-wire throttle control ensure progressive
response to the throttle. The result, in the case of the C320, is very brisk,
sports-car-like acceleration from 0-60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. The C240
sedan accelerates to 60 mph in a respectable 8.2 seconds.
Shifting with Pleasure: The New Six-Speed Manual
For the first time ever, Mercedes-Benz offers a six-speed manual
transmission in the C-Class. Bringing a strong sporty component to the C240,
this new transmission offers maximum control, with short gear lever throws for
quick shifting. With an extra gear, Mercedes engineers narrowed the ratio
gaps between each gear and made a slightly shorter first gear (as compared to
a five-speed) for quicker acceleration from rest, all while maintaining an
overdrive top gear (sixth) for quiet and economic highway cruising. Shift
effort is low, thanks to multiple-cone synchromesh, easing cross-gate shifts
from second to third and from fourth to fifth. The reverse lockout is
overcome by lifting on the shift lever when selecting reverse.
Driver-Adaptive Five-Speed Automatic with Touch Shift
Standard on the C320 and optional on the C240, an excellent five-speed
automatic transmission with Touch Shift also offers manual gear selection, but
without the need to operate a clutch. Touch Shift allows the driver to
manually select all five forward speeds by pushing the gear lever slightly
left to downshift or right to upshift while in Drive -- it isn't necessary to
move the lever to another gate to make manual gear changes. An in-dash gear
indicator shows what gear is selected. Though gears can be manually selected,
computer control prevents downshifts that would cause the engine to overrev.
When not shifting manually, Mercedes' acclaimed electronic five-speed
automatic transmission not only adapts to changes in road grade (delaying
upshifts on ascents for climbing power and hastening downshifts on descents
for engine braking), but also to an individual's driving style while in fully
automatic mode. A driver who requires frequent highway merging will find the
transmission holds each gear longer for quicker acceleration. The
transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with smooth
upshifts for the best fuel efficiency.
In addition, the Mercedes "Winter" switch remains next to the shift lever
on the selector. Winter mode engages second gear from a standstill and
instructs the transmission to upshift at lower engine speeds, enhancing
traction in slick conditions.
Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
Mercedes-Benz was first to introduce a true automatic stability system
in 1996 with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), and currently, all
Mercedes-Benz automobiles have ESP, tailored to each specific model. The
system enhances driver control and helps maintain directional stability in
turns as well as when driving straight ahead, including over uneven surfaces
and over patchy snow, ice or gravel.
If there's a discernable difference between what the driver asks (through
steering) and the vehicle's path, ESP applies selective braking (braking one
wheel, front or rear, left or right) to put the car back onto the driver's
intended path, something no driver can do. ESP is effective during
acceleration, braking and coasting. The ASR traction control is also
integrated into ESP.
New Lightweight, Energy Absorbing Front Suspension
The 2001 C-Class suspension blends several innovations with proven
Mercedes-Benz engineering triumphs. At the front, the C-Class combines two
separate lower links with a strut, coil springs, twin-tube gas shocks and a
stabilizer bar. By using two lower links of low mass rather than one large
link (or control arm), they can provide better impact absorption in the case
of a frontal impact. In addition, sensitivity to potential wheel imbalances
or brake fluctuations is minimized. New rack and pinion steering for the
C-Class has been finely honed to deliver precise, direct feel and response.
Just like the new front suspension, the steering rack provides a safety
benefit. The new lateral rack, mounted ahead of the front wheels' centerline
on a deformable aluminum subframe, does not impede absorption of crash energy.
Revisions to Proven Multi-Link Rear Suspension
At the rear of the 2001 C-Class, the proven multi-link independent
suspension is again updated for this newest C-Class. Engineers have
redesigned the track links, hub carriers and the subframe. Furthermore,
suspension engineers revised all the elastokinematics -- the designed-in wheel
deflection under extreme load -- to ensure optimum predictability while driven
hard.
New seven-spoke, 7x16-inch alloy wheels wear 205/55R16 tires. An optional
Sport package offers keen drivers even higher handling dynamics through
higher-rate springs, tighter shock valving, slightly larger-diameter
stabilizer bars, plus larger 225/50R16 performance tires on 7x16-inch, 5-spoke
wheels.
Extra Braking Power in Reserve
As on every Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle, the new C-Class features
four-wheel disc brakes with a standard electronic four-channel anti-lock
braking system (ABS), itself a Mercedes-Benz innovation first produced in
1978. However, the all-new C-Class has an unusually large reserve of braking
power, thanks to larger brake dimensions, revised brake cooling fins and a
brake booster with 15 percent more assist than in the outgoing model.
