Merc reveals new C-Class estate 26 | 05 | 2014
MERCEDES-BENZ HAS revealed its new larger, more plush and certainly more practical C-Class estate. The car will be available from Scottish Mercedes dealers in the autumn.
On-sale in September, with prices expected start at £28,000, that's around £1200 more than the equivalent saloon, the estate is the second model to join the new C-class line-up. Initially there will be a choice of three engines.
Boasting the same striking looks as the new saloon, the C-Class estate is completely new from the B-pillars back. It's also 96mm longer than the model it replaces, at 4702mm, and has an 80mm longer wheelbase of 2840mm.
The extra length is certainly a bonus for rear passengers, who now enjoy 45mm more legroom. That's in addition to extra shoulder, elbow and headroom, all a result of the fact the new car is 40mm wider (1810mm) than the previous estate.
As you would expect, there's also more stowage space for luggage. With the rear setbacks in place, the luggage space increases by five litres to 490, that's five litres less than the BMW 3 Series estate.
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The Merc though moves ahead when the new, more versatile rear seats are folded. While the Beemer can accommodate 1500 litres, the C-Class swallows 1510 litres. And instead of the traditional 60/40 rear-seat split, the Merc's clever system allows a 40/20/40 split. And just for good measure, their backrests can be unlocked 
and folded electrically.
Mercedes has also introduced two clever options, which make access to the stowage space easier. While the ‘Easy Pack’ function is ideal for assisted opening, the ‘Hands-Free Access’ option opens the tailgate merely by waving a foot under the rear bumper. Perfect for when you're carrying tons of clobber.
Engines? Initially there's one petrol, the 179bhp 2.0-litre, four-cylinder in the C200, plus two 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbodiesels. In the C220 Bluetec the powerplant delivers 168bhp, rising to 201bhp in the C250 Bluetec. In all cases the power is delivered to the rear wheels.
Next year will see the engine range extended, with the introduction of additional hybrids and six-cylinder models.
Anyone keen to get their hands on a four-wheel drive model will have to wait and see what decision Mercedes UK makes. While an all-wheel driver version is available in some markets, no decision has yet been made as to whether it will come to the UK.
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Inside the cabin, the same high-quality fixtures and fittings have been carried over from the saloon, as have the configurable driving modes, Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.
The standard C-Class estate also gets Mercedes' variable steering set-up, Direct Steer. Built on the same chassis as the saloon, and tipping the scales 65kg lighter than its predecessor, the estate can also be ordered with a one of several suspension options.
While the standard steel, or a sportier steel system is available, it's the fact that for the first time in the compact executive class, Mercedes is offering Airmatic air suspension. Cleverly, it also includes a self-levelling feature.
The new C-Class estate also sees the introduction of Mercedes' Connect Me services. Initially the new system — which will now be rolled out across the entire Mercedes range, and connects the driver with the car through a SIM card in the vehicle, even if they’re not in the car — allows the owner to look at the fuel tank level remotely and to pre-program the heating system.
To be honest, I can't really see what real benefit that brings: hopefully as more services are rolled out, they'll be come more appealing and useful.
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Jim McGill