Mercedes-Benz Extends The C-Class L Sedan In Beijing

The new A-Class sedan and Maybach crossover concept may be taking center stage on Mercedes’ stand at the Beijing Auto Show this week. But they’re not the only Silver Star debuts at the Chinese expo.

Alongside them, Daimler has rolled out a new stretched-wheelbase version of the C-Class sedan. Measuring eight centimeters (3.15 inches) longer than standard, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class L offers extra legroom in the back. All the better for owners who prefer to ride in the back and let their chauffeurs do the driving.

The C-Class also debuts in China with new four-cylinder engines that feature the 48-volt EQ Boost technology. The (very) mild hybrid system has bee making its way across Daimler’s engine lineup and promises to help boost fuel economy, while powering additional auxiliary systems as well. .

The new compact luxury sedan also gets LED headlights as standard, with Multibeam Ultra Range units available. There’s also a new digital instrument display, large media screen, a multifunction steering wheel, 64-color ambient lighting, and multicontour seats.

“People who know a little of the history of our brand here in China will know why the C-Class is very special to us,” said Nicholas Speeks, Benz’s local sales chief. “In 2014, here in Beijing on this stage, we introduced our game-changer: the long-wheelbase C-Class – a car that promised to transform our brand’s perception from what had gone before. 380,000 customers since that day have confirmed that change and with their trust have placed the C-Class, also in quarter one of this year, as its segment leader.”

Together with the A-Class sedan, C-Class L, and Vision Mercedes-Maybach Ultimate Luxury concept, Daimler also showcased the Mercedes-Maybach S680 at the Beijing show. But that’s simply what it calls the twelve-cylinder, AMG-powered S650 in China, where 8 represents a lucky number.