Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class
W206 sedan
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1992–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2022) Mercedes-Benz Group AG (2022–present)
Production	1992–present
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car (D)
Layout	Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive ( 4MATIC )
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz 190 E (W201)

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a series of compact executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz Group AG. Introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 (W201) range, the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's line-up until the W168 A-Class arrived in 1997. The C-Class has been available with a "4MATIC" four-wheel drive option since 2002. The third generation (W204) was launched in 2007 while the current W206 generation was launched in 2021.

Initially available in sedan and a station wagon configurations, a fastback coupé (SportCoupé) variant followed and was later renamed to Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class. It remained in production until 2011 when a new W204 C-Class coupé replaced it for the 2012 model year.

Chassis	Type	Debut
W201	"190"	1982 [1]
W202	C-Class	1993 [1]
W203	C-Class	2000 [1]
W204	C-Class	2007 [1]
W205	C-Class	2014 [1]
W206	C-Class	2021 [1]

Predecessor models

W201 (1982)

W201
Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201)
Overview
Also called	190E, 190D
Production	September 1982 – May 1993 (W201)
Body and chassis
Layout	FR layout
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 1.8L, 2.3L, 2.5L I4 2.6L, 3.2L I6 Diesel: 2.0L, 2.2L I4 2.5L I5

Main article: Mercedes-Benz W201

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E W201 (Australia)

The Mercedes-Benz W201 is the internal designation for the Mercedes 190 series sedans, a range of front-engine, rear drive, five passenger, four-door sedans manufactured over a single generation, from 1982 to 1993 as the company's first compact class automobile.

1985 Mercedes-Benz 190E W201 Interior

Designed by Bruno Sacco, head of styling at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, the W201 debuted at the 1982 Paris Motor Show. Manufactured in both Bremen and Sindelfingen, Germany, production reached 1,879,629 over its eleven-year model life. ^[2]

Mercedes 190 E 2.5 16 Evolution II

The W201 introduced a 5-link rear suspension subsequently used in E and C class models, front and rear anti-roll bars, anti-dive and anti-squat geometry—as well as airbags, ABS brakes and seatbelt pretensioners. Its extensive use of light-weight high-strength steel enabled it to withstand a concrete barrier offset crash at 35 mph (56 km/h) without serious passenger injury or cabin deformation.

Mercedes introduced a performance variant, marketed as the 190 E 2.3-16V, at the 1983 Frankfurt Motor Show.

First generation (W202; 1993)

First generation
Overview
Model code	W202 S202 (Wagon)
Production	1992–2001
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door wagon

Main article: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W202)

In May 1993, the first generation W202 C-Class was introduced as a replacement for the 190. The first C-Class (W202) sedan was manufactured in August 1992. The C-Class sedan was the company's entry-level model up until 1997 when Mercedes launched the A-Class. Styling themes were carried over from the previous W201 series, but the new series had a smoother and rounder design than the last generation of compact Mercedes, with styling cues from the W124 E-Class (short, high trunk and taller tail lights), W140 S-Class (front end), and R129 SL-Class (headlights).

Second generation (W203; 2000)

Second generation
Overview
Model code	W203 S203 (Wagon) CL203 (SportCoupé)
Production	1999–2010
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door liftback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon

Main article: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)

The second generation C-Class was introduced in March 2000 and production began in March 1999. The sedan debuted with a range of inline-four and V6 petrol engines and inline-four and -five diesels, later W203's received the V6 diesel. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C320 was exclusive, offering 160 kW (215 hp; 218 PS). The diesels now featured common rail direct fuel injection and variable geometry turbochargers. A six-speed manual gearbox was optional on some of the range, With exception to the C320 and C32 AMG. Notably (post 2005), for the first time, the number designations were no longer equivalent to the engine displacement, more specifically in the Mercedes C200 (1.8-litre), C240 (2.6-litre) and C200 CDI (2.2-litre).

