PRICES and specs have been announced for the new Mercedes C-Class.
The initial line-up will offer just two engines, one diesel and one petrol, although there are three different trim lines from the start and there will be a much wider choice of engines later in the year.
Equipment lists have clearly been designed with business drivers in mind
The new Mercedes C-Class range starts at £26,855 for a petrol C 200 with a six-speed manual gearbox and SE trim. The engine produces 184PS and is good for a top speed of 147mph and acceleration from rest to 62mph in 7.5 seconds.
The equivalent entry-level 170PS C220 BlueTEC diesel costs £29,365. Performance – a top speed of 145mph and 0-62mph in 7.7 seconds – is very similar but economy and emissions are much better – 70.6mpg and 103g/km of CO2 – which places it in the 16 per cent tax band for company car tax compared with 17 per cent for the petrol.
Equipment lists have clearly been designed with business drivers in mind – all models get a touch-pad to control the entertainment functions via a seven-inch colour display, Artico artificial leather upholstery and two-zone air conditioning.
The base SE model is also available with a £995 Executive Pack that includes which includes Garmin Map Pilot sat nav, heated front seats and split folding rear seats.
The other two trims, Sport and AMG Line, start at £28,850 and £30,345 respectively. The Sport gets 17-inch alloys, lowered suspension, chrome exterior trim and sat nav. The AMG Line gets 18-inch AMG alloys, an AMG body kit and steering wheel, and sports suspension. The upper dash area is finished in Artico.