Mercedes-Benz C-class Estate

July 2001

More than an ordinary estate car

The new Mercedes-Benz C-class model range is now complete.  Following the saloon and coupé models, Mercedes-Benz now presents the second generation of the sporty, elegant C-class Estate.  In South Africa the new model appeared in Mercedes-Benz dealerships in August 2001.

 The new Estate features the same pioneering technical innovations as the C-class saloon, affirming the latter's outstanding characteristics such as typical Mercedes safety, attractive design, exemplary dynamic performance and superb quality, complementing these merits with a spacious design, intelligent functionality and versatility.

The Mercedes Benz design team's approach was to reconcile apparently contradictory aims to create a harmonious overall concept. The design  is progressive, dynamic and attractive, while at the same time practical, versatile and equipped with a high load capacity. The front section with the double oval headlamps as seen in the saloon,  has been retained as a defining characteristic of the new C-class. The bonnet and front wings are also identical on the saloon and C-class Estate. The body colour bumper, which is integrated into the bodywork with the discreetly moulded spoiler edges in the lower section, combines with the front fog lamps to reinforce the Estate's sporty appearance. Details such as the large side windows, the trim strips on the waistline and the integrated side rub strips in the lower part of the flanks are additional stylistic elements, which emphasize the continuous, sleek, dynamic lines of the side view. The roof railings, an important identifying feature typical of Mercedes estates, have been designed to harmonize perfectly with the lines of the roof.

Unusual shapes, high-quality materials and modern colour combinations form the visual framework of the interior, the front of which is identical to that of the saloons. The dashboard is divided into two, with the top half deliberately dominating. It is made of a high-quality polyurethane with a sprayed-on polyurethane skin to ensure a soft, yet high quality finish. The bottom half of the dashboard merges into a sweeping centre console. Three colours are available: anthracite, orion grey, or java with leather interior. Whereas the upper part of the instrument panel always exhibits a colour contrast to the rest of the interior, the lower part features the same interior colour as the inside panels of the doors, the floor coverings and the seat upholstery.

Mercedes safety, attractive design, exemplary dynamic performance and superb quality, complementing these merits with a spacious design, intelligent functionality and versatility. With estates, design has long since replaced the load capacity criterion as a purchasing point.  The challenge lies in meeting the expectations on design and lifestyle qualities, not only in the load capacity.

Versatility is a strength of the new Estate: drivers can vary the interior layout and adapt it to individual transport requirements, its newly developed asymmetrically split folding rear seat offering much scope for variation.  In a few simple steps, the seat cushions and backrests can be folded partially or completely forwards, thus increasing the available luggage space in the rear substantially. Depending on the position of the rear seats, the load capacity ranges between 470 and 1384 litres, as established according to the VDA measuring method.

In contrast to the previous model, the rear seat cushions can also be folded completely forwards. This produces a virtually flat load space of up to 1,5 square metres in size at the rear of the vehicle.

Equipment

Mercedes-Benz offers enormous scope for individuality on the basis of an extensive range of standard equipment and the familiar Mercedes brand quality -- in the form of technical innovations.

Standard light sensor on the windscreen

The light system of the new estate car offers the same features as in the C-class saloon. Behind the distinctive “four eyes” there is a two-chamber reflector for dipped headlights and the indicator (outside) and for full beam and side lights (inside). The standard fog lamps are located in the bumper panelling and the side indicators draw attention to themselves by six yellow bulbs in the exterior mirror housings.

Additional functions, such as Headlamp Assist, headlamp switch-off delay or the failsafe light function, which were previously only available in luxury cars, offer more safety and a higher degree of comfort. If the light switch on the instrument panel is in the “Auto” position, the Headlamp Assist automatically switches on the exterior lights when it is dark, raining or snowing. This standard-fitted system receives the relevant information from a sensor on the windscreen. The driver programmes the headlamp switch-off delay via the multi-function steering wheel and the central display unit in the speedometer housing.

 Depending on the setting, the front headlights remain switched on for up to 60 seconds after the driver has got out of the car in order to facilitate orientation in the dark for the passengers.

 The other new functions of emergency light and failsafe light are activated automatically in the event of technical defects. In the event of a disruption within the electronic circuitry of the C-class the emergency light function prevents the entire vehicle lighting system from failing. The failsafe light function switches on when safety is at risk because of faulty bulbs. In this case, the electronic system automatically selects other bulbs that can temporarily stand in for the faulty light.

