Touchpad-Controlled Large Display & Head-Up Display

The details revealed this time concern the interior, equipment, chassis, and safety systems of the new "C-Class," designated the W205 model. In the interior, the previous layout with a vertical panel dominated by numerous buttons has been abandoned in favor of a newly designed center console that immediately catches the eye. This console flows seamlessly from the air vents to the new handrest, creating a simple and pure reflection of modern aesthetics. Various materials are available, including wood and piano lacquer finishes.



The five air vents are accentuated with metallic trim around their edges. This deliberately hard design creates a contrast with the warm leather of the dashboard and the wood of the center console, playing on the interplay of textures.



Even more striking is the display mounted on the console, reminiscent of a tablet PC. This large screen, measuring 7 inches as standard or 8.4 inches with the optional "COMAND Online" system, is operated via a newly installed touchpad on the center tunnel.

This large 65x45mm touchpad is characterized by its ability to handle all operations, unlike previous systems. It supports multi-touch gestures, allowing for character input by tracing on the pad. The system reads out the entered characters, ensuring the driver can operate it without taking their eyes off the road. In front of the pad are three shortcut keys for "Back," "Favorites," and "Audio Control," enabling operation akin to that of a smartphone or tablet PC.



A new feature is the head-up display. Information projected by a full-color LED with a resolution of 480x240 pixels appears as a 21x7cm image on the windshield, seemingly located about two meters ahead of the bonnet from the driver's perspective. The display is limited to information that requires immediate recognition while driving, such as speed, navigation instructions, speed limits, and data from driver assistance systems. The height can be adjusted to the driver's physique, and the brightness is automatically controlled by a sensor near the roof.

Body Lightweighted and Collision Safety Enhanced with Composite Materials like Aluminum

The body shell of the new C-Class utilizes materials such as aluminum and ultra-high-strength steel. As a result, it is 70kg lighter than if the same body were made of steel. Compared to the previous C-Class, it is approximately 100kg lighter. This translates to a potential fuel efficiency improvement of 20 percent.

Aluminum is used for the roof and shock absorber mounts. Its utilization rate has increased more than fivefold, from 9 percent in the previous generation to 48 percent.



This complex combination of lightweight yet robust materials not only improves fuel efficiency but also enhances impact resistance and distributes collision forces, thereby improving safety in the event of an accident, according to the explanation.



Aluminum is also used in the front axle, making it 2kg lighter than steel and consequently improving responsiveness.

The front suspension features a newly developed four-link system. Furthermore, the new C-Class offers an optional AIRMATIC air suspension system, which Mercedes claims is a first for this class. AIRMATIC is an air suspension that constantly maintains optimal posture via computer control, a system already featured in premium models such as the "E-Class" and the "S-Class".

Intelligent Safety Features

The new C-Class is equipped with Mercedes-Benz's latest safety features, centered around a 360-degree all-around view monitored by stereo cameras and radar. It features stereo cameras above the windshield, short-range radar sensors on the front and rear bumpers, medium-to-long-range radar behind the radiator grille, and a multi-purpose radar in the center of the rear bumper. Information from each device is processed by a computer and analyzed in three dimensions by the driving assistance systems.



Standard equipment includes "ATTENTION ASSIST." This system helps prevent driver inattention and drowsy driving. When equipped with the COMAND system, it also suggests suitable rest stops along the navigation route. The sensitivity can be adjusted, and the system displays the driver's level of fatigue and the time elapsed since the last break on the instrument cluster, aiming to prevent accidents by alerting the driver to the risks of fatigue during long drives.



Optional features include a range of the latest assistance systems found in the new "S-Class" and "E-Class." "DISTRONIC PLUS with Stop & Go function (with steering assist)" follows the vehicle ahead at speeds up to 60 km/h. Other available features include "BAS PLUS Brake Assist," which prepares maximum braking force in emergencies, and PRE-SAFE® Brake, an automatic braking system that stops the vehicle at speeds below 50 km/h or applies maximum deceleration to reduce collision damage at speeds up to 72 km/h. "Active Lane Keeping Assist" helps prevent lane departure, and "Active Parking Assist" automates parking maneuvers.



Additionally, "Traffic Sign Assist" reads traffic signs and warns the driver of one-way street violations or exceeding speed limits. "Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus" maintains high beam illumination unless it detects oncoming or preceding vehicles, ensuring visibility at night without dazzling other drivers.

A new safety enhancement is the automatic child seat recognition function for the front seats. When a child seat is placed in the passenger seat, the car automatically detects it and deactivates the airbag. Previously, manual setting changes using a key were required. This feature prevents scenarios where a driver forgets to re-enable the airbag after removing a child seat, potentially increasing injury severity in an accident due to the airbag not deploying.



Comfort-enhancing features have also been updated, including a function that automatically switches the air conditioning to recirculation mode when the car enters a tunnel, based on navigation and GPS data. Additionally, the "AIR-BALANCE package," which includes the fragrance function and ionizer found in the new S-Class, along with a more robust filter than standard, is also available.



The next-generation "C-Class," featuring a boldly modernized interior design, a lightweight yet robust body shell, and the latest safety equipment, is expected to be fully unveiled this winter. This model is designated as the W205.