New Mercedes-Benz C-Class launched in India for Rs 40.90 lakh

Mercedes-Benz has launched the new C-Class in India for Rs 40.90 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It was unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in early January and has already gone on sale in most European markets. The car was also previewed at a technology exhibition in Bengaluru earlier this month ahead of the Indian launch.

Eberhard Kern, MD and CEO, Mercedes-Benz India, mentioned at the event that there are more than 20,000 units of the C-Class on Indian roads as of now. In fact, the launch of this car, which will be their last for this year, was pushed ahead as the previous generation car was sold out three months ahead of schedule.

The 2014 C-Class looks much like its larger sibling the S-Class with similar lines and overall design. However, the car is based on a new platform and features a whole host of new technologies. One of the interesting features about this car is that this is the lightest car in the segment, being 100kgs lighter than before, thanks to its aluminum hybrid body. This model gets only the Avantgarde grille but we expect that the older grille will be offered in future. It also comes with full LED intelligent light system with adaptive main beam assist plus.

The interior is based on the German automaker’s new design philosophy and looks very similar to the S-Class’ interior. It however carries over a very similar layout to the previous model. Standard items in the feature list include a tablet-like screen, climate control, panoramic sunroof, COMAND infotainment system. This infotainment system gets a new interface design and touchpad as standard, including a GARMIN map pilot navigation  with 3D-visualisation. The rear gets individual temperature zones and ample amount of leg room. Practicality is also pretty decent on this model thanks to the 60:40 split folding rear seats and the 480-litre boot which is still good on space despite the space saver. 

The Indian market gets the new C-Class in a single variant, the C200 CGI, which is powered by a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine that produces 181bhp and 300Nm of torque. Power is sent to the rear-wheels via the 7G-TRONIC PLUS gearbox. As of now the company will release the car as a petrol model and the diesel variant will start retailing in March 2015. It will also come in five colours namely - cavansite blue, citrine brown, polar white, iridium silver and obsidian black.

The car is being brought to the Indian market via the CBU route with the German automaker expected to start local assembly by the middle of next year. This will introduce the more familiar C220 CDI variant to the market.  

We have already driven the car and you can read about our first drive of the car.