Mercedes launch a New Special Edition trim for C-Class range

A new Special Edition Mercedes-Benz C-Class range has been announced in Germany. This is a new range-topping model with exclusive styling and a host of standard equipment, successfully drawing admiring glances.

Available in both the Sedan and Estate bodystyles, as well as the complete C-Class engine range, the new Special Edition is only being offered in Europe for now.

Standard equipment includes Mercedes’ Agility Control active suspension dampening, adaptive brakes, auto adjusting bi-xenon headlights, Parktronic parking sensors, BlueEFFICIENCY and the Intelligent Light System, ensuring that even the most discerning requirements are met for those looking for refinement, motoring pleasure and a car with a distinctive character.

Some subtle exterior changes have been implemented to improve the looks. These include darkened headlamps with a dark cover frame, new paintwork and five-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels. Tyres that go with these wheels are 235/60 R 17 at the front and 255/55 R 17 at the rear.

Other alterations are shoulder line trim strips, front fog lights and a new front grille in silver matt and chrome. Adaptive headlights with bi-xenon lamps and PARKTRONIC with acoustic warning are also standard. More chrome is pasted on the rear bumper and boot lid and the B-pillar has been painted glossy black.

Like the exterior, the interior is based on the sporty Avantgarde line of time. Its styling has been altered with the addition of new sports seats trimmed in Artico man-made leather and Liverpool fabric in como beige. The same como beige trim is used for the stitching in seats, centre armrest, door centre panel and floor mats. The floor mats have "Special Edition" lettering attached to them. Other details include brushed aluminum elements, a multifunction leather steering wheel, and a 4.5in display in the instrument cluster.

The new Special Edition range is positioned above the Avantgarde trim and depending on which engine option is chosen, prices increase by about €2,689 to a maximum €3,879. No word yet whether Mercedes will offer the range in North America.

Mercedes Benz C-Class adds three new direct injection engines in Europe

Mercedes-Benz may want to tell us that the new C-Class is the most economical C-Class ever. After first added its CGI BlueEFFICIENCY technology (Mercedes speak for direct-fuel-injection) to the C-Class range last October with the launch of the C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY model, today the automaker has expanded the range of fuel-efficient engines with three newly developed engines.

The new engines impress with a low fuel consumption, and therefore exemplary environmental compatibility, while delivering a high output and therefore outstanding driving pleasure. Incidentally, while the C350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY features a V6, the three new engines are all based around four-cylinder powerplants.

First one is the 2.2L C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel, which is described as the most efficient C-Class ever and generates a peak output of 170hp (125kW) and 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque. The efficient oil-burner will accelerate the C-Class from rest to 100km/h in a respectable 8.4 seconds, while returning a fuel economy of 49mpg (4.8L/100km) and CO2 emissions of 127g/km.

Next in line is the is the C250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY turbodiesel, which is rated at 204hp (150kW) and 369lb-ft (500Nm), sends the car to 100km/h in 7 seconds flat and returns a fuel economy of 46mpg (5.1L/100km).

Finally, there’s the new C250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY petrol model, which also develops 204hp (150kW) but only 229lb-ft (310Nm) of torque. This particular model takes 7.4 seconds to reach 100km/h, while returning a fuel economy of 32mpg (7.2L/100km).

The three new engines are available in both the Sedan and Estate models. But it’s important to note that the three new engines are currently limited to European markets only. So if you're one of the many U.S. residents, your options are severely limited. Specifically, your best option at present is the C300, which features a 228 hp powerplant and fuel mileage of 18 city/ 25 highway.