Heritage of the C-Class
The third in an ongoing series of reference guides tracing the development of the current Mercedes-Benz product range by model and chassis number
Article Richard Simonds & Gary Anderson
Images Daimler Archives & Daimler Global Media
Illustrations Stephan McKeown
Continuing our series on the development of the various Mercedes-Benz chassis series, in this article we explore the succession of chassis series and models beginning with the entry-level W201 chassis that have led to the current W205 C-Class models designed to attract the young-executive buyer.
By January 1982 when the world press was introduced in Spain to the compact 190 sedan built on the all-new W201 chassis, the idea of Mercedes-Benz producing a small and more affordable version of its medium- and large-scale sedans was not a surprise. Under development for more than three years, the pros and cons had been discussed for almost the entire three years the W201 chassis was under development. The baby boom generation was just entering its prime car-buying years, and the intent of what was rapidly dubbed the “Baby Benz” was to have a car priced to allow Mercedes-Benz to capture these buyers at as young an age as possible.
The goal of the new model was to build brand loyalty in new owners by providing the same driving and ownership experience they would find at a later stage in their lives with the larger and more luxurious models for which Mercedes-Benz had become famous. The challenge for Mercedes-Benz, and the controversies surrounding whether the marketing strategy would be effective, were whether younger buyers would be interested in the attributes of a more expensive car, whether a smaller car would truly feel like a Mercedes-Benz, and whether a smaller and lower-priced car in the Mercedes-Benz showroom would reduce the cachet of the brand.
The worries of the marketing specialists and the press proved to be unfounded. The models based on the W201 chassis were successful additions to the company’s lineup without detracting from the more expensive models. The expansion of engine choices soon after introduction and a facelift six years after the launch provided a solid foundation for the W202 chassis series that followed in 1993, dubbed the C-Class (C for compact) to distinguish it from the E-Class and S-Class chassis series above it.
Following the W202 – in an orderly fashion unlike previous chassis designations – the W203 was introduced in 2000 and the W204 in 2006. In 2014, Mercedes-Benz readjusted its lineup with the W205 going into production as a 2015 model positioned between the more expensive E-Class and the front-wheel-drive CLA that had been introduced the previous year as the new entry-level Mercedes-Benz.
1982-1988 W201 series: The Baby Benz
The W201 chassis not only emulated the overall appearance of the S-Class, just scaled down, it was also designed using high-strength steel, crumple zones, subframe mounts, and the safety steering system that ensured occupants would be as safe in a collision as they would be in an S-Class. The foot-activated parking brake was replaced with a hand-operated brake due to space limitations.
The first models introduced, the 190 and 190E cars, had M102 2-liter, 4-cylinder engines with carburetor or fuel injection. In autumn 1983, Mercedes-Benz introduced the 190E 2.3 model. A redeveloped version of the Mercedes-Benz 2-liter, 4-cylinder diesel engine was introduced in the 190D. The diesel engine and transmission were encapsulated – a first for any auto manufacturer – to cut sounds emitted by more than 50 percent. The 190E 2.3 became the more sporting model with a spoiler on the rear deck lid and its manual transmission: a 4-speed until August 1983 when a 5-speed became standard. A 4-speed automatic became available on the 190E 2.3 and it was introduced to the U.S. market in September 1983.
To give the Baby Benz some sporting credibility, Mercedes-Benz contracted with Cosworth to develop a 16-valve high-performance head for the 4-cylinder head and added other engine refinements to increase horsepower from 136 to 185, making the 190E 2.3-16 a true sporting performance model. Formally introduced in 1983, this model was successful in racing and rallying and is still highly desirable among enthusiasts today. It came with two paint options: Black Pearl and Smoke Silver to distinguish it from other 190E 2.3s.
More refinements to the Baby Benz were introduced during 1985, including 15-inch wheels, electrically heated windshield-washer jets, a cam-operated single windshield wiper to provide a larger sweep area, power-assisted steering and electrically heated door mirrors. In May 1985, the 5-cylinder diesel 190D 2.5 joined the lineup. In September 1987, a 190D 2.5 5-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine was released with even better performance. April 1986 saw the introduction of the 190E 2.6, a 6-cylinder gasoline-engine model that provided smoother running and better performance than the basic 4-cylinder models.
More than 1 million W201 Baby Benz sedans were produced in its first seven years, proving that offering a smaller, more affordable Mercedes-Benz was a very good marketing strategy.
