Mercedes' most popular model gets mid-life facelift

German car maker Mercedes-Benz has released updated versions of the C Class sedan and wagon and the SLK convertible -- and prices have remained unchanged despite all models gaining extra equipment.

For the C-Class -- the brand's most popular model locally, accounting for half of its sales -- the updates come three years after the award-winning vehicle went on sale, while the SLK convertible comes in for special treatment six years after it was launched, and in the current model's final 12 months on sale.

In the base model C-Class, the 1.8-litre supercharged engine (135kW/250Nm) has been replaced by an all-new 1.8-litre turbocharged engine with direct injection (135kW/270Nm).

Although the new engine has the same amount of power, the 20Nm of extra torque (torque, often described as pulling power, is the measure of an engine's ability to overcome resistance and is generally regarded as a better indicator of a vehicle's driveability) arrives at lower revs (1800rpm versus 2800rpm).

Fuel consumption has been cut by 0.7L/100km (to a combined average of 7.3L/100km) and the 0 to 100km/h performance time cut by 0.4 seconds to 8.2 seconds.

Other fuel savings measures on the new model include thinner glass, smaller fluid reservoirs (such as the windscreen washer bottle), low rolling resistance tyres (16- and 17-inch only), more aerodynamic mirrors, and underbody cladding to help the vehicle slip through the air more efficiently at freeway speeds.

The radiator grille also has been partially blanked off to improve air flow, but also to get the engine up to optimum operating temperature more quickly.

The price for the entry level C-Class model, now called C200 CGI, remains the same as before at $57,900, plus dealer charges and registration costs. Metallic paint is still a $2000 option despite only three of the 12 available colours being non-metallic (click here).

The price remains unchanged despite about $3000 worth of extra equipment such as a driver's knee airbag, split-fold rear seats (previously an option, but now standard across the C-Class range), larger 17-inch wheels and tyres, double cup-holder recesses in the centre console, and the sporty grille with the large three-pointed star badge (also previously an option but now standard).

"We have had a huge amount of take up for these options since the new model went on sale in 2007 and we've listened to what customers want and we're now delivering it to them at no extra charge," said Mercedes-Benz Australia product manager Zac Loo.

Mercedes has been able to deliver the extra equipment for no price change, thanks to favourable exchange rates in recent months. However, not everything has been thrown into the bargain.

The sharp-looking new LED daytime running lights that are shown in most advertisements are part of a $2900 "Intelligent Lighting" pack that includes bi-xenon headlights that follow the direction of the steering, and have auto-dipping high beams.

Or, when customers order the $5000 pack "Vision Pack", which includes fixed bi-xenon lights, a sunroof, the Harmon Kardon sound system, you can then add the "Intelligent Lighting" upgrade for a further $400.

A new model called the C250 has been added to the C-Class line-up to bridge the gap between the C200 and a new V6 variant.

Priced from $65,900, the C250 has the same 1.8-litre turbo engine as the C200, but it has been retuned to produce 150kW and 310Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 7.7L/100km and the 0 to 100km/h claimed is 7.4 seconds.

Another new model, the C300 priced from $89,500, has been introduced to the C-Class range. It is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 (170kW and 300Nm) mated to a seven-speed auto (the four-cylinder engines still come with five-speed autos).

A C350 3.5-litre V6 petrol is on sale in Europe but is not available here, as Mercedes-Benz Australia has prioritised diesel models over it.

Meanwhile, Mercedes has slotted in a new model in the SLK range. The entry level supercharged 1.8-litre SLK ($90,100) remains on sale in limited numbers and as a special order-only model once stock runs out.

But, given the modest price premium, Mercedes believes the new SLK 300 ($98, 600) will quickly become the biggest selling variant in the SLK's final year in its current guise.

The SLK 300 gets the same all-new 3.0-litre V6 as the C-Class sedan and wagon, plus a host of AMG appearance items such as the body kit and wheels. The SLK 350 remains, as does the flagship SLK 55 AMG.

Check on the Carsales website later for first drive impressions.

C-Class Wagon
C 200 CGI**, Engine: 1.8l 4-cyl turbo-petrol, Price change: Nil, Equipment change:  Up $2,438, MLP*: $59,790
C 220 CDI, Engine: 2.1l 4-cyl turbodiesel, Price change: Nil, Equipment change: Up $2,438, MLP*: $62,805
C 250 CGI, Engine: 1.8l 4-cyl turbo-petrol, Price change: All-new Model, Equipment change: All-new Model, MLP*: $67,790
C 63 AMG, Engine: 6.3l AMG V8 petrol, Price change: Nil, Equipment change: Up $1,280, MLP*: $150,800
* Manufacturer's List Price (includes GST and LCT but excludes on-road costs)
** Replaces C 200 KOMPRESSOR Estate

SLK Roadster
SLK 200K, Engine: 1.8l 4-cyl supercharged, Output: 135kW/250Nm, Consumption: 8.0L/100km*, MLP**: $90,100
SLK 300, Engine: 3.0l V6 petrol, Output: 170kW/300Nm, Consumption: 9.1L/100km*, MLP**: $98,600
SLK 350, Engine: 3.5l V6 petrol, Output: 224kW/360Nm, Consumption: 9.6L/100km*, MLP**: $118,000
SLK 55 AMG, Engine: 5.5l AMG V8 petrol, Output: 265kW/510Nm, Consumption: 12.0L/100km*, MLP**: $175,000

* Combined cycle, according to ADR 81/02
** Manufacturer's List Price (includes GST and LCT but excludes on-road costs)

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