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New C-Class W203 for Year 2000
Nine photos below optimized for 800 x 600 screen resolution.....343KB...............Updated April 25th 1999

Dynamic, sporty and elegant: That's how the new C-Class presents  itself next year. The hood is deeply pulled down, the double headlights look like merged. Photo and photo text: Auto Bild Two-piece mounting and background retouching by MBEP webmaster Please note that the photos from "AutoBild" show the computer retouches of a still slightly disguised test car, for the undisguised car see the photos from "Auto Zeitung" below.

Below you find the world's most complete publicly available information about the new C-Class W203 with articles from "Auto Motor und Sport","Auto Bild","Auto Zeitung","Autoweek" and "Auto Express".

Translation of an article from "Auto Motor und Sport" from April 1999 written by Gert Hack

Group C

After only seven years of life the new Mercedes C-Class will be presented in the next year. The sedan shows similarities with the S-Class. Under the shorthand CL a two-door hatchback variant is added

One more year: Then the new Mercedes C-Class with new outfit and new technical contents will come onto market. The new development running under the internal factory code W203 replaces a model (W202) from which until today with all all derivatives inclusive the SLK 1.8 million cars have been produced. Until the middle of the next year the two-million mark will be topped clearly.
With that the actual model is even more successful than its predecessor, the Baby-Benz 190 (W201) which in ten years made it up to 1.9 million sales. However, above all the C-Class owes its success to
the additional model variants, which made sure that the decline of registrations of the sedan was compensated (see graphics below).    Graphics: Auto Motor und Sport   Translation by MBEP webmaster

After three years of monoculture of the sedan the T-model came carefully measured onto the market in June 1996, a little later the two-seater SLK. In the middle of 1997 the four-seater CLK Coupe and in the following year the CLK Cabrio. Such a model variety creates incentives to buy and indeed the number of C-Classes sold increase world-wide continually. 1998 was the most successful year with 384.400 sales. With that Mercedes follows those example which BMW successfully demonstrated with the 3-Series. Mercedes however still lacks the reasonably priced base model like BMW practises it in the form of the Compact. With the new series this last gap in the programme will be closed. The two-door Mercedes CL, so the internal naming, shall be presented roughly at the same time as the sedan. So at least the plan is. But most important and most sold model is and will be the sedan, for which until now roughly 70 per cent of

all buyers have decided for. It shall get even more attractive in the new look. On the numerous spy-photos, where mostly a scale is missing, the new C-model indeed comes along like a small S-Class.
This impression surely isn't totally unintentional. Similarly looking stylistic elements contribute to that like the under a common cover lying double-headlights and the rear lights which in their base form are triangular.
But also the coupe-like body shows formal similarities with its very distinct wedge shape and the more inclined front- and rear windows.
With the basic dimensions little will change compared to the predecessor. Roughly 2,70 metres wheelbase and a length of just over 4.50 metres result in ideal proportions for a compact rear-drive with short overhangs and clearly structured compartments for trunk and engine.
With that the hood can clearly drop more steeply than up to now, because the high inline six-cylinders aren't part of the programme anymore.
In the interior is no need for action. In comparison to the competition the actual model already counts to the roomiest representatives of its class. Nevertheless it should succeed to win one or the other centimetre through clever design.
On the other hand the rich security equipment demands volume. So additionally to the front airbags sidebags in the front and rear doors are designated and out of both sides of the roof in case of emergency pour window airbags which reach from the A- to the C-pillar. Eventually one doesn't want to offer less than the main rival BMW.
That's also valid for the equipment which shall be upgraded in quality and quantity. So the air condition comes as standard equipment of the new C-Class and ESP is designated at least for the higher motorized models without extra charge.
Apart from that the option list offers new high-tech options for the car segment, e.g. like the Comand-system (inclusive navigation) known from the S-Class, the distance radar Distronic, the multi function steering wheel or the chipcard for keyless door opening and engine starting (Keyless-Go).
Below the bodywork however well-tried and known components are used. The new generation of the light metal four-cylinder engines isn't ready yet. Their use is designated at the earliest one year after the start of the new C-Class. With them possibly the gasoline-direct-ignition will have its premiere at Mercedes although the sulphur problem in the fuel isn't off the table until then.
But also with the actually known engines the C-Class can be motorized attractively particularly as slight modifications are to come up. As before the entrance begins with 1.8-litres and 122hp. In the C200 the two-litre four-cylinder shall deliver roughly 140hp. The same unit will deliver easily 190hp in the supercharger variant. For comfort oriented C-Class buyers the well-known aluminium-V6 with 2.4 and 2.8 litres displacement suggests itself whose output will differ only slightly from the up to now figures (170 and 204hp) (("AMS" errs with the latter, the actual figure is 197hp for the C280)).
With the diesels the new C-Class after all can fall back on the still fresh common-rail units.
The already used 2.2-litres with 102 and 125hp run economically and comfortable, the stronger version probably will get a power increase to 140hp ((In a later issue from April 1999 "AMS" corrected that to 143hp)) by turbocharger with variable geometry (VTG ((= Variable Turbolader Geometrie = variable turbocharger geometry))).
Above that ranges a new five-cylinder common-rail diesel which shall derive roughly 165hp ((In a later issue "AMS" corrected that to 170hp)) from 2.7 litres displacement. An economy diesel shrank to 1.8-litres on the other hand would only make sense for the commercial operation in taxis.
Fundamental innovations are planned for the transmissions. For the first time in the new C-Class four-cylinder models a variable CVT-automatic transmission ((Continous Variable Transmission)) will be used. Apart from that the known five-gear automatic transmissions are ready for use. As an option also automatic transmissions with six gears will have to be had. The same is valid for the manual transmission versions.
The two-door CL which is roughly 15 centimetres shorter and also lighter probably will be delivered with four-cylinder engines only. At last the compact C with tail gate placed as entry-level model shall keep a clear price distance to the sedan. It shall profit from the more agile road behaviour caused by the rack and pinion steering even more than the four-door.
That fits into the concept. Because the compact CL shall attract also younger buyers with its dynamic appearance and its price (below DM 40.000 ((= USD 21.500 assumed USD 1 = DM 1.85; BMW 316i Compact currently costs DM 36.500 = USD 19.700; W202 C180 sedan currently starts at DM 47.444
= USD 25.600))). One wants to get away from the image of the senior citizen`s Benz where the average age of the C-Class buyers until now lies in the mid-fifties.
The new group C whose variants will follow in relatively short intervals offers all chances for that.
Gert Hack
End of article from "Auto Motor und Sport"
Translation by MBEP webmaster as well as remarks in ((blabla)), but (blabla) belongs to the original text
The headline "Group C" is the translation of the German denotion "Gruppe C" for a touring car race series.