Third generation (W204; 2007)

Third generation
Overview
Model code	W204 S204 (Wagon) C204 (Coupé)
Production	2006–2015
Body and chassis
Body style	3-door liftback 4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door coupe

Main article: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204)

Pre-facelift Mercedes-Benz C180 BlueEfficiency Elegance CGI sedan

DaimlerChrysler introduced the W204 C-Class on 18 January 2007 ^[3] and displayed it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales started on 31 March 2007 in almost all European countries. The new family had an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer body/shell and a design inspired by the W221 S-Class with some influences from the C219 CLS-Class. The C-Class received a facelift in 2011 for the 2012 model year including new LED taillights, a revised dashboard and instrument cluster layout, and a revised front fascia and headlights. The W204 platform continued into 2015 with the C-Class coupe. The final farewell of the W204, and also the naturally aspirated V8, was in the Edition 507 model. This had increased power, lightweight wheels and the vented hood from the Black Series.

Fourth generation (W205; 2014)

Fourth generation
Overview
Model code	W205 S205 (Wagon) C205 (Coupé) A205 (Cabriolet)
Production	2014–2021
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon 2-door cabriolet 2-door coupe

Main article: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205)

Mercedes-Benz C200 sedan

The W205 C-Class was launched at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. The new structure was significantly lighter using aluminium and high-strength steel extensively throughout the body, resulting in a 100-kilogram (220 lb) weight decrease. ^[4] The Mercedes-Benz C-Class 205 chassis spawned four C-Class bodystyles; sedan (W205), wagon (S205), coupe (C205), and cabriolet (A205).

The car was officially unveiled on 16 December 2013. ^[5] W205 production commenced on 4 February 2014 at the Bremen plant. ^[6] Production was also undertaken at Mercedes-Benz plants in East London (South Africa), Iracemápolis (Brazil) and Tuscaloosa, Alabama (United States). European sales began in March 2014, while the vehicle went on sale in North America in September 2014.

A mid-life update made its debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, including exterior changes and new engines. ^[7]

Fifth generation (W206; 2021)

Fifth generation
Overview
Model code	W206 S206 (Wagon)
Production	2021–present
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 5-door station wagon

Main article: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206)

Mercedes-Benz C220d sedan

The W206 C-Class was unveiled on 23 February 2021. ^[8] In China, the C-Class was launched in a long-wheelbase version (V206). For the first time, all W206 C-Class models are equipped with four-cylinder engines coupled with an integrated starter generator (15 kW electric motor) and a 48-volt electrical system.

The C-Class All-Terrain (X206) was released as an off-road focused, crossover-inspired estate model. ^[9] The model received external body cladding, a 40 mm increase in ride height, 4Matic AWD and additional drive modes.

Production and sales

Calendar year	Production (sedan/estate/coupe)	US sales	China sales
2001		51,210 [10]
2002		64,025
2003		65,982 [11]
2004		69,251
2005		60,658 [12]
2006		50,187
2007		63,701 [13]
2008		72,471
2009		52,427 [14]	16,000 [15]
2010	313,500 (250,600 / 62,900) [16]	58,785	27,220 [17]
2011		69,314
2012	413,193 (-/-/48,145)	81,697 [18]
2013		88,251
2014	316,792	75,065 [19]
2015	443,909	86,080 [20]
2016	490,200 [21]	77,167
2017		77,447
2018		60,409

