Mercedes-Benz All-New 2008 C-Class wins the 2008 AJAC Award for Best New Luxury Car
TORONTO, ON – The Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC) and the more than 70 journalists who participated in the annual Canadian Car of the Year "Test Fest" in Niagara-on-the-Lake in October of this year have awarded the coveted distinction of Best New Luxury Car to the All-New 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
25 years ago, Mercedes-Benz revolutionized the entry-level luxury segment by launching the "190 series Baby Benz". The 190 evolved into the C-Class as the series was redesigned in 1993, and again in 2000. In Canada, close to 50,000 C-Class units have been sold over the course of the series' lifetime, making it a very important model for the Canadian Mercedes-Benz organization.
The All-New 2008 C-Class, launched in September of 2007, is larger than its highly successful predecessor, with a greater emphasis on agility, comfort and safety. With a body that's 94 mm longer and 43 mm wider than the previous model, the All-New 2008 C-Class boasts a markedly roomier cabin in both the front and rear seating areas, and a wheelbase that's 46 mm longer. The new car provides more luggage space, as well. With a nod to the recently introduced S-Class sedan, the look of the new C-Class reveals the latest Mercedes design direction that is characterized by an edgy interplay of taut lines and wide, rounded surfaces. Revised suspension and steering help make the new C-Class noticeably more nimble.
The All-New 2008 C-Class is offered in two V6-powered models: the C300 with 228 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, and the C350 with 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The available no-charge sport package features a sportier look and more dynamic handling of the car through its 17-inch wheels with all-season performance tires, a sport suspension with lower ride height, AMG body cladding, and last but not least: the Mercedes-Benz Star in the grille. Both models share the latest technology advances from Mercedes-Benz, including the newly developed agility control package with situation-responsive shock absorber control.
The fourth generation of the award-winning Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system is optionally available on the All-New 2008 C-Class. This new 4MATIC system features a totally redesigned, full-time all-wheel-drive system that's integrated into the seven-speed automatic transmission. Its torque bias is 45% front / 55% rear, which provides the comfort and dynamics of rear-wheel-drive with the traction of all-wheel-drive, exceptionally light weight at 75 kilograms (30 kilograms lighter than the previous system), and significantly improved fuel efficiency.
A new instrument cluster features three analog gauges that show engine speed, road speed, fuel level and coolant temperature. A standard-equipment bluetooth feature allows a phone that's still in a pocket or purse to be operated through the audio system. A colour display nestled under a flip-up cover at the top of the centre console is standard equipment on the All-New 2008 C-Class. When the car is equipped with the optional COMAND navigation system, a power-operated colour display screen slides out and up when the flip-up cover is raised.
The All-New 2008 C-Class comes with all the safety features that people have come to expect from Mercedes-Benz, from four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes to six air bags, ABS anti-lock, traction control and ESP stability control.
The All-New 2008 C-Class excels with a multi-faceted product concept that meets the expectations and requirements of a wide range of consumers. It is offered starting at $41,000.
AJAC's process of evaluating cars entered into competition for the Canadian Car of the Year Awards (COTY) is extremely thorough. The vehicles are tested in specific categories by a team of journalists who drive all models back to back, on the same roads, under the same conditions, to ensure objective evaluation.
President and CEO of Mercedes-BenzCanada, Marcus Breitschwerdt, noted, "The AJAC COTY process is an equitable method to judge vehicles, by people who are truly experts when it comes to all things automotive. The fact that the All-New 2008 C-Class has garnered this important and prestigious award underlines the phenomenal acceptance of this car in the market and clearly demonstrates that Mercedes-Benz is the world's premier luxury automaker. We are very proud of this achievement."
He added: "The All-New 2008 C-Class, with its many unique features and characteristics, will appeal to a wide cross-section of the market and will attract not only current Mercedes-Benz customers, but will also convince many new prospects. The car makes no compromise as it provides the highest level of comfort combined with truly superior driving dynamics. It stands for "Agility Redefined" and will be the brand champion of 2008."
For more information, please contact:
JoAnne Caza 416-847-7550 caza@mercedes-benz.ca
Arden Nerling 416-847-7556 nerling@mercedes-benz.ca
Please also visit our media site at www.media.mercedes-benz.ca
