The new Mercedes C-Class, how the son became cooler than his father.

Progress from the change of generations is noticeable from afar: the former Baby Benz is more digital than ever, more comfortable, borrowing heavily from the recently launched new S-Class, and for the first time in the history of the series, it has added a new Mercedes with an exclusively electric drive to its lineup.

With mild hybrid technology, an integrated starter generator and plug-in hybrids with a range of around 100 kilometers, the Mercedes C-Class, like the sedan and T-model, should set the company's “green standards”. Technical improvements include additional features such as digital lights and rear axle steering. “The sedan and station wagon will celebrate their premiere together and will be available to order in Europe from March 30th,” the statement from Stuttgart says.

To achieve the most dynamic appearance, the designers shortened the front overhang, while the wheelbase and rear overhang were lengthened. The windshield and interior were shifted back. Mercedes-Star of impressive size moved to the grille.

In the interior, the younger brother adopted the features of the new S-Class, but with the addition of sporty accents. So, for example, the instrument panel is divided into two parts, upper and lower. The instrument panel and center display are tilted at a slight angle towards the driver. The high-resolution LCD screen instead of the traditional cockpit with classic round instruments externally facilitated and unloaded the interior design. Buyers will be able to choose between 10.25-inch and 12.3-inch versions.

The car's functions are controlled from a central display (9.5 or 11.9 inches) in portrait format, which Mercedes says offers some advantages, especially for navigation. Like the new S-Class, the new C-Class features the second-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, making it smarter and more engaging than ever.

Under the hood of the new series, only four-cylinder units are used. Diesel and petrol engines with a power range from 170 hp up to 264 hp in addition to turbocharging with an integrated starter generator (ISG) as a mild hybrid of the second generation, they also have special support in the lower speed range, which increases direct thrust by at least 15 kW / 20.4 hp. and 200 Nm.

The integrated starter generator (ISG) includes a 48-volt on-board network that provides boosting, coasting, energy recovery and thus significant savings in consumption.

“In addition, the engines start at lightning speed, so starting from the start-stop function is as imperceptible to the driver as the transition from “swimming” with the engine off,” said Mercedes in Stuttgart. Fuel consumption figures according to WLTP range from 4.9 liters to 7.9 liters.

The T's boot capacity is between 490 and 1,510 litres, 30 liters more than the previous model, while the sedan's boot capacity is still 455 litres. With a length of 4.75 meters and a width of 1.82 meters, the sedan and station wagon are clearly superior to their predecessors.

About digital light and why it is needed: it projects two guide lines on difficult sections of the road, for example, where roadworks are taking place. This marking roughly corresponds to the width of the car and allows the driver to better navigate in a narrow lane. This function also helps to identify pedestrians in the danger zone using a spotlight and shows their location. If the driver has driven into the oncoming lane, which sometimes happens at the entrances to motorways or one-way streets, he will be warned by a special signal. The same warning symbol lights up when passing a red traffic light or stop sign.

The bottom line is that the new C-Class should take on the role of the small S-Class in its segment. Loaded with all sorts of comfort ingredients and the latest technology, with an unmistakable design, it's sportier and more elegant than its predecessor. Mercedes has yet to comment on pricing. The Mercedes C-Class currently costs from 35,000 euros, and this price will only increase with a variety of new technologies.