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Mercedes thrills fans with new C-Class radical interior

Published

6 years ago

February 24, 2021

Mercedes has revealed its new generation C-Class in saloon and estate form, which it says will have a magic effect on its customers.

Built with a completely new interior and a range of electrified powertrains, the automaker said on Tuesday during the digital premier of the new C-Class that it was inspired by its customers’ demand for a car that would combine human-centred innovations with sporty and modern design.

“The C-Class has thrilled our customers time and time again. One could say it almost has a magic effect,” the automaker stated.

While the previous model was available with electrified options, the new range is entirely made up of mild- and plug-in hybrid options.

The premium automaker says the plug-in models can travel for 60 miles on a charge.

The interior represents the biggest change, it notes.

The dash

For the first time in the C-Class, the instrumentation has been made fully digital. As standard, a floating 10.25-inch digital instrument panel is fitted, with a larger 12.3-inch screen available as an option.

The look of both screens can be customised with three distinct themes: Discreet, Sport and Classic.

Head-up display technology is available, but not the new augmented reality HUD system found in the S-Class. Instead, augmented technology only applies to the navigation system, overlaying directional prompts on a live feed from a camera at the front of the car.

With all seats in place there is 490 litres of luggage room behind the rear seats. Folding them flat opens up a 1,510 litre loading area. An automatic tailgate is standard equipment.

Coupe or Convertible versions of the C-Class will be available with this new-generation model.

Live music streaming

Live music streaming services have been added, allowing owners to link accounts to services such as Spotify directly to the car’s infotainment system. Songs can be requested via Hey Mercedes voice control.

The new MBUX (infortainment) system means that over-the-air updates land on the C-Class too. As soon as an update is available, it will download automatically. This also means that buyers can now install new functions post-sale, such as music services or In-Car Office, by subscribing to or purchasing them directly from the infotainment screen.

Engine: Powertrains and plug-in hybrids

The new C-Class is being launched with four-cylinder power exclusively, across a line-up of 48-volt assisted petrol and diesel, plus plug-in hybrid options.

Petrol versions of the new C-Class use a new-generation 48-volt system. They have a new belt driven starter-generator unit, delivering a 20bhp boost when required, and 200Nm of torque if necessary.

This also enables seamless engine shut-off and start-up for emissions-free coasting.

The petrol line-up opens with the front-wheel drive, saloon-only C 180, which uses a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine developing 168bhp and 250Nm.

Exterior

The new C-Class embraces design cues introduced on the E-Class, while also adopting a sportier look than before. This is due to the new bonnet with its twin power bulges, stronger shoulder line, and the attempt to turn the C-Class into a more ‘cab-backwards’ saloon, by pushing the passenger cell further towards the rear of the car.

The saloon is 65mm longer than before, at 4,751mm, and 10mm wider, at 1,820mm.

These changes are combined with a 7mm lower roof line. The front and rear tracks are wider by 19mm and 48mm respectively, and the wheelbase has grown by 25mm too.

The nose of the car is heavily inspired by the E-Class, with a new grille and full LED headlight arrangement mimicking its larger sibling, and the same can be said about the new LED tail lights too.

However, the C-Class saloon’s compact, sportier nature is signified in the new boot lid, with its small integrated lip spoiler. Boot space stands at 455 litres.

Mercedes says alongside the saloon, the new C-Class Estate will be available from launch. It has a similar makeover and grows in length and width with a decrease in height, while its boot is 30 litres larger than before.

The C-Class rides on a heavily updated version of the Mercedes Rear Architecture (MRA) platform used in the previous-generation model.

The new car will compete with the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series.

Related Topics:Featured Mercedes C-Class

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NADDC Pushes Affordable Auto Loans to Boost Vehicle Ownership, More Jobs

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2026

Trends Admin

NADDC Pushes Affordable Auto Loans to Boost Vehicle Ownership, More Job

The National Automotive Design and Development Council has called for far-reaching reforms in vehicle financing to make car ownership more affordable while boosting local vehicle assembly, job creation and industrial development.

The Council said a properly structured financing system could turn vehicle credit from a mere consumer lending product into a major economic tool for expanding productive mobility and strengthening Nigeria’s automotive value chain.

Director-General of NADDC, Otunba Joseph Oluwemimo Osanipin, stated this in an address delivered on his behalf by the Council’s Principal Information Officer, Tanko Kyumnom, at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Auto Sectoral Group Symposium in Lagos.

