2005 Model Year Mercedes-Benz C-Class Unveiled

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Family Sports New Designs

NEW YORK, April 6 -- Mercedes-Benz introduces a redesigned C-Class for the 2005 model year, which makes its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2004. The redesigned C-Class offers significant interior and exterior enhancements that improve both the visual appeal and the overall driving experience. The new generation C-Class will make its retail debut in the U.S. in May 2004.

  

                      Interior and Exterior Updates

The interior of the C-Class receives a significant overhaul. All C-Class models receive a new dashboard, all-new four-gauge instrument cluster, new steering wheel, new center console, and seats that have been redesigned for more comfort and support. Luxury variants receive enhanced and enriched wood trim with front seats that feature a new adjustable lumbar support and a multicontouring option.

The polarization of the C-Class models into two distinct 'themes' -- Luxury and Sport -- is continued in the 2005 model year.

To update the exterior of the Luxury sedans and wagons, new body styling - - such as that found on the 2004 model year sport sedan -- will become standard on all models, lending a fresh and contemporary look to the already stylish vehicles. Sport sedans receive new AMG body styling from the model year 2004 C32 AMG as standard, while the sport coupes receive new, more aggressive body styling and a new perforated grille. Each C-Class also receives redesigned clear headlamps and revised tail lamps to further enhance the updated exterior.

All cars will also feature redesigned interior switchgear and the use of subtle chrome trim. The sport sedan and sports coupe each receive unique aluminum trim throughout the cabin to complete the enhancements that result in a sportier, more comfortable, and more visually appealing interior.

The C-Class offers revised and improved agility and handling dynamics through special suspension tuning. The upgraded and lowered sport suspension and amazing front brake system from the updated 2004 model year sport sedan are maintained in the model year 2005 sport sedan to produce the best-handling and most responsive C-Class ever. A precise six-speed transmission with revised linkage is offered as standard on the sport sedan and sport coupe, offering a smoother transmission of power. A wider track width, achieved through the use of wider rear wheels and tires, further enhances the agility of the vehicle and the driving experience. All Luxury sedans are equipped with an exclusively styled new 16-inch wheel, while the Luxury wagon receives its own 16-inch wheel. The sport sedan maintains the 17-inch five-spoke wheel introduced with the mid-year updates to the 2004 model year sport sedan, while the sport coupe now boasts staggered-width wheels.

The C55 AMG

Mercedes-AMG rolls out its most sporty C-Class ever: the new C55 AMG, which made its world debut in Geneva and will make its U.S. debut at the New York Auto Show during April 2004. The C55 AMG replaces the current C32 AMG as the premium performance vehicle within the C-Class model line-up.

Developed specifically for this AMG vehicle, a unique body structure is formed from the revised C-Class and the front structure of the CLK55 AMG coupe making the C55 AMG thoroughly distinct from the standard series. The front section has been designed to accommodate the powerful V8 AMG 5.5-liter 362 hp engine, which marks the return of the V8 to the C-Class family. The interior differentiation likewise testifies to the exclusive status of the C55 AMG with new AMG seats, gearshift buttons on the steering wheel, and a new AMG instrument cluster. The C55 AMG will make its retail debut in June 2004.

Safety

Fundamentally, the safety of Mercedes-Benz automobiles is most meaningful in one way -- real life. All new developments are put into production based on careful analysis of actual traffic conditions and accident histories. The technical safety aspects of the C-Class don't just meet government standards, but also reflect in-house Mercedes-Benz accident research. The C-Class is designed for the greatest possible impact safety, based on Mercedes-Benz' own stringent passenger car guidelines which date all the way back to 1951, when the company patented its energy-absorbing car body with front and rear crumple zones. Also, bi-xenon headlamps are available on all models.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA is headquartered near New York City in Montvale, NJ and is responsible for the U.S. sales, service and marketing of Mercedes-Benz cars and light trucks as well as the Maybach super-luxury sedan. MBUSA employs about 1,500 people in 20 different locations around the nation. In 2003, the company sold 218,717 vehicles through a nationwide network of over 300 retailers in the U.S., setting the highest-ever sales volume in its history.