2014 Mercedes C-Class C250

German manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz, have revealed their new C-Class C250 model and according to CAR magazine, the C-Class, “is head and shoulders better than anything BMW or Audi currently offers.”

The Mercedes C-Class C250 specs

Engine-wise, the initial UK line up comprises of a 182 brake horse power (bhp) C220 petrol, 178bhp C220 diesel and the C250. The C220 petrol engine has a fuel economy of 53mpg and reaches 62mph from a standstill in 7.5 seconds, while the C220 diesel has a fuel economy of 71mpg and a 0-62mph time of 7.7 seconds. The C250 four cylinder is capable of producing 201 brake horse power at 369lb/ft of torque. Fuel economy is pegged at 66mpg, with a 0-62mph time of 6.6 seconds.

Other engines may join the line up later down the line, with a new 99g.km 1.6 litre diesel and a C300 hybrid that uses a 27bhp electric motor combined with the four cylinder from the C250.

Transmission choices range from the company's seven speed auto to the ZF eight speed alternative used by BMW and Jaguar.

The Mercedes C-Class C250 style and tech

Daimler owned, Mercedes-Benz, appear to have looked to it's S-Class range for inspiration for the new C-Class junior sports saloon. To make sure the two are still distinguishable, the company have decided not to add the traditional Mercedes grille and 3D bonnet mounted three pointed star emblem, in favour of giving all three trim levels a giant star housed within the grille. The three trim levels available are the SE, Sport and the AMG Line.

The platform underpinning the new model is brand new, featuring 48% aluminium and will become the basis for many more rear wheel drive Mercedes in the future. By using an aluminium intensive structure, the company have managed to create a car which is 100kg less than the old model, despite an overall increase of 95mm in length.

Inside, the C-Class C250's interior is still functional but features sweeping curves, pleasing textures and a new combined rotary dial/scribble pad to help the driver control the functions on what appears to be an iPad floating above three central air vents.

The new Mercedes comes with the company's drowsiness detector as standard, also gaining a low speed automatic braking function and a reversing camera. Options are also available, such as Brake Assist Plus which detects impending accidents with traffic moving across the front of the car as well as with vehicles in front and behind. The air conditioning system can also use the GPS information to detect tunnels ahead and automatically switch the airflow to recirculate.

The new Mercedes C-Class C250's price tag has yet to be revealed though it has been confirmed that the model may not hit UK showrooms.