Translation of an article from "AutoBild" from April 1999 written by Michael Specht

Second C-Youth

It`s time: The Mercedes C-Class stands shortly before its replacement. The substitute is more sporty and thus shall find more young fans

The countdown is running and is fully in plan as it seems. In early summer 2000 Mercedes presents the C-Class number two (internally called W203). With that the replacement of the current model is due after less than eight years (The 190`s ((W201)) life was more than eleven years).
For the testing-engineeers und developers this means turning into the home stretch: Last adjustment tests for engines, transmissions, chassis, brakes and new, even more efficient electronics. The only thing on which no more fold is changed anymore is the body.
It adapts to the new, dynamic philosophy of the house of DaimlerChrysler. The W203 looks like the little brother of the S-Class: Rising wedge shape, merged double-headlamps, triangled rear lights, turn signals in the mirrors. Especially flashy: The arch-shaped run of the seam from the rear lights to the wheel arch. Just like the S-Class.
With the sporty and young outfit Mercedes mainly aims at younger, successful people earning a good salary. They finally shall significantly lower the average of the customer's ages from ((the present)) 54. (By the way: With the 190's it was 52 years). And not at last: Somewhen the race successes of the Formula 1 finally have to be effective.
And the new C-Class grows only very little, circa three to four centimetres in length (4.55 metres then). Also between front- and rear-axle the distance is growing (plus six centimetres). More wheelbase always is the measure which comes to the passenger`s benefit: More legroom in the rear, more comfort in the spring-absorber adjustment.

Photo and photo text on top below right:Auto Zeitung   Two-piece mounting, backgr. retouching plus add. prep. for the web by MBEP webmaster

Front with four-eye face: Star, chromed grille and bumpers painted in the body colour are still missing. (End of photo text for above photo) This is how the car finally could look like when the slight disguises the test cars still do come with are retouched Photo left and photo text: AutoBild  Horizontal mirroring, background retouching plus additional preparation for the web by MBEP webmaster

