A new, more powerful 1.8-litre petrol turbo model – the C 250 CGI - has been added to Mercedes-Benz’ C-Class family as part of a raft of upgrades and extra features intended to sharpen the model’s value proposition following the reduction in new vehicle tariffs.
“For 2010 we have added $3,000 worth of new standard equipment right across the four-cylinder C-Class with no price increase – but with significant improvements in power, emissions and fuel economy,” enthused Mercedes-Benz cars Managing Director Horst von Sanden. “The six-cylinder C-Class gains almost $8,000 worth of new equipment.”
The entry level C 200 Kompressor has been deleted and replaced by the C 200 CGI, priced at $57,900. ‘CGI’ in ‘Benz-Speak’ stands for direct injection and the newcomer (still a supercharged 1.8-litre four cylinder) delivers the same power (135kW) with more torque (270Nm) but uses less fuel (combined cycle average consumption down to 7.3l/100kms).
That $57,900 price tag is identical to the outgoing C 200 Kompressor, but the newcomer gains 17-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, Avantgarde styling enhancements, a 60/40 split fold rear seat and double cup holders.
It’s the same in Estate models.
The turbo-diesel C 200 CDI sedan and estate also receive the same equipment upgrades but prices remain unchanged - $61,400 (sedan) and $62,805 (Estate).
New to the lineup is the more powerful (150kW/310Nm) C 250 CGI. ‘Benz says this car addresses customers who desire a bit more grunt that the C 200 CGI but don’t wish to stretch to a six-cylinder model. Priced at $65,900 for the sedan and $67,790 for the Estate, the C 250 CGI gains some extra kit: COMAND APS entertainment and navigation system, 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels, 60/40 split fold rear seats and Avantgarde enhancements.
The V6 C-Class members ($89,500 C 300 petrol and $97,900 C 350 CDI turbo-diesel) see no changes to their prices but gain substantially more specification: Vision Package ( Bi-Xenon headlights with Intelligent Light System, glass electric sunroof and Harmon/Kardon 450W surround sound), 18-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and the split-folding rear seat.
And the stunning, range-topping C 63 AMG Sedan and Estate don’t miss out. The V8-powered sedan is still priced at $148,900 and the Estate at $150,800 but they have gained a standard reversing camera.
