Benz releases C wagon and S diesel

Mercedes-Benz will release a trio of C-Class Estates and Australia's first diesel S-Class, the S 320 CDI, to local showrooms.

The C-Class wagon will be offered with the oft-used 1.8-litre supercharged in-line four-cylinder engine as the C 200 K, or 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel for the C 220 CDI model. The C 63 AMG Estate, of course, gets the Bathurst-blasting 6.2-litre V8 (more here), mated to Benz's 7G-tronic seven-speed auto.

The C 200 K and C 220 CDI models are offered with a five-speed automatic with self-shift. The petrol model uses 8.3L/100km while the diesel's consumption is rated at 6.8L/100km.

The V8's combined figure is claimed at 13.7L/100km.

Starting at $58,890 for the Classic specification C 200K, and $63,100 for the C 220 CDI, the Estate range tops out at $141,300 for the AMG model.

The C 200 K and C 220 CDI can be ordered as Elegance or Avantgarde spec, for an additional $3520 or $5730 respectively, or with the AMG Sports Package, for $12,070 extra.

The C 200 K and C 220 CDI can also be ordered with Benz's Dynamic Handling Package, including 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, and suspension and steering upgrades, for $3520, or a Vision Package with bi-xenon headlights, sunroof and Harman/Kardon stereo, for $4530.

The C wagons feature load-lugging conveniences including electric open and close tailgate -- which Mercedes says is a segment first -- and cargo securing kit with net covers, bag hooks and anchor rings in the rear load compartment. Underfloor storage space houses a collapsible shopping crate.

Australia's first diesel S-Class starts at $190,900. The S 320 CDI uses a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 matched to the abovementioned seven-speed automatic. The engine is good for 173kW at 3800rpm and 540Nm, available from 1600rpm to 2800rpm.

The V6 turbodiesel replaces the inline six-cylinder unit offered in the previous model S320, not sold in Australia.

The new turbodiesel boasts improved output by 15 per cent and comes with a maintenance-free particulate filter. Claimed fuel consumption for the unit is 8.3L/100km.

Aside from the penny-wise engine, the S320 comes with the usual array of S-Class specialities (more here), like Benz's smart COMAND management system, TV tuner, adjustable air suspension, bi-xenon headlights with cleaning function, active headrests (standard-fit for front passengers) and tyre pressure loss warning system.

The C 200 K Estate and S 320 CDI are available from dealers now. The C 220 CDI and C 63 AMG Estates are expected on sale from September.

Visit the Carsales Network again for our drive impressions of the C 200 K Estate and S 320 CDI.

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