1988-1993 updated W201 Baby Benz
The face-lifted W201 chassis was released in September of 1988. Updates to the model included aerodynamic and styling changes and an improved interior. The aerodynamics improved front and rear downforce for more stability at speed. For improved safety, side protection bars adapted from the W124 series were integrated into the body design for passenger safety. New bumpers allowed for better collision protection. A right-side exterior mirror was now standard. The redesigned interior provided more knee- and headroom in the rear and redesigned seats were introduced for improved ergonomics and comfort.
With the same high-performance theme as the original 2.3-16, a new 190E 2.5-16 was introduced – with an extra 25 horsepower – as the basis for the Mercedes entry into Group A of the new German Touring (DTM) racing series. In March 1989, a new high-revving 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder engine was developed for the 190E 2.5-16 Evolution with changes to suspension and brake changes, 16-inch wheels, a more prominent rear spoiler, an enlarged rear wing, bigger wheel cut-outs with significantly extended fenders, and painted Black Pearl Metallic. One year later, a 190E 2.5-16 Evolution II was introduced with an increase of 40 horsepower, slight changes to brakes and suspension, 17-inch wheels and a modified body to improve aerodynamics. Neither of the two Evolution models were ever sold through dealers in the United States, though a few are known to be in the hands of U.S. collectors today.
Further changes would be made to the W201. A Sportline package in June 1989 offered lowered suspension, stiffer springs and shocks, wider 15-inch wheels fitted with 205/55 R15 tires, and the seats from the 16-valve models. The 190E 1.8 introduced in March 1990 had a fuel-injected engine using the Bosch KE-Jetronic system. In January 1991, all models except the 190D and 190E 1.8 received ABS brakes and a center console added to the interior; all models had outside mirror casings painted in the body color and dual tailpipes with a low-resistance exhaust system on the 190E 2.0 and 190E 2.3. When production ended in March 1992 to make room for the W202, a total of 1,879,629 W201s had been produced.
1993-1997 W202 series C-Class sedans
In May 1993, the second generation of the compact Mercedes-Benz was introduced with more rounded lines and styling cues from the W140 S-Class: For the first time, the term “C-Class” was used. The new sedans offered more interior space, more increased active- and passive-safety features, and more comfort with overall dimensions that had barely been changed. Standard equipment included a full-size driver’s airbag, integral side-impact protection, ABS, power steering, the 722.4 4-speed automatic transmission (5-speed manual available in Europe), and a central locking system. Prices remained nearly unchanged.
There were seven models produced (four diesel, three gasoline), with the U.S. market getting a 4-cylinder C220 and a 6-cylinder C280 gasoline variant with four valves per cylinder. In September 1993, the C36 AMG was introduced with a modified 6-cylinder gasoline engine producing 280 horsepower, designed and built at the AMG facility in Affalterbach. A C230 Kompressor was introduced in September 1995 using a Roots Supercharger on a 4-cylinder engine to produce 193 horsepower with no increase in fuel consumption or emissions. An electronically controlled 5-speed automatic transmission was introduced at the same time for all C-Class models.
In May 1996, Mercedes-Benz introduced a station-wagon (“estate”) version of the C-Class for European markets, where it would prove to be very popular, though the body style was never marketed in the C-Class in the United States.
1997-2000 W202 updated C-Class sedans
Reworked styling, more comprehensive standard equipment, updated engineering and two newly developed M112 V-6 gasoline engines were unveiled for the C-Class on the W202 chassis in June 1997, with no increase in prices. The engines used low-friction alloy cylinder liners to cut fuel consumption – the first to be used anywhere in the world.
Three valves per cylinder and dual ignition significantly cut emissions. Lightweight construction materials made the V-6 engines 25 percent lighter than the inline 6-cylinder engines. The 722.6 five-speed automatic transmission replaced the 4-speed automatic. In September 1997, European buyers could select an innovative 220CDI diesel engine featuring a common-rail injection system.
Safety features included side-impact airbags in the front doors, seatbelt pre-tensioners and electronic brake assist. Acceleration Skid Control (ASR in German) was standard on all but the least-expensive models. A new electronic key system provided anti-theft protection and convenience. A new Flexible Service System (FSS) tracked operating conditions and notified the driver when maintenance and an oil change were due. Rain-sensing wipers, xenon headlights and Electronic Parking Assist were available.
