More Flexible Than the Sedan

When choosing a premium brand wagon in Japan, perhaps many people not only seek luggage practicality but also consider the wagon style itself as a reason for purchase. The rear view of wagon models driving in the city evokes an active image, with a calmness different from the sportiness of a sports car, and yet a stance that is also different from the higher-ridingSUV.

The "C-Class Station Wagon", which has been released for the first time in seven years, is as appealing for its new design as for the technology packed into its body. The sense of size is also good. The station wagon's body has been enlarged by 96mm in length and 40mm in width compared to the previous model, but the height remains almost the same.



In the new model, the extended wheelbase has increased legroom in the rear seats, and thanks to the roof that extends flat to the tailgate in the wagon, the headroom clearance has slightly increased compared to the sedan. The luggage capacity, which has been expanded to a maximum of 1,510 liters (10 liters more than the previous model) and a constant 490 liters (5 liters more), now features a 40:20:40 split-folding seat, changed from the previous two-way split. The usability of the tonneau cover has also been improved. The flexibility, which exceeds that of the sedan, seems to meet expectations.

This time, we drove the new C-Class Station Wagon for two days, covering a round trip of 250 km from Frankfurt Airport to Dudelsheim. We drove on the Autobahn, exited onto suburban streets, and then through the countryside with vineyards covered in green leaves and along the Rhine River.

Driving the C-Class wagon among cars towing trailers in Germany, where the holidays have begun, further enhances the road trip feeling. When accompanying activities that take you away from everyday life, the wagon, more than the sedan, truly elevates the mood.

Mercedes's Commitment

The C-Class, which has undergone a full model change for the first time in seven years, is the fifth generation counting from its ancestor, the 190/190E. However, the station wagon was introduced from the second generation, making this the fourth generation.

The keywords for the new C-Class are "Agility" and "Intelligence." The wagon's body structure follows that of the sedan, and except for the rear section, the interior and exterior design, including the front mask and aero, as well as the equipment, are common.



Of course, it adopts the "aluminum hybrid body," a lightweight body shell newly developed by Mercedes, combining aluminum with high-tensile steel. As the name suggests, the high proportion of aluminum used is outstanding.

The aluminum adoption rate has been increased to about 50%, from a mere few percent in the previous model. We are truly impressed by Mercedes's commitment to incorporating advanced technology, such as joining aluminum with other materials, into this mass-produced model.



There is no doubt that the high-tech nature, from production to the equipment of the finished vehicle, significantly raises the value standard of the C-Class compared to previous models.

High Quietness Even in the Wagon

The test models were the "C 200" and "C 250" Avantgarde, and the "C 250 Sport Line." The 2.0-liter inline-4 direct-injection turbo engines installed in the C200 and C250 are the same type, but their output differs due to tuning: 184ps/300Nm for the C 200 and 211ps/350Nm for the C 250.

There are three types of chassis suspensions available, with different types installed depending on the model. Notably, the "AIRMATIC suspension," which uses electronically controlled air springs and continuously variable dampers, is adopted for the first time in this class. The "Agility Select," which controls the steering, engine, and transmission, including this chassis, can be selected from four driving modes, highlighting its versatility.



Even as a wagon, the quietness is high, and the lightness of the body is felt not so much as a visible physical lightness when unloading heavy luggage, but more as a nimble responsiveness and agility in the driver's various dynamic maneuvers. The crispness of the handling, which creates a sense of high quality, was a fresh sensation, different from the previous model.

The engine power of both the C200 and C250 is more than satisfactory. Indeed, the "still plenty of power left" feeling when pressing the accelerator pedal is stronger in the C250.

The acceleration and extension beyond 150 km/h on the Autobahn felt more appealing in the C250 in terms of "reserve," but considering Japan's traffic environment, there is no dissatisfaction with the overtaking acceleration of the C200. Rather, the lightness is superior in the C200. Lane changes at high speeds were stable, and the benefits of the latest body were clearly felt.

Diesel Models Also Planned

At dinner, I asked Oliver Winkler, the development manager, about the positioning of the C-Class. He replied, "While we are advancing the rejuvenation of the model, we also have a strong sense of pride in it being an entry-level rear-wheel-drive model that Mercedes is committed to."

In other words, they likely aim to expand user volume further, both from higher and lower classes, and also from this new C-Class. Normally, one might inwardly mutter, "How greedy..."

Mercedes-Benz C 250 Estate | Mercedes-Benz C 250 Station Wagon
Body Size | Length 4,702 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,457 mm
Wheelbase | 2,840 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,584 / 1,566 mm
Engine | 1,991cc Inline-4 Turbo
Max Output | 155 kW (211 ps) / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Max Torque | 350 Nm / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT
Drive System | FR
Suspension Front | 4-link (AIRMATIC)
Suspension Rear | 5-link (AIRMATIC)
Tires Front/Rear | 205/60R16
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | 6.0-5.6 L/100km
Max Speed | 250 km (limiter controlled)
CO2 Emissions | 140-130 g/km

Mercedes-Benz C 250 BlueTEC | Mercedes-Benz C 250 BlueTEC
Body Size | Length 4,702 x Width 1,810 x Height 1,457 mm
Wheelbase | 2,840 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,584 / 1,566 mm
Engine | 1,991cc Inline-4 Turbo
Max Output | 135 kW (184 ps) / 5,500 rpm
Max Torque | 300 Nm / 1,200-4,000 rpm
Transmission | 7-speed AT
Drive System | FR
Suspension Front | 4-link
Suspension Rear | 5-link
Tires Front/Rear | 205/60R16
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Consumption (NEDC) | 6.0-5.6 L/100km
Max Speed | 250 km (limiter controlled)
CO2 Emissions | 140-130 g/km