OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE
Stuttgart, Germany, Mar 07, 2011
Design: Dynamic, resolute, self-assured
- Striking: restyled bumpers, bonnet and headlamps
- Eye-catching: tail lights with an impression of depth thanks to LED indicators
- High-grade: redesigned dashboard emphasises premium standard
The C-Class greets spring 2011 having undergone a comprehensive makeover. The front and tail-end section of the million-seller are styled more strikingly, the front being brought closer to the brand’s new design idiom. The front bumper has a more expressive and dynamic contour, and supports the shape of the radiator grille more prominently as the central element at the front.
The central air intake opens out upwards in a V-shape, forming a visual base unit for the radiator grille. Pronounced side sections extend from the sporty V‑shape at the centre. Continuing beneath the headlamps, these sections blend into the feature lines along the vehicle flanks, forming a link with the sides. The side air inlets in the bumper are positioned low down, giving the car a more road-hugging appearance.
Both the saloon and the estate have been given a new bonnet made of aluminium. Its contour in the area around the headlamps and the radiator grille emphasises the V-shape of the front end to a greater extent than previously.
The shape of the clear-lens headlamps has been modified to create a more dynamic and resolute impression, and to act together with the bonnet, radiator grille and bumper to give the C-Class a new face. This impression is reinforced by both the exterior form of the headlamps and the interior of the housings. The headlamps show their modernity by precision and an interplay between matt and high-gloss areas. The halogen headlamps are arranged in the classic way, with low beam on the outside, main beam on the inside and the indicators neatly arranged in the outer corner formed with the front wing.
If the optional bi-xenon headlamps with the Intelligent Light System (ILS) are ordered, the impression of depth is reinforced by a row of lighting modules. A position light with a distinctive C-shape emphasises the night design. Behind it is a cornering light extending to the main headlamp module on the outside. A visual base in the lower section of the headlamp is formed by a horizontal broadband LED indicator unit. The horizontal LED daytime running lamps in the bumper also make the C-Class unmistakable from a distance.
In the case of the rear bumper, the light-catching contours and dividing lines have been modified to emphasise the width of the saloon and estate even more strongly. This change is particularly obvious in the more steeply rising course of the side light-catching contours towards the tail lights. A continuous light-catching contour at the upper end of the rear bumper extends into the flanks to connect the tail end with the sides to emphasise the sporty character of the rear aspect.
In the facelifted model, the tail lights are even more neatly integrated into the tail end by a continuous covering lens. The characteristic surface meander is now on the inside of the light, and reminiscent of preceding model series. The particular impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower light bands.
In all its finery: restyled dashboard and high-grade surfaces
One of the design work’s main points of focus in the interior was on restyling the dashboard with the aim of creating a sporty, high-quality look. At the same time the trim concept was also enhanced. The touch surfaces of the controls are more finely detailed and galvanised. With its stepped extension, the instrument cluster’s panel now also accommodates the central display. The instrument cluster and a discreet light-catching contour continue to the front-passenger side. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by galvanised trim.
The large section of trim is an important part of the newly designed dashboard. This extends from the centre air vents across the front-passenger side to the outer air vent and creates a much wider look for the interior. The upper part of the dashboard with its new surface grain continues into the beltlines of the door panels.
The control panel of the new-generation communication and information unit has keys with high-gloss surface inserts. The combination of matt keys, high-gloss areas and a new knurled wheel design accentuates the higher perceived value of the interior. Together with the new telematics generation, the facelifted C-Class also comes complete with a new instrument cluster with an integral display. Directed towards the driver are three tube-style surrounds with a galvanised surface, openly demonstrating the C-Class’s sporting ambitions.
The premium character of the interior is underlined by the new-generation steering wheel, which was introduced with the new CLS and is now available in the sporty AVANTGARDE line for the C-Class. The steering wheel with its chromed central spoke stylishly accentuates the sporty atmosphere in the C‑Class.
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