The symposium, held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Henry Fajemirokun Hall of LCCI, was themed: “From Subsidy to Credit: Can Vehicle Financing Replace Fuel Subsidy as Nigeria’s Mobility Equaliser?”
Osanipin said the growing cost of mobility had made it necessary to explore financing models that would enable individuals, businesses and transport operators to acquire vehicles without bearing the full cost of ownership upfront.

According to him, spreading vehicle payments over an agreed period could provide a more sustainable pathway to vehicle acquisition, provided that the financing products are affordable, accessible and structured around the economic realities of Nigerian consumers.

He, however, cautioned that simply making credit available would not be enough.
“Vehicle financing offers a more sustainable approach by enabling individuals, businesses and transport operators to acquire vehicles and pay for them over time,” Osanipin stated.
The NADDC DG said the bigger opportunity lies in linking vehicle financing with the growth of locally assembled and Nigerian-made vehicles.

He explained that increased access to credit for locally produced vehicles could generate wider economic benefits by stimulating demand for domestic assembly, supporting component manufacturers, creating jobs and strengthening local supply chains.

Osanipin therefore urged stronger collaboration among government institutions, financial institutions, vehicle manufacturers and other stakeholders in designing financing schemes capable of supporting both mobility access and automotive industrialisation.

The NADDC boss identified affordable vehicle loans, leasing arrangements, fleet financing, credit guarantees and appropriate interest-rate support as mechanisms that could broaden access to vehicle ownership and productive mobility.

lt also stressed the need for repayment structures that take into account the earning patterns and business realities of Nigerians, particularly transport operators and small businesses whose vehicles are directly linked to their income-generating activities.

Osanipin maintained that the objective should extend beyond increasing the number of vehicles on Nigerian roads.
“The goal is not simply to put more vehicles on Nigerian roads. It is to ensure that Nigerians can access productive mobility without placing an unsustainable burden on government finances or household incomes,” he said.

According to him, a properly structured automotive financing system could create a stronger connection between mobility, economic inclusion and domestic vehicle production.

“With the right policies and partnerships, vehicle financing can become a powerful instrument for mobility, economic inclusion and automotive industrial development,” Osanipin added.

The NADDC’s position places vehicle financing within the broader effort to build a sustainable automotive ecosystem in Nigeria—one in which access to credit supports vehicle users while also creating stronger demand for local assembly, components and associated automotive services.

Auto

Jetour T1 Storms Abuja as Automaker Accelerates Nigeria Expansion

Published

1 day ago

September 21, 2026

Trends Admin

Jetour T1 Set to debut in Abuja as Expansion Gains Momentum

Following a successful debut in Lagos, Jetour Nigeria will host the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026, positioning its all-new T1 model as a major competitor in the country’s growing adventure SUV market.

The three-day event in the Federal Capital Territory will give prospective buyers and motoring enthusiasts direct access to product demonstrations, expert-led technical sessions, and hands-on test drives.

“Strong participation, extensive test drives, and significant sales enquiries at the Lagos edition, coupled with growing demand from Abuja residents, influenced the decision to bring the experience to the nation’s capital,” the company said in a statement. The show holds at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki.

To support its growing national footprint, Jetour Nigeria has established a network of seven accredited dealers: Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Kojo Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Tab Autos Limited, R.T. Briscoe Motors, and Mandilas Autos. The partnerships cover retail sales, genuine spare parts supply, and comprehensive after-sales maintenance.

Jetour T1 Set to debut in Abuja as Expansion Gains Momentum

Auto

Abuja Demand Rises as Jetour Brings X70 Plus Experience to FCT

Published

3 days ago

September 20, 2026

Trends Admin

Abuja Demand Rises as Jetour Brings X70 Plus Experience to FCT

Jetour Nigeria is taking its seven-seater X70 Plus SUV to Abuja as rising interest from motorists in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states fuels the brand’s latest push to deepen its presence across Nigeria.

The X70 Plus will headline the Jetour Experience Abuja, holding from September 22 to 24 at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, following the strong response recorded during the Lagos edition, where motorists turned out for test drives and made enquiries about Jetour models.

The Abuja activation is designed to give prospective buyers direct access to the X70 Plus and other models, with opportunities to test-drive the vehicles, engage product specialists and experience their technology, safety and comfort features.

The X70 Plus is positioned as a family-oriented SUV, offering seven-seat capacity and a range of features targeted at customers seeking comfort, technology and practicality.

The SUV is available with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged engine options, with outputs of up to 145kW and 290Nm of torque, paired with a dual-clutch automatic transmission.