History and description of the Mercedes-Benz C-class car

Mercedes-Benz C-Class — a line of compact executive cars (D-class according to the European classification), produced from 1993 to the present by the German automobile manufacturing company "Mercedes-Benz", which is part of the concern "Daimler AG". Until 1997 it was the company's smallest car, and now it ranks second after A-Class. It replaced the Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201) executive car, produced from 1982 to 1993, and has a similar design to that car.

The engine is located transversely at the front with rear-wheel drive, and since 2002, an all-wheel drive model has been available. The body was made in the form of a 2-door coupe or convertible, a 4-door sedan and a 5-door station wagon. The main competitors of the C-class are the following cars from other automakers - BMW 3 series, Lexus IS, Audi A4, Cadillac ATS, Peugeot 508, Volvo S60 and Infiniti G.

First generation (W202, 1993−2000)

Design work began in 1987 under the direction of Italian car designer Bruno Sacco, chief designer of Daimler-Benz from 1975 to 1999. In 1988, the first full-scale models were built. In 1989, the design of car designers Murat Günak and Olivier Boulay was selected. From this generation onwards, modifications began to be named with a letter and then a number, for example C 180 or C 220. Before that, the numbers came first, then a letter, for example 190 E. The body was produced as a 4-door sedan or station wagon (length 4505 mm, width 1720 mm, height 1425 mm). Production took place in Germany, South Africa, Mexico, Vietnam, Egypt and Thailand. Over 1.8 million W202 cars were produced over the course of their production.

The petrol engines were represented by a new model of four-cylinder in-line engines "M111" with four valves per cylinder. They had the following characteristics - 1.8 liters (1799 cm³, C 180, 120 hp), 2.0 liters (1998 cm³, C 200, 134 hp), 2.2 liters (2199 cm³, C 220, 148 hp) and 2.3 liters (2295 cm³, C 230, 148 hp)There were also two 2.0-liter turbocharged engines (C 200 Kompressor, 178 hp) and 2.3 liters (C 230 Kompressor, 190 hp). Gasoline engines of large volume 2.6 liters "M112" were installed (2597 cm³, V6, C 240, 168 hp), 2.8 liters "M104" (2799 cm³, I6, C 280, 190 hp) and 2.8 liters "M112" (2799 cm³, V6, C 280, 194 hp), all 6-cylinder.

There were four models of 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder diesel engines, "OM601" (1977 cm³, I4, C 200 Diesel, 74 hp), 2.2 liters "OM611" (2151 cm³, I4, C 200 CDI, 101 hp), 2.2 liters "OM604" (2155 cm³, I4, C 220 Diesel, 94 hp), 2.2 liters "OM611" (2148 cm³, I4, C 220 CDI, 123 hp)There were also two models of five-cylinder in-line engines with a capacity of 2.5 liters "OM605" (2497 cm³, I5) - one atmospheric (C 250 Diesel, 111 hp) and one turbocharged (C 250 Turbodiesel, 148 hp). Transmissions were 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic "4G-Tronic 722.4" In 1996, the machine was replaced with a newer model "5G-Tronic 722.6".

Safety was provided by a driver's airbag, anti-lock braking system (ABS) and side impact protection as standard. A front passenger airbag was standard from 1995. Traction control (ETS) with limited-slip differential was optional and standard from 1997 onwards, except for the diesel C 180 and C 220 models. Electronic stability control (ESC) also became standard on all W202 cars in 1999.

The European committee EuroNCAP tested the 1997 model car in crash tests, the results of which you can see in the table. The car was also tested by the "National Highway Traffic Safety Administration" (NHTSA, USA), the test results were as follows:

• Front Impact (Driver) - 4 out of 5 stars
• Frontal Impact (Passenger) - 4 out of 5 stars
• Side Impact (Driver) - 3 out of 5 stars
• Side Impact (Passenger) - 4 out of 5 stars

Second generation (W203, 2000−2007)

On March 21, 2000, the second generation with the code "W203" was presented, and production began on July 18, 2000. The development of the car project began back in 1994 and in December 1995, the design of Bruno Sacco and Peter Pfeiffer was approved. Tests were conducted from 1997 to 2000. The body was produced in three forms - 4-door sedan sedan (length 4526 mm, width 1728 mm, height 1426 mm), 5-door station wagon (length 4541 mm, width 1728 mm, height 1465 mm) and a 2-door coupe ("CL203", length 4343 mm, width 1728 mm, height 1406 mm). Assembly was carried out in Germany, Brazil, India, Malaysia, South Africa, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. Over the entire period, about 2 million cars were produced.

