Mercedes hots up the space race

• NEW CAR NEWS – MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS ESTATE

SPACE, style and sophistication will all play their part in attracting buyers to the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate when the model arrives this autumn.

The premium brand has at last lifted the wraps on this fourth generation version of the load lugger, which will follow in the footsteps of its saloon stablemate due next month.

And in addition to a continued move upmarket there’s now more room for rear passengers plus extra space in the boot.

That’s down to the fact that the dimensions of the estate have grown considerably.

With an 80mm increase in the wheelbase compared with the previous model, the vehicle is both longer and wider – providing the added leg, head and shoulder room.

Move further back and there’s now a maximum load capacity of 1,510 litres, easily surpassing its predecessor.

Adding to the C-Class appeal are rear seats that now have a 40 : 20 : 40 split instead of the previous 60 : 40 split – opening up the possibility to use the interior as a five, four, three or two-seater.

And there will also be an Easy Pack power liftgate plus optional Hands-Free Access system allowing opening and closing the tailgate with a light kick to the rear bumper.

Inside, the new C-Class will mirror the saloon with sporty, flowing lines and luxury materials.

Among the cabin’s features is a touchpad that can be operated smartphone-style with finger gestures and is built into the handrest on the central control panel. There’s also a head-up display.

Mercedes says the engine line-up – all with ECO start/stop – will consume around 20 per cent less fuel than the previous generation cars and the C 300 BlueTEC Hybrid with four-cylinder diesel engine and compact electric motor will deliver an average 74mpg.

Three BlueDirect four-cylinder petrol engines and one BlueDirect six‑cylinder offering, with outputs ranging from 156 to 333bhp, will initially be available for the new C-Class while a C 350 Hybrid with plug-in technology will follow later.

Standard equipment includes Attention Assist, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, as well as Collision Prevention Assist Plus.

In addition to the adaptive Brake Assist System, which helps protect against collisions at speeds above 4mph, this system now features an additional function.

When a danger of collision persists and the driver fails to respond, the system can automatically brake at up to 65mph, or 125mph in conjunction with Distronic Plus.

Standard kit on every model will include two-zone air-con, a reversing camera, rain sensing wipers, Attention Assist, cruise control, heated wipers, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Collision Prevention Assist Plus.

And the comfort and safety assistance systems are joined by a rocker switch for choosing between Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+ and Individual modes, each affecting the vehicle’s behaviour.

In Eco mode, the car will be set up to be as efficient as possible, while Sport sharpens the throttle response as well as firming up the suspension on cars equipped with the AIRMATIC system.