Since its market launch in 1982, Mercedes-Benz has supplied customers with over 10 million cars of the C-Class family. The brand has sold more than 2.3 million sedans, estates and coupes of the current model series alone since it was unveiled in 2007.
Dr Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing Mercedes-Benz Cars: “The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a global success story. Sales of over 10 million C-Class cars speak for themselves. Launched as the ‘Baby Benz’, it is now one of the most popular cars in the premium segment. The innovative engineering and impressive efficiency of the C-Class have been inspiring our customers for more than 30 years.”
C-Class sedans sell extremely well in the US, South Africa and the BRIC countries, while there is particular demand for the estate among customers in Europe. The C-Class coupe tops the registration lists in virtually all markets, including those in the US, Germany and China. The C-Class is also one of the most popular models among business customers. The C-Class estate – which already accounts for nearly a milion sales – was voted 2011 company car of the year in Germany. Most business customers choose the Mercedes-Benz C 220 CDI Estate for its excellent fuel economy figures.
Outstanding efficiency
Customers who buy a C-Class are particularly impressed by its outstanding efficiency. The C 220 CDI is the most popular engine and the BlueEFFICIENCY edition scores highly for being particularly environmentally friendly. The sedan and coupe models consume just 4.1 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres – equivalent to CO ₂ emissions of 109 grams per kilometre. The C-Class has always been regarded as a pioneer in its segment in terms of its innovative safety systems which include numerous driving assistance systems ranging from ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control. Together, these provide a comprehensive level of support and protection for driver and passengers.
Expanding the global production network
The C-Class model series are not only in demand throughout the world – from 2014 they will also be the only Mercedes-Benz vehicles to be produced on four continents, being made at plants in Bremen (Germany), East London (South Africa), Beijing (China) and Tuscaloosa (USA). The Mercedes-Benz plant Bremen is also the centre of excellence for the new C-Class generation and it controls the global ramp-up. Well over a million C-Class cars in the current model series alone have already rolled off the production line in Bremen.
Global success story for over 30 years
The C-Class success story began in 1982 when the Mercedes-Benz 190 was launched as a mid-range car. Because it was the smallest car in the Mercedes-Benz range at the time, it soon earned the nickname ‘Baby Benz’. The first car under the C-Class designation was introduced in May 1993 and it marked new ground for Mercedes-Benz, not only in terms of engineering but also because of the wider range of body shapes. The estate introduced by the company in 1996 was the first sporty, mid-range estate car. When Mercedes-Benz launched the next C-Class model series in 2000, it included the sports coupe, a completely new body variant. The entry of the fourth C-Class generation to the market in 2007 also saw the launch of a new design feature. For the first time, the front-end design of a Mercedes-Benz sedan varied according to the equipment line. While the ELEGANCE equipment line features the three-pointed star in its traditional position on the bonnet, it is built into the centre of the radiator grill for the more sporty AVANTGARDE equipment line.
Edition C and Grand Edition – best sellers at the top of their game
Customers in Germany can look forward to a special offer in the summer when the Edition C option package for sedans, estates and coupes comes onto the market. It includes a wide range of optional extras, high-quality materials in the interior and AMG styling for a dynamic look. Mercedes-Benz has also enhanced the telematics and multimedia centre of this special C-Class model, with features such as an 11.4cm multifunctional colour display in the instrument cluster. The C-Class Edition C package for coupes, sedans and estates is available from €1,785.00 incl. VAT, while the extra cost for a saloon or estate with the AVANTGARDE equipment line is €1,011.50, incl. VAT.
The latest AMG version of the C-Class will appeal to those looking for sports performance. Exclusive, Edition 507 sedans, estates and coupes are fitted with an uprated 6.3-litre, V8 AMG engine with 373 kW (507 bhp) output and 610 Nm of torque. The Edition 507 models are available with the AMG Driver’s Package as standard, which means they have a top speed of 280 km/h. The C 63 AMG Edition 507 was launched in Europe in June and it will be introduced in all major markets in stages.
Mercedes-Benz is also offering its Chinese customers a special version of the C-Class. The special Grand Edition model with sporty AMG styling and particular market-specific colour combinations comes onto the Chinese market in late August.
