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Production of New Long Wheelbase Mercedes C-Class (V205) Begins in China

After the W205 sedan and the S205 T-Model (estate) yet another version of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is entering production. This time, Daimler and their Chinese partners have begun assembly of a brand new long-wheelbase sedan at a local factory. Describe as being crucial to the company's future growth, the C-Class L looks the same as the European model, but comes with a number of key differences that set it apart. The biggest of them is a longer wheelbase, created to offer rear seat passengers an extra 80 mm of legroom.
C-Class L start of production 4 photos
Photo: Mercedes Benz
C-Class L Production in ChinaC-Class L Production in ChinaC-Class L Production in China
Some key changes have also been made in order to appeal to local customer demand. For example, the front passenger seat can be adjusted by rear seat passengers, just like on an S-Class. The touchpad which used to control the infotainment system can now recognize Chinese handwriting, which is an achievement in itself.

“Now we are taking the next step: designed and developed for China, produced exclusively in China, our all-new long-wheelbase C-Class is destined to become one of our top growth drivers here,” siad Hubertus Troska, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for China.

The company official went on to say that China is already the second most important market for the C-Class, with 150,000 units of the previous model sold there. But from our understanding, the old W204 will continue to be made and sold as a low-cost alternative.

Full specs and prices have not yet been revealed, as Mercedes is first building a huge inventory of cars to ship to its dealerships. However, both 4- and 6-cylinder engines produced at BBAC's engine plant will be available, potentially including one of the hybrids developed for the European market.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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