Parktronic

The Parktronic parking aid operates on the same principle as an echo sounder:  depending on the direction of travel, six sensors in the front or four in the rear bumper emit ultrasonic signals that are reflected by other vehicles or obstacles.  On the basis of the time difference between transmission and reception of the signals, the electronic system calculates the distance to the obstacle. 

 The front ultrasonic sensors have a range of about one metre. At the rear, the signals cover a range of about 1,20 metres.  The minimum measurable distance between a sensor and an obstacle is 20 centimetres.   

The parking aid system is automatically activated as soon as the driver engages reverse.  When driving straight ahead, the system remains active up to a speed of 15 km/h. Displays on the instrument panel and at the rear of the roof lining indicate to the driver how much space is available for parking or maneuvering.  These displays consist of seven yellow and two red segments which light up as a function of the distance to an obstacle.  At critical distances of less than 35 centimetres an acoustic warning signal is emitted.

The bumper, rub strips, door handles and radiator grille of the Elegance line are provided with chrome trims and the aluminium strips around the doors and on the roof are provided with a haematite-coloured coating while the ribs of the radiator grille sport a high-gloss finish. Parktronic, light-alloy wheels, leather steering wheel, leather gearshift knob and wood trims in the centre console and on the interior door panelling are just some of the items on the standard equipment list which includes:

Body and Safety:  

Maximum emphasis was placed on creating an elaborate body construction offering optimal protection for the passengers. The supporting structures in the front end have been designed in such a way that in serious accidents they absorb the majority of the crash energy as a result of targeted deformation, diverting the impact forces over large areas. The structure of the passenger compartment distorts only minimally and provides the occupants with an intact space for survival, even at high impact speeds. The Mercedes engineers achieved this by, among other things, installing additional members in the floor as well as by reinforcing the centre tunnel and the side members at specific points.

The proportion of high-strength elements in the steel mixture has more than doubled in comparison to the previous model, while thicker sheets of up to two millimeters make up the side members. The A-pillars and the firewall that are put under special strain make a major contribution to the robustness of the occupant cell.

 In a serious frontal collision with a crash speed of over 15 km/h, the load is divided among four independent zones:

1)   In the event of an offset crash, the aluminium cross member on the front module diverts the impact forces to the side away from the impact.

 

2)   The longitudinal members extend to the front behind the front module crash boxes and deplete energy by means of predetermined deformation.

 

3)   The high-strength sectional panels above the wheel arches act as a second impact level.

 

4)   The front wheels are braced by special impact-absorbing elements in front of the side members (rocker panels), thereby transferring impact forces to the body's side structure.

 A two-part floor group comprising a newly developed ellipsoid-firewall, which is joined to the front longitudinal members is responsible for spreading impact forces over a wide area. The new aluminium integral member, to which the engine, front axle and steering system are attached, absorbs crash energy along predetermined lines, thus the high  levels of crash safety, rigidity, lightness and anti-corrosion protection. This shared platform allows the members of the new model family to demonstrate a uniform quality that is consistent with Mercedes standards while offering enough design scope to support three different body styles of the saloon, the youthful sports coupé and the versatile estate. 

A new development by the Mercedes engineers ensures that the tailgate keeps firmly shut during motion and that little strength is required to close it. Although sprung guiding wedges inside the lock give way during closure, they allow no lateral movements while the car is in motion, with the result that the tailgate is always ideally connected to the body.  

At the top of the tailgate there is an unobtrusive spoiler that assumes a dual function. Firstly it improves the aerodynamics and stability of the estate car.  Secondly, the spoiler also houses the third brake light that really draws the attention of following drivers thanks to its high position. The rear window wiper is part of standard specification on the new C-class Estate. The aerial for radio and navigation reception is integrated in the two side windows and the rear window.  

Side impact protection on three levels

In the case of a side impact, a multi-level safety system has proved its worth in the new C-class Estate. In the floor area, reinforced side rocker panels transfer the impact forces to two robust cross members on each side under the front seats and to a full‑width cross member underneath the rear seat. At medium height, the occupants are protected by laterally stiffened doors integrated in the side panels, and with several sectional reinforcements. 

Robust door hinges whereas in the roof area, intrusions into the occupant cell are mainly kept to a minimum by the A, B and C‑pillars with their full-height 3‑shell construction and by a reinforced roof frame, which is again of 3‑shell construction.

The highly robust passenger compartment, which provides optimal protection in front-end and side impact collisions, is also highly effective even in the event of an offset rear-end impact at high collision speeds. The load-bearing member structure and the newly developed rear end module perform similar functions to the comparable components at the front and are designed in accordance with what happens in real-life accident processes: at an impact speed of around 15 km/h a solid steel cross member absorbs the energy. It braces the bumpers and is characterized by additional impact elements in the outer areas. In the case of crash speeds of over 15 km/h, sectioned longitudinal members deform. In the new C-class these members are designed as closed box sections with high sheet thickness. The fuel tank is located in a protected position in front of the rear axle.