Anyhow the silent and smooth roll off comfort counts to the priorities of the C-developers. Finally standards shall be set - also in this class. Not only the intelligent use of lightweight construction materials or the complete separation of engine and transmission from the body by a sub-frame are part of it.
Mercedes also swaps the old recirculating-ball steering against a more precise and lighter rack and pinion steering. So that the C keeps at driving what it optically promises.
Larger 16inch wheels allow larger brakes with better performance. The Brake Assistant of course comes as standard. It detects from the ((pressure of)) the step on the pedal if there`s an emergency situation and automatically releases a full braking. Valuable metres are won.
That Mercedes works at highest level with the theme security, active as well as passive, hasn't to be emphasized. Six, probably even eight airbags protect the passengers in the case of a crash, if from front or from the side. In the works is a foot airbag, too, to prevent hideous injuries of the ankle points. If it will already be available at the presentation of the car is still unclear.
It's the same with the question which engines will work in the new C-Class. Mercedes remains silent.
But we expect, that the gasoline engines will start at 1.8-litres and the diesel engines at two litres displacement ((see grey backgound table below)).
All diesel engines will have common-rail direct-ignition and of course fulfill the exhaust emissions standard D3 ((That`s an European norm)). Only in 2002 the 2.7-litre CDI with roughly 160hp will be ready. With the gasoline engines in the beginning there will still be the old four-cylinders, which will be replaced by a new generation in 2001. They will have, too, like already the six- and eight-cylinders, three valves and two spark plugs per combustion space.

Production and Sales Figures for W201 and W202 Graphics:AutoBild

Produktion 190er weltweit = Production of 190`s world-wide                           Produktion C-Klasse weltweit = Production C-Class world-wide  Absatz 190er in Deutschland = Sale of 190`s in Germany                                 Absatz C-Klasse in Deutschland = Sale of C-Classes in Germany

Furthermore they form the base for the direct gasoline ignition (GDI), to further lower fuel consumption. Target: Six litres ((per 100km, 47.09mpg UK, 39.21mpg US)) and the exhaust emissions standard D4 ((for a comparison of W203 and W202 engines see grey background table below)).
For that of course efficient gear changes mustn't be missed. Designated are five- and six speed transmissions as well as a five-speed automatic transmission with transversal oriented tiptronic lane like with the S-Class. Also the automatic clutch system AKS is used.
With the trimming some polishing still goes on. EPS and air-condition come as standard. The option list offers tasty tidbits which now are still left to the S-Class: Keyless-go, the opening and starting of the car by chipcard, as well as Comand with multi-function steering wheel, telephone with speech control (Linguatronic).
Nevertheless shall be attempted to remain within an acceptable range with the prices. The C180 sedan
will start at roughly DM 49.000 ((the price of the W202 C180 sedan starts at DM 47.444 in Germany
one year before the presentation of it`s successor)). That is nearly as double as much as before roughly 18 years ago when the baby-Benz was introduced (DM 25.538). Unfortunately our salaries haven't fully doubled in this time.
Michael Specht
End of article from "AutoBild"
Translation by MBEP webmaster as well as remarks in ((blabla)), but (blabla) belongs to the original text
The headline "Second C-Youth" is a wordplay as this in Germany denotes a soccer team for youngsters, B-Youth for older youngsters than in C-Youth.

Translation of an article from "Auto Zeitung" from March 1999 written by Hartwig Petersen

Photo and photo text on top below right: Auto Zeitung

Beautiful End: The wide trunk lid and the trapezoid rear lights form the rear. (End of  photo text for above photo) The mark wasn't overstepped: The upper curve of the rear doors is nearly like an arc of a circle Photo and photo text: AutoBild  Backgr. retouching and add. preparation for the web by MBEP webmaster

Novelty: Mercedes C-Class Only 13 Months Left Caught: Bit by bit the wraps are off. Pleasingly undisguised the Mercedes classic presents its nearly final look The new edition of the C-Class starts with the classic sedans at the beginning of 2000. With that the development process of the most important Mercedes series is exactly in time. The plans for the star-bearer are ambitious: Already in modelyear 2001 the sale shall increase noticeably world-wide. And that although in 1998 more than 380.000 C-Classes were delivered. In the everlasting triathlon with Audi and BMW the new C-Class shall be armed with technical features which until now were reserved for the higher segments. Besides a noticeably upgraded equipment level - air condition, ESP and the security-packkage with six airbags - Xenon-headlamps, distance-cruise control (Distronic), the combined system consisting of telephone and radio (Comand) as well as a five-gear automatic transmission with tip-switch function should likely make their arrival into the middle class at extra charge. The design of the internally named 203 series shows styling elements of the S-Class. Belonging to that are a variant of the four-eye face and the transparently designed trapezoid rear lights. If the turn signals on the sides will also be integrated into the rearview mirrors still remains a secret yet. But known from the S-Class is the cockpit layout. Like the big brother the new C-Class is equipped with a multi-function steering-wheel. The big instrument cluster and the background lighting of the large speedometer scale are known from the top model, too. The interior space of the four-door sedan should only be enhanced slightly compared to the predecessor by working on details - the distance to the E-Class has to be keept. Seven engines at the start of sale The following engines could be available from May 2000 on: The two four-cylinder gasoline engines C200 (136hp) and C200 Kompressor (190hp) as well as the six-cylinder engines C260 (170hp) and C280 (197hp). Three modern common-rail diesel engines (C180CDI/90hp), C200CDI/116hp) and C220CDI/136hp) do extend the range. After the introduction of the sedan the first hatchback Mercedes will follow as competitor to the BMW 3-series. Behind the development code CL203 hides a two-door station wagon coupe ((Auto Zeitung uses an unclear term here, meant is that the car will have a large tailgate and the rear seats can be folded down)), which then will take over the role of the entry-level model. Whilst with this variant new, younger customers shall be won, with the sedan Mercedes can rely on loyal regular customers who want to drive a car with classic notchback. Hartwig Petersen End of article from Auto Zeitung Translation by MBEP webmaster as well as remarks in ((blabla)), but (blabla) belongs to original text.

