We are definitely in the age of the computer assist. There are no less than ten different electronic aids available on the C-Class. A good example is the lane-departure system. At the basic level, the system vibrates the steering wheel when you start to drift from your lane as it senses a painted line getting close. On the upscale version, not only does the steering wheel vibrate, but if you do not take corrective action, the system applies the two opposite side brakes to help pull you back into the centre of your lane.
Another “assist” is Distronic, the distance-controlling cruise control. With this system, not only does it keep you a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, if it senses that you are approaching an object at a high rate of speed, it will prepare you for a crash. If you still do nothing, at about 1.6 second before impact which means a collision is inevitable, the system applies full braking power. The theory behind this is that since impact damage is function of speed, reducing speed increases survivability of the crash.
The list goes on. Hill start assist, lane change assist and tired driver (Attention Assist) assist are all available. Now, if you happen to wander in your lane, the system will let you know that there is someone on your flank and let you know that your driving is erratic.
Of the 12 engine combinations available in the world, Canada is getting four, if you exclude the C63 AMG, at the moment: the 201-hp, 1.8-litre four; the 201-hp, 2.5-litre V6; the 228-hp, 3.0-litre V6; and a revised, 302-hp, 3.5-litre V6. The first and last are revised and receive direct injection, while the four-cylinder is turbocharged. Both provide fuel economy improvements of up to 18%. All are mated to a seven-speed automatic and all V6s will be available with the fourth-generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Mercedes has left the suspension pretty much alone. It is still fully independent, using a multi-link setup at the back and a modified multi-link suspension up front. Spring and shock rates are different between the I4 and V6 engines, but some fine tuning has taken place.
The turbo four is arguably the best balanced of the two engines. It does not overpower the suspension and you need to pay the most attention to driving to get the most out of the car. When you just stick it in drive, plan on being on a freeway in light traffic because that is whenyou get to sit back and enjoy the luxury of being in a Mercedes.
Another “assist” is Distronic, the distance-controlling cruise control. With this system, not only does it keep you a set distance from the vehicle in front of you, if it senses that you are approaching an object at a high rate of speed, it will prepare you for a crash. If you still do nothing, at about 1.6 second before impact which means a collision is inevitable, the system applies full braking power. The theory behind this is that since impact damage is function of speed, reducing speed increases survivability of the crash.
 |
| Of the 12 engine combinations available in the world, Canada is getting four : the 201-hp, 1.8-litre four; the 201-hp, 2.5-litre V6; the 228-hp, 3.0-litre V6; and a revised, 302-hp, 3.5-litre V6. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |
The list goes on. Hill start assist, lane change assist and tired driver (Attention Assist) assist are all available. Now, if you happen to wander in your lane, the system will let you know that there is someone on your flank and let you know that your driving is erratic.
Of the 12 engine combinations available in the world, Canada is getting four, if you exclude the C63 AMG, at the moment: the 201-hp, 1.8-litre four; the 201-hp, 2.5-litre V6; the 228-hp, 3.0-litre V6; and a revised, 302-hp, 3.5-litre V6. The first and last are revised and receive direct injection, while the four-cylinder is turbocharged. Both provide fuel economy improvements of up to 18%. All are mated to a seven-speed automatic and all V6s will be available with the fourth-generation 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.
Mercedes has left the suspension pretty much alone. It is still fully independent, using a multi-link setup at the back and a modified multi-link suspension up front. Spring and shock rates are different between the I4 and V6 engines, but some fine tuning has taken place.
The turbo four is arguably the best balanced of the two engines. It does not overpower the suspension and you need to pay the most attention to driving to get the most out of the car. When you just stick it in drive, plan on being on a freeway in light traffic because that is whenyou get to sit back and enjoy the luxury of being in a Mercedes.
 |
| Mercedes has left the suspension pretty much alone. It is still fully independent, using a multi-link setup at the back and a modified multi-link suspension up front. (Photo: Charles Renny/Auto123.com) |