Co-ordinated safety concept with six phases

The Mercedes engineers have long considered safety development for new cars as an all-encompassing task that not only requires top performance in terms of passive occupant protection. Features which warn of hazards and prevent accidents as well as innovations in the field of accident rescue are just as important.

All the models of the new C-class comply with this innovative concept, which broadly comprises six phases:

hazard warning by means of complex sensor systems

• accident prevention by means of standard-fitted driving safety systems

• structural safety by means of intelligent body concepts

• occupant protection by means of complex retention systems

• occupant protection by means of airbags

• accident rescue by means of self-unlocking doors 

Adaptive airbags with two-stage deployment depending on the severity of the accident  

The front airbags of the new Estate also adapt to the specific accident situation and thereby provide even more effective occupant protection. Experts therefore talk about an “adaptive airbag system”.

As with the body structure, the restraint system is not solely designed to respond to high-speed collisions but also for the first time takes into account the special protective functions required for low to medium impact forces.

Both the driver's and front passenger's airbags are fitted with two-stage gas generators. If the sensor system detects a minor front-end impact, it fires only one chamber of these inflator units, filling the airbags with only a low internal pressure. Consequently, the airbags cushion the occupants “softly”. Accident research has revealed that this is especially advantageous in crashes at a speed of between 20 and 35 km/h.

In the event of a more serious accident, the electronics also activate the second chamber of the gas generators. A short time later the standard-fitted belt force limiters reduce the retention force of the seat belt, with the result that the front passengers move towards the airbags and are safely cushioned by them. The front airbags in the C-class Estate have volumes of 64 litres for the driver’s airbag and 125 litres for the passenger’s airbag.

The C-class adaptive airbag system also includes an automatic seat occupancy and child seat recognition feature that decides whether the protective technology should be used if the passenger seat is not occupied or a rear-facing child seat (with transponder technology) from the Mercedes accessories range is installed. 

Large windowbags to protect the heads of front and rear passengers

Another important element in the lateral protection system of the C-class is the standard-fitted windowbags, which extend like a curtain from the front to the C-pillar in the interior within 25 milliseconds of a crash. Each one of the Estate’s airbags comprises four large chambers with a total volume of 25 litres and has a length of 1500 millimetres.

 As an option, these side airbags are also available for the rear doors. In addition to the six airbags fitted as standard in the dashboard, roof lining and front doors, the retention system also includes the following innovations:

• Height-adjustable inertia-reel seat belts on four seats. 

• Height and tilt-adjustable head restraints for the driver and passenger (total adjustment range 85 millimetres) as well as on the outer seats in the rear (total adjustment range 81 millimetres). The centre rear head restraint is not height or tilt-adjustable.

• High-performance belt tensioners on the driver and front passenger seats pull back up to eleven centimetres of slack in the seat belt at lightening speed in the event of a frontal or rear impact so that the occupants are optimally connected with the occupant compartment.

• Buckle-type belt tensioners on the outer seats in the rear.

•  Belt force limiters at the front and at the outer seats in the rear limit the retention forces of the seat belt and the pressure on the occupants’ chests caused by the belt.

Engine, transmission and chassis:

The new C-class Estate comes with a 2,4 litre V6 engine with a power output of 125 kW, a torque of 240 Newton metres and is fitted with an electronically controlled five-speed automatic transmission.

Service intervals are determined by the Active Service System (ASSYST). On the basis of sensor-derived data, ASSYST calculates the actual load on the engine oil and works out a need-oriented servicing schedule for the engine. This means that oil change intervals can be increased, depending on the driving style and engine load, to up to 30,000 kms.

The estate chassis benefits from the same components and systems that have already proved themselves in the new C-class saloon:  The new three-link front suspension with torque struts made of aluminium and McPherson-suspension struts offers considerable improvements in terms of wheel location, ride comfort and steering precision. The standard-fitted torsion bar stabiliser is connected to the suspension struts via a linkage mechanism. When cornering at speed, special rebound buffer springs at the front shock absorbers reinforce the effect of the stabiliser, ensuring that the extremely dynamic handling is not at the expense of ride comfort. The multi-link independent rear suspension, whose track rods, hub carriers and sub-frame have been reworked, makes a significant contribution to the safe handling of the Estate. Newly developed mountings improve vibration characteristics and reinforce the safe, under-steering performance characteristics of the Estate. Damping at the rear axle is performed by coil springs and single-tube gas-filled dampers with enlarged rubber mountings. The  Electronic Stability Programme (ESP®), which also incorporates the Acceleration Skid Control and the Brake Assist functions, ensures that even in critical situations the Estate exhibits safe road-holding.

