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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate



Featuring a larger load area than alternative 'premium estates', the new C Class station wagon will be officialy launched in Frankfurt. The 5-door comes along only months after the all-new saloon was announced, and just as RHD cars are filtering through to the UK market.

Like its saloon sibling, the C-Class estate will be available in three versions: Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde. The first two featuring the traditional Mercedes radiator, while the Avantgarde, designed to appeal to a younger more sporting owner, has the wide CL/CLS-type grille. All versions will be available with a range of diesel and petrol engines and although an AMG body kit is an option from launch, the mighty 6.3 litre won't be in the opening line-up.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

If you take the normal features of the new C as the saloon, the news on the estate version is that it is more capacious than before with a load area that now varies between 485 and 1500 litres (VDA measuring method), depending on the position of the 1/3 : 2/3 split-folding rear seat.

It is able to accommodate four golf bags including trolleys, nine large packing cases or a total of 44 drinks crates each containing six 1-litre juice bottles. The largest possible cuboid that fits into the load compartment now has a volume of 827 litres - that is an increase of 66 litres compared to the previous model. The maximum utilisable interior length is a whole 2.82 metres, as measured between the tailgate and the front passenger footwell - 17 centimetres more than in the old car.



Stowage compartments with net covers and a collapsible shopping crate can lbe found in all models, as can the combined luggage cover and retaining net. The new EASY-PACK tailgate opens and closes as the push of a button, while horse-box and racing car trailer owners will like the class-beating towing capacity of as much as 1800 kilograms. The self-levelling suspension that is optionally available keeps the vehicle at a constant ride height regardless of the load it is carrying.

The new car will be available to order from September 2007. Prices to be announced.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Daimler Chrysler


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