2011 NAIAS: Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse Facelift

The “comprehensive modernization” (facelift) model of the Mercedes-Benz C-Klasse made its official debut at this year’s Detroit International Auto Show, and the autoevolution team is there to bring you live photos. We were told by the Mercedes Benz representatives the vehicle is already available for pre-order and it is scheduled to hit European showrooms in March (probably after the Geneva Auto Show). In the United States, the redesigned model should be available for order a bit later, starting September 2011.

At the front, we spot a new aluminum bonnet and a set of fresh headlights with clear glass. The new bumper incorporates LED daytime running lights, while at the rear we can see small changes brought to the taillights and bumper.

Inside, the German carmaker went over everything with a fine-toothed comb, making subtle improvements to the general fit and finish. There’s a new metallic finish for the surfaces of the controls, a modified instrument cluster, a new trim panel, modified center console, new instrument cluster with integrated display and a steering wheel borrowed from the CLS.

The car we are showing you is the most economical model in the Mercedes C-Klasse range, the C220 CDI. In conjunction with the improved 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission and the ECO start/stop function included as standard, the C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY delivers top-class economy figures, with a combined diesel consumption of 58.8 mpg US (4 liters per 100 km). This corresponds to CO2 emissions of just 125 grams per kilometer.

"In terms of drive and protection systems the new-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class offers the same comfort and safety as our luxury models. High-grade interior features remind one of the new CLS, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sets completely new standards in its segment with respect to perceived value and quality," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Sales & Marketing Director at Mercedes-Benz Cars.