Mercedes-Benz is taking a unique tack with its new C-Class lineup, giving the car two subtly different facial treatments to separate the luxury versions from the sportier models.
Unveiled today to the media in Stuttgart, Elegance and Classic versions of the new C-Class position the Mercedes star emblem on the hood. But in sportier versions of the car the star is positioned in the center of the radiator grille.
“Starting already with the vehicle’s external appearance, each customer can decide where they want the emphasis to be,” DaimlerChrysler AG CEO Dieter Zetsche says.
The new C-Class will be offered with a range of 4- and 6-cyl. gasoline and diesel engines, Mercedes says. Despite a 19% hike in the value-added tax in Germany, the auto maker says it is holding the line on pricing for the car, which will remain based below €30,000 ($38,781).
DC says worldwide it sold 2 million of the previous-generation C-Class cars, introduced in 2000.
