Donna Collins
MERCEDES- BENZ revealed its all-new C-Class ‘super star’ at an M&Z Motors society function in the capital last week. Guests and Merc die-hards gushed over the new edition from the stable. The seductively restyled sedan inside out is making waves in a new class of smaller luxury vehicles, whilst promising to set new standards in the high class bracket.
Speaking at the unveiling, Verena Gruttemeyer (Group MD M&Z Motors) said that the goal of M&Z is to be the undisputed leader in every segment, which includes striving to be a leading force in Namibia as a contributor to the socio-economic development of the country and the nation-building overall.
“We have crafted a vision and goals which guide us towards this undisputed leadership, and our aim is to place Mercedes-Benz as the leading and most aspired brand in our market,” she said.
“To support this goal we have relocated the Mitsubishi and Chrysler, Jeep & Dodge Brands to new Premises in Andimba Toivo ya Toivo Street and are currently converting the multi franchise facility in Lazarett Street into an exclusive Mercedes-Benz dealership.
“We are delighted to be introducing a new AMG display area, exhibiting a selection of AMG models. We have also been selected to represent the Mercedes-Benz Certified Pre-owned brand, showcasing young stars that undergo the most stringent testing to gain the Certified Pre-Owned mark of approval.”
Gruttemeyer further pointed out that the company is close to completing the newly established pre-owned vehicle display area on the southern corner of the premises displaying all non Mercedes-Benz pre-own brands.
In addition to the changes in Windhoek, plans to construct a new Mercedes-Benz facility at the coast are currently being drawn up and building is predicted to commence early 2015.
Turning her attention to the car, she explained that the C-Class has always been a best seller and a trendsetter in the mid-size luxury segment. The new model comes with qualities usually reserved for higher-class vehicles and is technologically advanced with high levels of comfort and driving enjoyment. It is lighter than its predecessor, with its new aluminium-steel hybrid body being one of many measures that makes the new sedan a breeze to drive.
A host of new assistance systems offers safety of the highest standard, while a new optional air-sprung suspension provides for exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling. I
In terms of appearance the new C-Class is stylishly sophisticated, and is packed with many innovations and equipment features highlighting the sedan’s comfort and refined sportiness. The interior has also undergone something of a radical redesign and the entire high-class appeal of the new C-Class is an overall “upgrade to a higher class of vehicle”.
It is available with a total of five engine variants, which includes model derivatives with power output ranging from 115 kW to 155 kW. Three of these are petrol models and include the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY, the C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and the C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY. The one diesel model that is available is the C 220 BlueTEC. Coming later in September 2014 will be the C 250 BlueTEC diesel with the C 300 BlueEFFICIENCY due in June 2015 and can be placed on order.
As with all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars, the new C-Class comes standard with the 6-years/100 000 km maintenance contract with no customer contribution and the option to extend. The new C-Class is introduced at: C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY which is priced at N$ 420 000.00, with the C 200 BlueEFFICIENCY priced at N$ 440 000.00, the C 250 BlueEFFICIENCY priced at N$ 507 000.00, and the C 220 BlueTEC going for N$ 463 000.00.