New C-class starts at £26,855 05 | 02 | 2014
SCOTTISH MERCEDES DEALERS have opened their order books for the new C-class, after the entry-level price was confirmed at £26,855 (see more official photos of the new Mercedes C-class).
Two initial models will be available at launch — first cars are scheduled for delivery in June — the C200 petrol and the C220 BlueTec diesel.
Prices for the C200, which is powered by a 179bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine producing, start at £26,855 for an entry-level SE model fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox. Prices for Sport and AMG Line editions rise to £28,850 and £30,345 respectively.
Buyers who opt for the 168bhp C220 BlueTec 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel will have to stump up an extra £2500 for the £29,365 entry-model in the range.
And while models fitted with the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission command a £1500 premium over manual, top-spec AMG Line models are priced from £32,855.
The lowest CO2 emissions of the launch range, at 103g/km, is found in the C220 BlueTec SE: it's also capable of 70.6mpg, compared with 53.3mpg in the C200 petrol.
Related: Mercedes unveils new V-class
Not surprisingly, the C200 is the fastest to 62mph, at 7.5secs, with the C220 BlueTec covering the 0-62mph sprint in 7.7s in manual guise. The two C-class models have top speeds of 147mph and 145mph respectively.
The range will expand over the next 12 months, with the C200 BlueTec and a 201bhp C250 BlueTec joining a C300 Bluetec Hybrid variant.
The hybrid comes with the C250 Bluetec-spec version of the 2.1-litre turbodiesel engine, and gains an electric motor with 28bhp and 184lb ft.
Each of these three additional C-class variants will be offered with Mercedes’ new nine-speed automatic gearbox, known as 9G-Tronic.
The C63 AMG, which will be powered by a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with as much as 480bhp, also joins the range early next year.
Merecdes has ensured the new C-class is one of the best specced cars in its class. SE models get 16in alloys, upgraded to 17in on Sport models, which also come with LED headlights, lowered suspension and chrome exterior trim. AMG Line models get 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, a more aggressively styled body kit and sports suspension.
Related: Mercedes unveils 2014 C-class
And there's plenty of standard equipment, including the latest version of Mercedes' Comand infotainment system on a seven-inch display, a touch-sensitive controller and dual-zone air conditioning. Other standard features include a reversing camera, cruise control and Mercedes' Collision Assist automatic braking system.
You can also splash out an extra £895 if you fancy the optional AirMatic air suspension system which allows drivers to select from five driving modes, dubbed Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.
And again, not surprisingly, there are a number of upgrade packages available. There's the option of a £995 Executive Pack for SE models which brings integrated satellite-navigation, heated front seats and split folding rear seats.
If you buy a Sport or AMG Line model, you can upgrade to the Driving Assistance Package which adds the Distronic radar-guided cruise control system alongside blind spot monitoring and lane assist functions. But that'll set you back an extra for £1495.
Related: Paul di Resta returns to DTM with Mercedes
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Jim McGill