Even greater operating convenience is provided by the complete memory power adjuster package for all functions of the driver's and front passenger's seats, which is available as an option. In this case, not only the seat height and backrest angle but also the longitudinal adjustment, seat cushion angle, head restraint, steering column and exterior rear view mirrors are adjusted by electric motors. A microchip stores the individual adjustment data of the driver's seat and transmits it to the electronic ignition key.

Subsequently, as soon as the driver inserts the key in the ignition starter switch, the seat, head restraint, steering wheel and exterior rear-view mirror automatically move to the desired position.

Cockpit: ergonomics at their best  

All the most important driving controls are arranged within easy reach of the driver, and their functions are instantly recognisable. Everything is quite literally to hand and within view. The steering wheel has a manual adjustment feature. The setting range is 25 millimetres forwards, 35 millimetres to the rear and 25 millimetres both up and down. The instrument cluster is presented in the new sporting design of the saloon. Instead of the previous round instruments, three arc-shaped displays indicate the engine speed (left), road speed (middle) and fuel level (right). The telltale and warning lights are located under the rev counter, inside the middle speedometer segment and under the fuel gauge. 

Instrument cluster: information in a clear form  

To return to the instrument cluster: in combination with the new multi-function steering wheel drivers are able to programme individual settings, in order to tailor the convenience and display functions to their own individual requirements. Lightly pressing the lower left button on the steering wheel is enough to call up the main "Settings" menu in the central display in the instrument cluster. Over 50 individual settings can be programmed by selecting one of five separate menu options.

Car radios: two sets with voice-operated control if required  

The multi-function steering wheel and central display also make operation of the state-of-the-art audio equipment and car phone simpler: The Audio 10 CD with single CD (standard equipment) offers radio reception on FM, medium, long and short-wave, manual and automatic programme search, separate bass and treble adjustment, balance and fader function and Dolby®-B-noise suppression.

The Audio 30 APS car radio (optional equipment) combines FM, MW, SW and LW reception, a CD deck and a navigation system featuring dynamic route guidance in a single unit the size of a conventional car radio. Also integrated are a four-channel amplifier (4x20 Watt), LCD display, GPS receiver and an aerial diversity system that evaluates signals from four standard radio aerials. 

Electronically controlled heating system for perfect comfort  

The heating on board the new C-class Estate is an electronically controlled system that measures the interior temperature by means of sensors and maintains it constant at the level desired by the driver and front passenger.  “Heatmatic” - the control panel for the heating and ventilation system is characterised by a new design that provides a clearly organised disposition of all relevant functions, namely the 6-speed fan adjustment, air distribution, separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger, air re-circulation mode, defrost mode and heated rear window.

Climate control: two innovative systems to select from. 

The THERMATIK automatic climate control with automatic blower control and air distribution is offered as a standard feature in the C240 Estate.  The THERMOTRONIK luxury automatic climate control with active charcoal filter, sun and pollutant level sensor and many other additional functions is an optional extra.  In the THERMATIK two sensors measure the interior temperature and relay precise data to the system so that it can respond even faster to temperature variations. The newly developed system works on the reheat principle, as was previously the case: this is constantly at work in the case of low external temperatures, first cooling the in-flowing air and drying it to prevent the windows from steaming over, and then heating it to the temperature required.  

As with the seat memory, the automatic climate control settings for the driver are transmitted to the microchip of the electronic ignition key and saved, so that the THERMATIK system starts the required programme on the next trip. The system also features residual engine heat utilisation as standard.

The new THERMOTRONIK luxury automatic climate control, an optional extra, is automatically controlled, based on various sensor signals indicating the interior and ambient air temperature, air humidity, the position of the sun and pollutant levels in the outside air. Air in the interior is furthermore kept clean by an activated charcoal filter.  

A competitive edge:

The excellent standard of comfort, functionality and safety features ensure a top position in its class and will appeal to a greater market audience than ever before. The new C-class Estate will be covered by a one year/unlimited kilometers warranty.  Furthermore, the normal Mercedes-Benz six year/120 000 km Maintenance Plan that requires staggered customer contribution as the mileage increases will also be included as standard in the South African execution.   Also offered at no extra cost is the Touring Guarantee which takes care of your every need in terms of mobility and 24-hour roadside assistance.  

Standard Equipment list