C 320 CDI is the new Benz standard bearer

Mercedes-Benz has just drawn a line in the sand. The company's newest C-Class variant is the flagship of the range and it's not the C 350 we were expecting. Nor is it the AMG-badged C 63, due in coming months (more here).

No, the new flagship of the range in Australia is the C 320 CDI, appearing in showrooms from next month priced from $92,800.

And in case it went unnoticed, the C 320 CDI is a diesel.

In effect, that's an admission by Benz that a high-torque diesel engine -- with the right level of refinement -- is a better proposition in this end of the market than a naturally-aspirated petrol V6 of similar displacement.

It's not just about the diesel's traditional attribute of frugality -- for people in a position to afford the fuel bills of a petrol car anyway. The diesel's ample torque from low engine speeds makes it an ideal partner for a cushy sedan with an automatic transmission.

Powered by a 3.0-litre common rail turbodiesel V6, the C 320 will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 7.7sec. Perhaps that's not supercar-fast, but it's quick enough -- and also returns 7.4lt/100km in combined cycle testing.

This engine has already been introduced to Australia in the ML 320 CDI (more here) and, as in that application, delivers peak torque of 510Nm through a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Benz claims that the full force of that torque is available from engine speeds ranging between 1600 and 2800rpm. Maximum power of 165kW is recorded at 3800rpm.

The engine is a "third-generation" common rail diesel development and features piezo injectors which operate at a pressure of up to 1600 bar. Benz has kept the engine's weight down by using an aluminium block and 'grey' iron cylinder liners. Total weight for the engine is approximately 208kg.

Horst von Sanden, MD for the Mercedes Car Group in Australia, said "The C 320 CDI offers our leading-edge diesel engine technology in the form of a powerful and economical V6.

"It combines outstanding driving performance, low exhaust emissions and impressive fuel economy with the safety, comfort and agility that the all-new C-Class has wowed so many customers with."

Customers may also be wowed by the C 320's combination of comfort and convenience features. Equipment follows the lead of the C 280 variant, but with the addition of a three-zone 'Thermotronic' climate control system.

The true test of the C 320 CDI will be how the market accepts it. It all starts from next month...