Mercedes has revealed its pricing scheme for the new C-Class executive sedan in the States.
The range kicks off from $38,400, plus destination, and at launch there will be only two models to choose from: the C300 (BMW 328i equivalent) which features a 2.0-liter petrol engine that pumps out 241 turbocharged horsepower, while the C400 (335i equivalent) makes 329 horses out of its bi-turbo V6 – it costs from $48,590.
The latter is currently only available with all-wheel drive, but a rear wheel drive version will be launched in Q1 2015.
All C-Class models come with standard halogen headlights, but at least they didn’t skimp when it came to the rear lights which perfectly mirror those of the S-Class, in all their diode-heavy glory.
A notable option the C-Class has that none of its rivals do is the AIRMATIC air suspension. It, as you can imagine, provides extra comfort over steel springs and its harshness can be altered depending on road conditions (and mood).
Also new is the COMAND touchscreen infotainment system which features “a special bonded glass cover such as is familiar from consumer devices like the iPhone or iPad.” It will also get its own dedicated Apps library.
As this is a Mercedes, you will be given endless fine individual customization options, as well as packs that will add a whole host of features while saving you some cash in the process.
This new C-Class features an “Interior Package” which adds leather, cooling to the front seats and mood lighting. Another package is the “Sport Package” which bestows the car with visible AMG exterior and interior trinkets, as well as the obligatory lower, stiffer suspension and bigger rims.
As a comparison to its main rivals, the C-Class is more expensive than all of them: the Lexus IS250 starts from $36,500, the BMW 328i from $37,400, the Infiniti Q50 from $37,150 and the Audi A4 from $35,500 (with a CVT gearbox and front-wheel drive).
By Andrei Nedelea