The range of petrol engines is huge and includes the following models - 1.8 liters (1796 mm, M271 E 18 ML LR 271.921, 16V I4, C 160, 120 hp), 2.0 liters (1998 cm³, M111 E 20 EVO, 16V I4, C 180, 127 hp), 1.8 liters (1796 cm³, M271 E 18 ML 271.946, 16V I4, C 180 Kompressor, 141 l. With.), 2.0 liters (1998 cm³, M111, 16V I4, C 200 Kompressor, 161 hp), 1.8 liters (1796 cm³, M271, 16V I4, C 200 Kompressor, 161 hp), 1.8 liters (1796 cm³, M271, 16V I4, C 200 CGI, 168 hp), 1.8 liters (1796 cm³, M271, 16V I4, C 230 Kompressor, 189 hp), 2.3 liters (2295 cm³, M111, 16V I4, C 230 Kompressor, 191 hp), 2.5 liters (2486 cm³, M272, 24V V6, C 230, 201 hp), 2.6 liters (2597 cm³, M112, 18V V6, C 240, 170 hp), 3.0 liters (2997 cm³, M272, 24V V6, C 280, 228 hp), 3.2 liters (3199 cm³, M112, 18V V6, C 320, 215 hp) and 3.5 liters (3498 cm³, M272, 24V V6, C 350, 268 hp).

The choice of diesel engines is smaller, but also impressive - 2.2 liters (2148 cm³, OM611, 16V I4 turbo, C 200 CDI, 101 or 113 hp), 2.2 liters (2148 cm³, OM646, 16V I4 turbo, C 200 CDI, 120 hp), 2.2 liters (2148 cm³, OM611, 16V I4 turbo, C 220 CDI, 141 hp), 2.2 liters (2148 cm³, OM646, 16V I4 turbo, C 220 CDI, 148 hp), 2.7 liters (2685 cm³, OM612, 20V I5 turbo, C 270 CDI, 168 hp) and 3.0 liters (2987 cm³, OM642, 24V V6 turbo, C 320 CDI, 221 or 228 hp).

The engine is located transversely in front with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Transmission is a 5-speed manual and a 5- or 7-speed automatic.

In early 2004, the car was restyled. The interior was greatly modified, including the instrument cluster, center console, and audio system. An iPod connection kit was integrated, and the Bluetooth telephone system was improved. The exterior design was also modified. New engines of the "M272" and "OM642" models were added, and a new 7-speed automatic transmission "7G-Tronic" appeared.

Passenger safety is ensured by two front adaptive airbags, two side airbags and two front curtain airbags, which are included in the basic configuration. Additionally, two rear side airbags can be installed. The car was tested in crash tests by the European committee Euro NCAP, the ratings this time were much better than in the tests of the first generation. You can see the test results of the 2002 model in the table.

Third generation (W204, 2007−2014)

In March 2007, the third generation of the C-class with the code "W204" was presented at the Geneva Motor Show as a 2008 model. The design of the car was developed by Karl Heinz Bauer in 2003-2004. The body was made in the form of a 4-door sedan (length 4582 mm, width 1770 mm, height 1447 mm), 5-door station wagon (length 4596 mm, width 1770 mm, height 1447 mm) and a 2-door coupe. The engine is located in the front with a drive to the rear or all wheels. The car was assembled in Germany, South Africa, Egypt, Brazil, Malaysia, Indonesia, India and China. This generation gained great popularity in the world and about 2.4 million cars were produced in total.

