Judging from the above pic plus the other 27 found in our gallery after the jump, the all new C-Class will be more like a mini S-Class, at least inside (recent spy-photos and renders suggest that the exterior styling will be similar as well). What we see is an all-new interior design language, with a one piece dashboard that "flows" into the central tunnel, round, aluminum air-vents standing out and the complex HVAC and NAVI controls being reduced to two small lines of metal buttons under the central air-vents and a touchpad controller. All buttons appear to be metal and the wood trim to be real, instead of painted plastic, and the transition from the top of the dashboard to the door seems to be meticulously executed. We are, also, reading in the press release that there will be two different interior configuration based on the type of transmission selected. The photos come from a car with an automatic transmission and it seems that those who opt for the manual gearbox will get a different central tunnel design and a two-piece lower dashboard section.
As far as the technology that will be offered in the new C-Class, the first thing that caught our attention is the GPS-sensitive air-conditioning system, that has the ability to detect when the car is about to enter a tunnel and automatically switches the closes the air recirculation flap in order to prevent the exterior fume-filled air from entering the vehicle via the air vents. Of course, this being a mini-S-Class, the AIR-BALANCE package with active fragrancing, ionisation and even more efficient filtration will be available in the optional equipment list. The cozy atmosphere of the C-Class's interior will be enhanced with an ambient lighting system, also inherited from the brand's largest sedan.
Moving on to the infotainment systems, the new LCD screen is hard to be unnoticed. The way it is integrated with the rest of the interior design is already familiar from the A-Class and recent BMW interiors, but in this interior the screen feels natural. MB says that special attention has been paid to the screen design, so that there is no chance that the passengers can sustain injuries in case of an accident by hitting it. The screen is controlled by a touchpad that is positioned in the middle of the central tunnel, just behind the position the gear lever would be, plus a few buttons placed on the touchpad's both sides. There's even a Head-Up Display system available as an option!
Typical Mercedes-Benz engineering is applied to the chassis, as well. The new C-Class will be about 100 kg lighter compared to its predecessor thanks to the innovative lightweight construction of the aluminum hybrid body. The new body is not only more rigid compared to the outgoing model, but is also designed for exemplary crash safety. According to MB, "The Saloon not only meets all current national laws, but also all rating requirements as well as the more stringent internal Mercedes-Benz safety requirements which are based on what actually happens during accidents". Of course, MB's assistance systems help make the new C-Class and even safer car. The potential buyer can opt for Distronic Plus, BAS Plus Brake Assist and Pre-Safe Brake systems amongst others.
Stick with us, as more details and photos of the new C-Class will be revealed soon and click "more" to see our photo gallery.
Source: [Mercedes-Benz]
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