References

Notes

1. "Mercedes-Benz C-Class". Mercedes-Benz . Retrieved 25 February 2025.
2. Deutsche Autos, Band 6, 2001, p. 100.
3. "Daimler - Brands & Products - World Premiere of the New Mercedes-Benz C-Class". Archived from the original on 27 December 2008. Retrieved 30 April 2014.
4. Wayne Cunningham (24 November 2014). "2015 Mercedes-Benz C-class review". CNET. Retrieved 24 January 2015.
5. "The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class: C-Class at its best" (Press release). Daimler AG. 13 January 2014.
6. "Four continents. One passion.' – Production of the New C-Class Starts at the Mercedes-Benz Bremen Plant". Daimler. 7 February 2014. Retrieved 24 January 2016.
7. Gerard Lye (7 March 2018). "W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift – more details revealed; 1.5L turbo with mild hybrid for new C200!". paultan.org.
8. BALDWIN, ROBERTO (23 February 2021). "2022 Mercedes C-Class Overhauled with New Tech and a Fresh Design". Car And Driver. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
9. "2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain revealed – new X206 wagon gets SUV looks, rides 40 mm higher - paultan.org". Paul Tan's Automotive News. 18 August 2021. Retrieved 16 December 2021.
10. "Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest Sales in Its History". Thefreelibrary.com. 3 January 2003. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
11. "2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
12. "Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
13. "Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 32.1 Percent in December 2008". eMercedesBenz.com. 5 January 2009. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2011.
14. "Highest Sales Month for the Year at 21,469 Brings Mercedes-Benz to an 18 Percent Increase for 2010" (Press release). PR Newswire. 4 January 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
15. "Mercedes-Benz China Homepage 2010 News A Record-Breaking Year: Mercedes-Benz Concludes 2009 with Unprecedented Sales". Mercedes-benz.com.cn. 11 January 2010. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
16. "Successful Year for Mercedes-Benz: Sales Up 15 Percent Worldwide in 2010". Daimler. Archived from the original on 2 October 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
17. "115% Growth Mercedes-Benz Remains China's Fastest Growing Premium brand in 2010". Mercedes-Benz China. Archived from the original on 7 April 2014. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
18. Mercedes-Benz USA (3 January 2013). "Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Its Highest-Ever U.S. Volume With Sales of 305,072" (Press release). PR Newswire.
19. "Mercedes-Benz delivers record-breaking 2014 sales volume of 330,391, up 5.7%". Mercedes-Benz USA.
20. "Mercedes-Benz USA Reports Highest Year Ever with 2015 Sales of 380,461" (Press release).
21. "Daimler Annual Report 2016" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 November 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2023.

Bibliography

General

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Workshop manuals

• Ahlstrand, Alan (2008). Chilton Mercedes C-class 2001–07 Repair Manual. Chilton Total Car Care Series. Somerset, UK: Haynes. ISBN   9781563927379.
• Ahlstrand, Alan; Haynes, John H. (2008). Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2001 thru 2007. Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series. Newbury Park, CA: Haynes. ISBN   9781563927355.
• Etzold, Hans-Rüdiger (2010). Mercedes C-Klasse: Typ W 202 Diesel von 6/93 bis 5/00. So wird's gemacht, Band 89 (in German) (6th ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN   978-3768808194.
• —————————— (2018). Mercedes C-Klasse: Typ W 202 von 6/93 bis 5/00. So wird's gemacht, Band 88 (in German) (13th ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN   9783768808187.
• —————————— (2018). Mercedes C-Klasse: Typ W 203 von 6/00 bis 3/07. So wird's gemacht, Band 126 (in German) (10th ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN   9783768814225.
• —————————— (2018). Mercedes C-Klasse: Typ W 204 von 3/07 bis 11/13. So wird's gemacht, Band 146 (in German) (5th ed.). Bielefield, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN   9783768825870.
• Korp, Dieter (1995). Mercedes-Benz: C 200/220/250 Diesel ab Juni 1993. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 173 (in German) (1st ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN   3613016192.
• —————— (2003). Mercedes-Benz: C 180/200/220/280 Benziner ab Juni 1993. Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 167 (in German) (4th ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN   3613016125.
• —————— (2006). Mercedes-Benz: C-Klasse (W203). Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series, Band 245 (in German) (4th ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN   3613024659.
• —————— (2013). Mercedes-Benz: C-Klasse (W204). Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst series (in German) (1st ed.). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN   978-3613035690.
• Gill, Peter T. (2009). Mercedes-Benz C-Class 4- & 5-cyl Sept 2000 to May 2007 Petrol & Diesel Owners Workshop Manual. Haynes Service and Repair Manual Series. Sparkford, UK: Haynes. ISBN   9781844257805.
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• Russek, Peter (2006). Mercedes-Benz C-Class Series 202 – 1993 to 1999 C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C280. Pocket Mechanic Vehicle Manual. Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, UK: Peter Russek Publications. ISBN   1898780927.
• ——————— (2006). Mercedes-Benz C-Class Series 202 – 1993 to 1999 C200D, C220D, C250D, C250TD, C200 CDI, C220 CDI. Pocket Mechanic Vehicle Manual. Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, UK: Peter Russek Publications. ISBN   1898780676.
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External links

Press Kit (2011–):

• Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupé