2021 Mercedes C-Class orders now open; deliveries begin in summer

The all-new Mercedes C-Class, including the 2021 Mercedes C-Class Estate (2021 Mercedes C-Class T-Modell) is now available to order in Germany. Deliveries of the new generation midsize luxury car are scheduled to begin in summer.

The 2021 Mercedes C-Class (W206/S206) is the first-ever C-Class available exclusively with electrified engines. Here’s everything you need to know about the sensuous new sedan.

2021 Mercedes C-Class specifications

As Daimler begins pruning its portfolio of conventional engines, the Mercedes C-Class has seen a complete shift to four-cylinder engines. The entire powertrain range comprises only 1.5- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines. Customers who seek more a more thrilling drive can opt for the compact engines with electrification.

M254 1.5-litre petrol, M254 2.0-litre petrol, and OM654M diesel are the options in the new generation. As standard, all three get the integrated second-generation starter-generator (ISG). In addition to the power and torque produced by the engine, the driver can use up to 15 kW (20 PS) and 200 Nm generated by the ISG. The ISG is enabled by a 48-volt partial on-board electrical system, which allows functions such as energy recovery, boosting, and gliding.

2021 Mercedes C-Class engines

Aspect	2021 C-Class C180	2021 C-Class C200	2021 C-Class C200 4MATIC	2021 C-Class C300	2021 C-Class C300 4MATIC	2021 C-Class C220d	2021 C-Class C C300d
Engine	M254	M254	M254	M254	M254	OM654	OM654M
Displacement	1.5L	1.5L	1.5L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L	2.0L
Transmission	9-speed auto	9-speed auto	9-speed auto	9-speed auto	9-speed auto	9-speed auto	9-speed auto
Engine Power	170 PS	204 PS	204 PS	258 PS	258 PS	200 PS	265 PS
Engine Torque	250 Nm	300 Nm	300 Nm	400 Nm	400 Nm	440 Nm	550 Nm
Electric Power	20 PS	20 PS	20 PS	20 PS	20 PS	20 PS	20 PS
Electric Torque	200 Nm	200 Nm	200 Nm	200 Nm	200 Nm	200 Nm	200 Nm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h	8.6 seconds	7.3 seconds	7.1 seconds	6.0 seconds	6.0 seconds	7.3 seconds	5.7 seconds
Top Speed	231 km/h	246 km/h	241 km/h	250 km/h	250 km/h	245 km/h	250 km/h

Soon after the market premiere (European launch) of the new C-Class, the plug-in hybrid goes on sale. The 2021 Mercedes C-Class plug-in hybrid will have a bigger battery pack with a total capacity of 25.4 kWh. Thanks to the new battery, the C-Class PHEV 2021 will have a pure electric range of around 100 km in Europe’s WLTP.

An 11 kW 3-phase AC on-board charger is standard in the 2021 C-Class PHEV. The battery pack can be fully charged at 55 kW using a DC charger in just around 30 minutes.

The 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic transmission is standard in the C-Class mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid, modified to work with the ISG. The electric motor, power electronics, and transmission cooler have been relocated into the transmission. Also new is a rear-axle steering option for better manoeuvrability at low speeds and better handling at high speeds. It reduces the turning circle by over 40 cm to under eleven metres.

2021 Mercedes C-Class dimensions

Aspect	2021 Mercedes C-Class dimensions	2020 Mercedes C-Class dimensions	Difference
Length	4,751 mm	4,686 mm	+65 mm
Width	1,820 mm	1,810 mm	+10 mm
Height	1,438 mm	1,447 mm	– 9 mm
Wheelbase	2,865 mm	2,840 mm	+25 mm
Front Headroom	1,041 mm	1,039 mm	+2 mm
Rear Headroom (without sunroof)	955 mm	942 mm	+13 mm
Rear Headroom (with sunroof)	952 mm	942 mm	+10 mm
Front Elbow Room	1,476	1,454	+22 mm
Rear Elbow Room	1,477	1,462	+15 mm
Front Shoulder Room	1,430	1,404	+26 mm
Rear Shoulder Room	1,411	1,398	+13 mm
Boot Space	455 litres	455 litres	0 mm

Design & features

The 2021 Mercedes C-Class has an evolutionary design that makes it sportier and more athletic, and at the same time, retains the elegance associated with the nameplate. No other rear-wheel drive mid-size luxury car flaunts a “cab-backward design” as well as the three-pointed star’s C-Class. The 2021 Mercedes C-Class boasts flatter headlamps with new light system ‘Digital Light’, and two-piece LED rear lights, with the light functions divided between the side wall and boot lid lamps.

The interior is sumptuous and classier, with looks borrowed and elements shared with the 2021 Mercedes S-Class (W223). The wing-like dashboard seamlessly merges with the centre console, creating a floating effect. There’s a greater emphasis on digitalisation, with the control of vehicle functions delegated to a large portrait touchscreen measuring 9.5 or 11.9 inches diagonally. Also different from the old model is the standardisation of a fully digital instrument cluster; a 10.25-inch driver display is standard, while a 12.3-inch driver display is optional.

Following the 2021 Mercedes S-Class, the all-new Mercedes C-Class is the brand’s second model to feature the second generation of MBUX, which comes with a fingerprint scanner. The Hey Mercedes voice assistant is more interactive and capable of learning. A Smart Home function allows controlling home devices and appliances from the car. Major music streaming services have been fully integrated into the MBUX infotainment system. Another highlight is an Augmented Video feature in which the live feed of the front camera is shown on the central display.

Production

Currently, production of the 2021 Mercedes C-Class takes place only in Bremen (Germany), but shortly, it will begin in Beijing (China) and East London (South Africa).

2021 Mercedes C-Class price

The 2021 Mercedes C-Class prices start at €41,138.30 (incl. 19% VAT) for the saloon and €46,975.25 (incl. 19% VAT) for the estate (T-Modell).

Featured Image Source: Daimler