In September 1997, AMG announced the C43 with an Affalterbach-built V-8 gasoline engine producing 306 horsepower with numerous safety and convenience features, the first C-Class with a V-8 engine and the top of the line in C-Class sedans. The following July, a new C55 AMG engine was offered in very limited numbers as an expensive special-order option offering even more spectacular performance.
A total of 1.6 million W202 C-Class vehicles were produced from 1993 to 2000.
2000-2004 W203 C-Class sedans
The extensively restyled W203 series, adapting design elements from the W220 S-Class, was introduced in March 2000. The comprehensive package of technical innovations combined with more attention to safety and comfort gave a dynamic driving experience that was new to this market segment. The body was more rigid to improve handling and stability, and the wheelbase was close to an inch longer than the W202 series. A drag coefficient that dropped from Cd 0.31 to Cd 0.26 improved fuel economy, reduced wind noise and reduced lift at high speeds, making for a more stable and enjoyable ride.
Safety features that were now standard included Electronic Stability Program, Brake Assist, automatic child-seat recognition, seatbelt tensioners, belt-force limiters, head restraints for all seats and side airbags in the front doors. The upgraded C-Class also adapted a variety of features from the E- and S-Class models, including ergonomic armrests, a multifunction steering wheel, electronic fore-aft and height steering-wheel adjustments, and up to 50 personalized settings accessible through the steering wheel and central display. Starting in autumn 2002, 4Matic all-wheel drive became available in the C-Class. Distronic cruise control was available at this time to automatically maintain a safe following distance when cruise control was engaged.
The C32 AMG premiered in January 2001 as the top-of-the-line model, replacing the C43 AMG’s V-8 with an AMG-designed, hand-built supercharged 3.2-liter V-6 engine producing 354 horsepower, with a SportShift 5-speed automatic transmission tuned for the enthusiast driver. It had a lowered body, 17-inch alloy wheels with sport tires, and a new AMG-developed braking system to match its stellar performance.
2001-2004 W203 C-Class Sport Coupes
To attract younger buyers to the brand, in 2001 Mercedes-Benz introduced the two-door, four-passenger C-Class Sport Coupe, built on the same platform as the sedan: The wheelbase and width were the same, but the body was 7 inches shorter and nearly 1 inch lower. Good driving dynamics, a central star in the grille, and virtually the same electronics as the sedan were intended to show first-time buyers that Mercedes-Benz was the epitome of high quality, but it wasn’t their grandfathers’ Mercedes. The large tailgate and fold-down rear seats made it like a small station wagon for hauling. A panorama (all-glass) roof was an option to allow a lighter interior.
The Sport Coupe attracted more than 187,000 customers between 2001 and the end of 2003, most of them first-time purchasers of a Mercedes-Benz.
2004-2007 updated W203 C-Class sedans
The primary focus of the 2004 update was to improve the driving experience with a wealth of suspension, wheel, tire, steering and braking changes to enhance the driving dynamics without sacrificing comfort. For example, the Direct Control handling upgrades included newly developed bearings on the front and rear axles, a more direct steering ratio and a reinforced stabilizer on the rear axle.
The interiors were upgraded with redesigned switches, more comfortable seats, a vertical display in the instrument cluster to show messages and a new a/c control panel. New nanotechnology paint was more scratch resistant.
From March 2005, the Sport and Sport Plus editions included an AMG styling package, 17-inch alloy wheels with wide staggered-size tires, sport suspension, bi-xenon headlamps and sporty interior-trim details. This package was available on all models in Iridium Silver and Diamond Black paint with a black interior.
By the summer of 2005, standard equipment included automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, window airbags, crash-responsive head restraints, and a full set of features carried forward from earlier C-Class series. A new Linguatronic voice-operated control system, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, steering-wheel shift buttons for the automatic transmission, a 320-watt surround-sound audio and navigation systems were some of the options available.
A full range of diesel and gasoline engines, from 4- and 6-cylinder to a V-8, were available. A new C350 V-6 gasoline engine could be had with the new 7-speed (7G-Tronic) automatic transmission and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 4Matic models came with the 5-speed automatic.
The C55 AMG and its nearly identical CLK55 AMG Coupe sibling – built using the shorter W209 chassis – replaced the C32 in 2005 and were very positively received by the automobile press. The two models were powered by the new hand-built M113 5.5-liter AMG V-8 engine producing 362 horsepower, with the AMG Sport suspension that had been adapted from the E-Class providing a wider front track, new vented brakes sourced from Brembo, a new AMG SpeedShift 5-speed automatic transmission with shift buttons on the steering wheel, 18-inch wheels and special body panels.
