World premiere of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Stuttgart (ots) -

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World premiere of the new C-Class in two attractive outfits

An impressive combination of ride comfort and agility is the
hallmark of the new C-Class, which celebrated its world premiere
today in Stuttgart. In front of some 600 international journalists
from over 30 countries, Mercedes-Benz presented the remake of its
biggest-selling model series, which sets a new benchmark with its
vigorously elegant styling, state-of-the-art safety technology and
versatile product concept.

"With the new C-Class, we are yet again raising the bar in this
important segment of the market - and that's true right across the
board, especially in terms of safety, comfort and agility," declared
Dr. Dieter Zetsche, CEO of DaimlerChrysler AG and head of the
Mercedes Car Group, at the world premiere, which was held in the
Mercedes-Benz World in Stuttgart. "With its unique balance of driving
characteristics, the fourth C-Class generation embodies a new driving
culture in the compact premium car segment. We are thus offering our
customers the most versatile and majestic C-Class of all time - and,
for the first time, in two attractive outfits."

First Mercedes saloon with two different faces

The new C-Class is the first Mercedes saloon to feature equipment
lines with different faces. In the more traditional Elegance and
Classic models, the star is, as before, to be found on the engine
bonnet, while, in the avant-garde versions, the trademark is
positioned in the centre of the radiator grille, as is typical in
sporty models from Mercedes. "Starting already with the vehicle's
external appearance," says Zetsche, "each customer can decide for him
or herself where they want the emphasis to be." With its distinctive
styling, the new premium-segment saloon offers its own unique
interpretation of Mercedes-Benz's current style statement and makes
the technological supremacy and quality of the new C-Class apparent
at the first glance.

Latest safety technology for optimal occupant protection

Alongside its renowned comfort, the traditional strengths of the
C-Class include the vehicle's exemplary occupant protection. Thanks
to its integrated security concept, the new model continues to lead
the way in its class, with greater active safety being afforded, for
example, by the adaptive braking system from the S-Class and the
Intelligent Light System with five automatic lighting functions. A
new era in safety and ergonomics is ushered in by the C-Class's
innovative instrumentation and control concept, which noticeably
reduces the burden on the driver and prevents him or her from being
distracted.

As far as passive safety is concerned, the new C-Class meets
significantly high(ê¿`(™`n are requir(äpround the world by
the various statutory regulations. The standard equipment includes
seven airbags as well as active head restraints. In addition, the new
C-Class - like the large Mercedes saloons and SUVs - is also
available with the PRE-SAFE(R) anticipatory occupant protection
system.

Wide range of economical and powerful engines

Customers can choose from a range of state-of-the-art four- and
six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. At its market launch in the
spring, the new C-Class saloon will come in three petrol-engined
versions (C 200, C 280 and C 350) as well as in a four-cylinder
diesel variant (C 220 CDI). In the course of the year, Mercedes-Benz
will extend the available range to include, among others, the C 320
CDI V6 diesel engine as well as two four-cylinder versions, the C 180
and the C 200 CDI. The development engineers at Mercedes-Benz have
focused above all on improving the popular four-cylinder engines, the
outstanding qualities of which now include lower fuel consumption,
higher power output and superbly smooth operation.

In Germany, despite the rise in VAT to 19 percent, the gross
entry-level price for the new C-Class is still below 30,000 euros,
which means that, adjusted for inflation, the price level of the new
C-Class is the same as for its predecessor, over two million units of
which have been sold around the world since its market launch in
2000.

Originaltext: DaimlerChryslerAG
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ISIN: DE0007100000

Contact
Wolfgang Zanker, phone +49 711 17-75847,
wolfgang.zanker@daimlerchrysler.com
Frank Bracke, phone +49 711 17-75852,
frank.bracke@daimlerchrysler.com

Internet addresses
More news from DaimlerChrysler at: www.media.daimlerchrysler.com

Up-to-date information on the new C-Class can also be found at:
www.mercedes-benz.com/c-class