The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a line of compact executive cars produced by Daimler AG. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 (W201) range, the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's lineup until the A-Class arrived in 1997. The C-Class is built at Mercedes-Benz factories in Sindelfingen and Bremen, Germany as well as numerous satellite factories in other countries. The first C-Class (W202) sedan was produced on 1 June 1993, and the first of the second generation (W203) rolled off the assembly line on 18 July 2000. The C-Class is available with 4 Matic (i.e. four-wheel drive) since 2002. The third generation (W204) was launched in 2007. The latest generation C-Class (W205) came out in 2014.
Although originally sold as sedan and station wagon, the W203 series in 2000 debuted a fastback/hatchback coupe version that, when face lifted, became the Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class. The CLC-Class remained in production until 2011 when it was replaced by a new W204-based C-Class coupe for the 2012 model year.
W202 (1993–2000)
In October 1986, 3 years into Mercedes-Benz W201 (190)'s production run, work began on a successor. Design work began in 1987, with the final design by Murat Gunak being selected in 1989 and the production design by Olivier Boulay frozen in January 1990, being later patented on 19 December 1990.Rough prototypes went into testing in 1989, with first production design prototypes commencing testing in 1990. In May 1993, the first generation W202 C-Class was introduced as a replacement for the 190. The C-Class sedan was the company's entry-level model up until 1997, when Mercedes launched the A-Class. Styling themes were carried over from the previous W201 series, but the new series had a smoother and rounder design than the previous generation of compact Mercedes, with styling queues from the W124 E-Class (short, high trunk and taller tail lights), W140 S-Class (front end), and R129 SL-Class (headlights).
During the 1996 and 1997 Formula 1 seasons, the C36 AMG served as the sport's Safety Car.
Production:
May 1993–2000
Model years 1994–2000
Body and chassis
Body style:
4-door sedan
5-door wagon
W203 (2000–2007)
In 1994, development began on the next C-Class. Design work commenced in mid-1994, with the final design being approved in December 1995 by the executive board.[6] Design patents were filed on 20 April 1998 and 4 March 1999.
Testing began in 1997, with development concluding in 2000. The second generation C-Class was introduced in March 2000. The sedan debuted with a range of inline-four and V6 petrol engines and inline-four and -five diesels. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 160 kW (218 PS). The diesels now featured common rail direct fuel injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for the entire range, except the C 320. Notably, for the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the engine displacement, more specifically in the C 200 (1.8-litre), C 240 (2.6-litre) and C 200 CDI (2.2-litre).
Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz C 200 K sedan (Australia)
Production:
July 2000 – December 2006
Model years:
2001–2007
Body style
2-door coupe
4-door sedan
5-door station wagon
W204 (2007–2014)
DaimlerChrysler introduced the W204 C-Class on 18 January 2007 and displayed it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales started on 31 March 2007 in almost all European countries. The new family had an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer bodyshell and a design inspired by the W221 S-Class with some influences from the C219 CLS-Class.
In 2011 a facelift model was introduced with subtle changes made to the exterior and enhancing the interior to give it a more luxury feel and engine improvements to make these cars more efficient. The interior changes include a chrome trimmed steering wheel, fixed in car entertainment screen and a sportier look overall.
Production 2007–2014
Model years 2008–2014
Body and chassis:
Body style:
4-door saloon
5-door estate
2-door coupe
W205 (2014–)
The current generation W205 C-class was released at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. It is the first car to use the all-new Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform. The new structure is significantly lighter using aluminum extensively throughout the body, resulting in a 220-pound weight decrease.
According to Mercedes-Benz, the structure will be much more rigid than other vehicles in its class.
The car was officially unveiled on 16 December 2013. W205 production commenced on 4 February 2014 at the Bremen plant. European sales began in March 2014, while the vehicle went on sale in North America in September 2014.
Production: February 4, 2014-present
Model years: 2015-
Assembly Bremen, Germany, East London, South Africa, Beijing, China (Beijing Benz), Tuscaloosa Alabama USA (MBUSI), Pekan, Malaysia (DRB-HICOM)(Malaysia start in January 2015), Thailand (Thonburi Automotive Assembly Plant Co.Ltd.)
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