The W204 had three trim levels: Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde. Classic is the base trim, with a small-displacement four-cylinder engine and cloth or vinyl upholstery as an option. Elegance has standard vinyl upholstery or genuine leather as an option. Avantgarde has vinyl and cloth seats or genuine leather as an option. The Classic and Elegance trims retain the traditional Mercedes-Benz grille, with a vertical three-point emblem. Avantgarde and AMG have an identical grille to the Mercedes sports coupe, with three horizontal slats and a large central star. These models come with additional equipment, including a three-spoke steering wheel, AMG body kit, lower and stiffer sports suspension, upgraded brake calipers, and larger alloy wheels.

The range of petrol engines includes the following models: 1.6 litre (1597 cm³, M271, 16V I4, C 180 Kompressor, 154 hp), 1.6 liters (1595 cm³, M274, 16V I4, C 180, 154 hp), 1.8 liters (1796 cm³, M271, 16V I4, C 180 Kompressor, 154 hp), 1.8 liters (1796 cm³, M271, 16V I4, C 200 Kompressor, 181 hp), 2.5 liters (2496 cm³, M272, 24V V6, C 230 or C 250, 201 hp), 3.0 liters (2996 cm³, M272, 24V V6, C 280 or C 300, 228 hp) and 3.5 liters (3498 cm³, M272, 24V V6, C 350, 268 or 288 hp).

The diesel engine range is represented by the following models: 2.2 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, 16V I4 turbo, C 180 CDI, 118 hp), 2.2 liters (2148 cm³, OM646, 16V I4 turbo, C 200 CDI, 134 hp), 2.2 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, 16V I4 turbo, C 200 CDI, 134 hp), 2.2 liters (2148 cm³, OM646, 16V I4 twin turbo, C 220 CDI, 168 hp), 2.2 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, 16V I4 twin turbo, C 220 CDI, 168 hp), 2.2 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, 16V I4 2-stage turbo, C 250 CDI, 201 hp), 3.0 liters (2987 cm³, OM642, 24V V6 turbo, C 320 CDI or C 350 CDI, 221 or 228 hp).

The gearboxes were presented by the following models - 5- or 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic "5G-TRONIC", as well as 7-speed automatic "7G-TRONIC" or "7G-TRONIC Plus".

In spring 2008, BlueEFFICIENCY technology was introduced into the car, which increases the efficiency of the mechanical system and reduces fuel consumption. The drag coefficient after the introduction of this technology was 0.25.

The safety of passengers in the standard configuration of the car is provided by front and side airbags, as well as inflatable curtains. There is also a system of active pre-tensioning of front and rear seat belts, electronic stability control (ESP), anti-lock braking system (ABS), anti-skid system, as well as automatically closing windows and a sunroof during emergency braking. Since 2011, an adaptive cruise control system, radar, video cameras, blind spot monitoring systems, road marking and lane keeping control systems, driver fatigue monitoring, adaptive headlights, an automatic parking system, etc. have been added.

The car has undergone numerous safety tests. The results of the Euro NCAP crash tests conducted on cars produced in 2007 and 2009 are shown in the tables below.


The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States conducted its tests in 2013, and the results were as follows:

• Frontal tests with partial overlap - Good
• Frontal tests with small overlap zone - Extreme
• Overall Crash Test Rating: Good
• Roof Strength Rating - Good

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tested a 2007 model car and found the following results:

• Driver Safety - 4 out of 5 stars
• Front Passenger - 4 out of 5 stars
• Rear Passenger Behind Driver - 5 out of 5 stars
• Rear Passenger - 5 out of 5 stars
• Rollover Protection - 4 out of 5 stars

NHTSA later crash tested the 2011 vehicle and found the following:

• Driver Safety - 4 out of 5 stars
• Front Passenger - 2 out of 5 stars
• Rear Passenger Behind Driver (Male) - 5 out of 5 stars
• Rear Passenger Behind Driver (Female) - 4 out of 5 stars
• Rear Passenger - 4 out of 5 stars
• Rollover Protection - 4 out of 5 stars

