Mercedes says the "sleek, eye-catching body shape is jam-packed with useful, innovative technology, raising the bar yet again in its market segment."
The 2001 C-class will come with such "industry-leading standard safety features as dual-force front airbags, head protection curtain airbags and door-mounted side airbags, ESP stability control, Brake Assist, the BabySmart child seat recognition system, and the Tele Aid emergency call system."
It's not known exactly how the Canadian models will be equipped, particularly the SE, but they're likely to be exceedingly well trimmed themselves.
Mercedes-Benz says the primary competition for the new C-Class will include the BMW 3 series, Audi A4, Lexus ES300 and the Volvo S70.
While pricing won't be established until shortly before the retail launch, the 2001 C-Class is "expected to establish a new benchmark for value in its market segment."
Though the car is larger and roomier than its 7-year-old predecessor, Mercedes-Benz doesn't think it will steal sales from the more expensive E-class model, which itself is slated for a redesign in 2002.