And here's what "Autoweek" has to say about the very same car pictured above:

Further expanding the luxury car market
From a truly underground spy photographer comes this revealing photo of the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class, another new offering designed to give the luxury automaker a more stylish, youthful image.
Profitable luxury cars - especially "entry level" luxury cars like the C - are all the rage. Which is why Wolfgang Reitzle was given the title of vice president of the Premium Automotive Group when Ford's Jac Nasser the ousted BMW wunderkind.
Back at Mercedes, DaimlerChrysler has another route to hyperexpensive mobility: socially responsible fuel-cell cars for 2004. The headliner tells how.
See the C
We have caught the 2001 Mercedes-Benz C-Class without disguise. As expected, the car gets some E-Class styling cues, sleek new headlamps and a more rakish C-pillar.
The engine range remains largely the same, except at the top: The 302hp 4.3-litre V8 will be replaced with a supercharged 3.2-litre V6 making 320hp, and using less gas, a source says.
The C-Class is expected to appear in Europe before fall 2000, but North America might not see the car in dealerships until early 2001.
End of article from "Autoweek"
Many thanks to Alex A. for sending the article from "Autoweek"!

Sleek Peek at C-Class  from "Auto Express" written by Tom Barnard

Photo: AutoExpress    Note that the photo is slightly retouched by the magazine
Owners of the Mercedes C-Class had better prepare for a change, because if they want to order the next model, this is what they will get.
As seen in the clearest shots yet of the replacement for the company's top-seller, the stylic mimics the all-new S-Class with smoother, more modern lines and rounded headlamps similar to the E-Class. However it is not too radical to upset Mercedes' current buyers.

New sleek look for C-Class mimics the styling of latest S-Class saloon Photo and photo text: AutoExpress Note that the photo is slightly retouched by the magazine

Due to hit the UK in early 2000, the new C-Class will be the firm's answer to the all-new compact executive models from BMW, Audi and Alfa Romeo. But not content with its spiralling sales in other sectors, Mercedes is set to launch the C-Class in several bodystyles to fill as many niches as possible. An estate will join the saloon model soon after launch, but the real surprise will be a three-door hatchback to rival the BMW 3-Series Compact and Audi A3. Rather than follow Audi's route of developing an all-new model, Mercedes has opted to take the BMW path and use the same front end and basic mechanicals from the C-Class saloon to save costs.

The rear-drive format will be retained and power will come from the current 2.4 and 2.8-litre V6 petrol engines. But top sellers will be the four-cylinder units. These will continue for the first year of production, while a new generation of ultra-economical, direct-injection petrol units undergoes final development. There is good news in the diesel department, too. A 3.0-litre common-rail turbodiesel is being developed to answer the challenge from BMW. This will offer the ultimate in performance from an oil-burner, with around 170bhp and locomotive-like torque figures. Economy and refinement will remain exceptional. Mercedes is not about to let the new C-Class fall behind in terms of safety. It will be packed with equipment such as the ESP anti-skid system, and feature side-impact airbags in the front and rear doors for both head and waist protection.  ((saloon = sedan, estate = station wagon, bhp = hp)) End of article Thanks to Colin from the UK for sending the article plus the photos from Auto Express!

More articles on the C-Class W203:

Interior Photos New C-Class W203

New C-Class Compact W203 for Year 2000

New C-Class W203 Station Wagon for Year 2001

Old Spy-Photos New C-Class W203 for Year 2000

Last revised technically: Jan. 25th 2000...Visits since February 27th '98..

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