Fourth generation (W205, 2014−present)

The fourth generation, coded "W205", was officially unveiled on December 16, 2013, and shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2014. Sales began in Europe in March and in North America in September 2014. The car became slightly larger than its predecessor, which made it even closer to S-class. The length of the car was 4686 mm, width 1810 mm, height 1442 mm. The body was produced in four forms - 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon, 2-door convertible and 2-door coupe. The engine was located transversely in the front, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive (4Matic). The car was assembled in Germany, Brazil, Indonesia, China, USA, Malaysia, Thailand and South Africa.

The C-class car is equipped with the latest and most advanced technologies in the automotive industry:

• Active suspension AIRMATIC.
• Nine airbags as standard.
• Electronic stability control (ESP) + cornering brake control (CBC).
• Road sign recognition.
• Collision warning system.
• Driver fatigue warning.
• Adaptive cruise control.
• Emergency braking assist + intersection monitoring.
• NECK-PRO head restraints for neck protection in case of accidents.
• Collision warning system.
• Active bonnet to protect pedestrians from injury.
• Lane Departure Warning System.
• Full LED headlights with intelligent lighting system.
• Head-up display on the windshield.
• Multimedia system COMAND Online with touch panel.
• Automatic parking.
• Blind spot monitoring.
• Rear view camera.
• And many others.

The range of petrol engines includes the following models: 1.6 litre (1595 cm³, M274, I4, C 160, 129 hp), 1.6 liters (1595 cm³, M270, I4, C 180, 154 hp), 2.0 liters (1991 cm³, M274, I4, C 200, 184 hp), 2.0 liters (1991 cm³, M274, I4, C 250, 211 hp), 2.0 liters (1991 cm³, M274, I4, C 300, 245 hp), 2.0 liters (1991 cm³, M274, I4, C 300 4MATIC, 247 hp), 2.0 liters (1991 cm³, M274, I4, C 350 e Plug- in Hybrid, 279 hp) and 3.0 liters (2996 cm³, M276, V6, C 400 4MATIC, 333 hp).

The range of diesel engines with BlueTEC technology consists of the following models: 1.6 liters (1598 cm³, OM626, I4, C 180 d, 116 hp), 1.6 liters (1598 cm³, OM626, I4, C 200 d, 136 hp), 2.1 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, I4, C 220 d, 170 hp), 2.1 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, I4, C 250 d, 204 hp) and 2.1 liters (2143 cm³, OM651, I4, C 300 h HYBRID, 231 hp).

There are three transmission options to choose from: 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic "7G-TRONIC PLUS" (until 2018) or 9-speed automatic "9G-TRONIC PLUS" (since 2018).

The safety of the driver and passengers is ensured by a number of driver assistance systems, some of which are listed above. The car is equipped with nine airbags as standard, three-point seat belts with pyrotechnic tensioners. You can also choose airbags to protect the knees, body, pelvis, and window curtains. The European committee Euro NCAP conducted a crash test of the 2014 car, see the results in the table below.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the US conducted crash tests on the 2015 car, see the results below:

• Overall rating: Good
• Structure and safety cage - Good
• Frontal tests with partial overlap - Good
• Side Impact Protection - Good
• Driver:
• Head and Neck Protection - Good
• Chest protection - Good
• Torso protection - Good
• Rear passenger:
• Head and Neck Protection - Good
• Chest protection - Good
• Torso protection - Good
• Driver's side leg and foot protection - Good
• Passenger side leg and foot protection - Good

The 2015 car was also tested by the "National Highway Traffic Safety Administration "(NHTSA, USA), see the results below:

• Driver Safety - 5 out of 5 stars
• Front Passenger Safety - 5 out of 5 Stars
• Driver in side impact - 5 out of 5 stars
• Front passenger side impact - 4 out of 5 stars
• Rollover Protection - 4 out of 5 stars

С-Class W205, coupe, back view

С-Class W205, cabriolet, front view

С-Class W205, cabriolet, back view