2004-2007 W203 updated Sport Coupes
Along with the major update to the C-Class sedans, the Sport Coupes received a major facelift and a complement of six 4-cylinder engines (gasoline and diesel) and the C30 AMG diesel to broaden the appeal of the “spirited youngster” in the C-Class family.
A new cockpit design was chosen to boost the feel of quality and comfort with new seats, a new instrument panel, center console and controls. Evolution and Evolution AMG options included a special brilliant silver paint, changes to the grille slats and other design elements used in the sedans.
In May 2005, new C230 and C350 V-6 engines joined the lineup with the optional 7G-Tronic automatic transmission adding to the 6-speed manual as choices.
In total, more than 1.26 million C-Class vehicles were produced by the end of W203 production.
The W204 chassis series was introduced in 2007 for the 2008 model year and produced through 2014. Product development for the range was heavily focused on the challenge of improving engines to increase their fuel economy and lower emissions while also exceeding previous performance levels. No doubt, much of this was due to ever-more-stringent environmental regulations in Europe, the United States and other markets around the world.
As Mercedes-Benz product planners became more comfortable with the market role of the C-Class as a compact executive car, the new model was longer, wider and more aerodynamic than its predecessors. The interiors offered more comfort and considerably more user-defined controls. Customer interfaces had become a differentiator in buyer decisions and Mercedes-Benz worked diligently to be a major market leader in all areas of technology, reliability, performance, safety and regulatory compliance. Motoring enthusiasts could choose the C63 AMG that was much closer to the European DTM racing series models that inspired it, placing the Mercedes-Benz brand for the first time among high-performance luxury-vehicles automobiles in the motoring press.
During the seven years of W204 evolution, engineers pursued development of smaller-displacement engines with turbochargers and biturbos, and further improved electronic-engine management systems. Combining these advances with the new 7G-Tronic automatic transmission would produce significant increases in horsepower and torque while reducing emissions and fuel consumption in both gasoline and diesel models. Incorporation of Blue-TEC urea exhaust treatment on diesels made it possible to meet nitrogen-oxide and CO2 limitations around the world.
Interiors had higher-quality materials and made the C-Class a popular choice in the compact luxury market. Infotainment and telematic systems adapted from the E- and S-Class allowed for more user definition of features such as interior lighting, sound control, and other driver and passenger options. Transmission shift points, suspension settings and engine performance could be selected in different combinations using Agility Control for whatever the driver wanted – from economical touring to high-performance track days. By 2014, the C-Class was the top-selling Mercedes-Benz model with 2.4 million units sold between 2007 and 2014.
2015 W205 C-Class sedans
Introduced in January 2014 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the all-new C-Class was intended to set new standards in the premium mid-range class. The new model was positioned as an aspirational step up from the entry-level CLA-Class, suitable for the younger executive. Thanks to an intelligent lightweight design concept boasting weight savings of up to 200 pounds over the previous C-Class, excellent aerodynamics and new, economical engines, the C-Class established new benchmarks in its class. A host of new assistance systems derived from the flagship S-Class offered safety of the highest standard. A new suspension was standard, providing nimble and agile handling, superior to other manufacturers’ compact models. For the first time, Airmatic pneumatic air suspension was offered as an option on the C-Class. The interior got an extensive redesign with a new dashboard surmounted by a larger flat-screen display. In all, Mercedes-Benz intended that the quality of the new C-Class would feel like an “upgrade to a higher class of travel.”
The U.S. market was offered two C-Class models: the C300 4Matic with a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection inline 4-cylinder engine delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, and the C400 4Matic with a 3.0-liter V-6 biturbo engine producing 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. A rear-wheel-drive C300 was launched in 2015. For MY2016, the C450 AMG with 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque replaced the C400.
Compared with the W204-series C-Class, the new W205 chassis C-Class grew in size to position it more effectively between the CLA- and E-Class series. With a 3-inch longer wheelbase at 112 inches, the new vehicle was 3.7 inches longer at 184 inches and 1.6 inches wider at 71 inches. The additional space was used primarily to increase knee and hip room for rear passengers. The new C-Class had cargo capacity of 12.8 cubic feet. The W205 C-Class continues to set competitive benchmarks for the young-executive marketplace.