Safety
Fundamentally, the safety of Mercedes-Benz automobiles is most meaningful
in one way -- real life. All new developments are put into production based
on careful analysis of actual traffic conditions and accident histories. The
technical safety aspects of the new C-Class don't just meet government
standards, but also reflect in-house Mercedes-Benz accident research. The
C-Class is designed for the greatest possible impact safety, based on
Mercedes-Benz' own stringent passenger car guidelines which date all the way
back to 1951, when the company patented its energy-absorbing car body with
front and rear crumple zones.
Smart Restraint Systems
All five seating positions in the new C-Class are fitted with three-point
inertia-reel seat belts, and all the outboard seat belts have an
electronically controlled belt tensioner. In a collision, this tensioner
takes up the seat belt slack at lightning speed, thereby anchoring the
passengers to the seat. Thus, they "take part" in the deceleration of the
vehicle earlier and forces are reduced. In milliseconds, a belt force limiter
for the driver and front passenger seat limits the restraining action of the
belt, reducing the risk of chest and shoulder injuries.
The two-stage front airbags for driver and passenger deploy in two levels,
depending on the severity of impact. If sensors detect a minor front-end
impact, only one chamber of the gas generator is deployed, so the bag is not
filled as fully or as quickly as it is in a severe front impact. In a more
severe collision, the second chamber is deployed 5 to 15 milliseconds later.
A sensor mat in the front passenger seat (featured in all Mercedes-Benz
passenger vehicles) determines if someone is in the seat. If the seat is not
occupied, the sensor will deactivate the front passenger airbag, side airbag
and the seatbelt pretensioner -- a measure designed to reduce accident repair
costs. The seat belt latches of the new C-Class use sensors to determine how
many other passengers are in the car, and where they are sitting.
Another Mercedes-Benz innovation is the standard-equipment side curtain
airbags. Akin to an air mattress, nine air chambers in each side curtain
airbag span the full distance of the side windows from front roof pillar to
rear roof pillar.
The door side airbags for each outboard passenger are located above the
door armrests. In the event of a crash, they deploy between the occupants and
the door, helping to reduce the forces acting on the upper body and lateral
whiplash movements of the head. Where door-mounted side airbags protect
against chest injury, the side curtain airbags protect the head and neck,
resulting in one bag complementing the other.
Side Impact Protection
In the floor of the new C-Class, reinforced side rocker panels transfer
the impact forces to two strong side members on each side under the front
seats and to a full-width crossmember under the rear seat. The transmission
and driveshaft tunnel reinforcements also improve the transfer of forces
between the front seats. At medium height, the doors themselves are laterally
stiffened with several sectional reinforcements and extremely strong door
hinges. Seat frames and backrests are also extra strong, and the dashboard
employs a square member to provide lateral structure. Finally, the C-Class
roof minimizes intrusion, thanks to A-, B- and C-pillars with three-shell
construction -- or concentric posts -- through their full height. The roof
frame itself is also made of this three-shell construction. All this front
and side impact protection is repeated in the rear, even in an offset rear-end
impact at high speed.
BabySmart
The BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, standard on every
Mercedes-Benz model, deactivates the passenger-side front airbag in the
presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat
(available from Mercedes-Benz retailers).
When activated, an "airbag off" light on the center console confirms
whenever a BabySmart seat is installed. In the event of a collision, the
child is protected by the restraining abilities of the child seat and the
seatbelt system. BabySmart seats are available in three different sizes:
Infant (from birth to 20 pounds), Toddler (20 to 40 pounds) and Booster
(40 to 100 pounds).
The C-Class Market
Mercedes-Benz USA projects that primary competition for the new C-Class
will include the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Lexus ES300 and the Volvo S70. The
2001 C-Class is expected to establish a new benchmark for value in its market
segment. The prior C-Class enjoyed a seven-year production run of over
1.6 million cars globally and was a market leader among comparable premium
sedans. The all-new C-Class represents an investment of over $1 billion for
the German automaker over the past four years of development.
All 2001 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty,
which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full cover age period,
plus free scheduled maintenance. In addition, the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz
Roadside Assistance pro gram covers all Mercedes cars, regard less of model
year. This peace of mind can include a free jumpstart, help in mounting a
spare tire or providing a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a
decades-old Mercedes. Consumers can find more information on the MBUSA
C-Class microsite at: http://www.thenewc.mbusa.com.
