What's the news?

The C-Class is the biggest selling Mercedes-Benz model ever with 2.4 million examples of the current generation car finding homes since its introduction in 2007. But time and tide waits for no car and so to keep its baby saloon relevant a new model is now being introduced. Bigger than before, it brings a new interior, more space for passengers, a host of technologies and even more efficient engines. The new model will debut at next month's Detroit Auto Show with sales expected to start soon after.

Exterior

Longer (95mm), wider (40mm) and with a longer wheelbase (80mm), the new C-Class is pushing the boundaries of the 'compact' executive segment yet it retains that characteristic C-Class stance with short overhangs front and rear, a long bonnet and cabin set well back.

Inspiration for the front end has clearly been taken from the range topping S-Class, but where that car sports full LED headlights the junior member of the Merc saloon family has to make do with halogen bulbs. LEDs are available, two variants in fact, with either static or a new dynamic "LED Intelligent Light System" available. Whatever lights you have up front the rear lamp units feature full LEDS.

Interior

Mercedes-Benz designers describe the interior as a radical new approach for the brand with the centre console a large, single piece affair that sweeps from the centre air vents right down to the armrest. This is only on models equipped with an automatic transmission; manual models feature an even steeper sweep that is made up of two pieces to accommodate the gearstick.

Like most modern Mercedes, a seven-inch centrally mounted screen (8.4-inch is also available) provides access to all of the Comand functions. Touchpad controls are smartphone-like in that they accept gesture inputs with different functions depending on how many fingers are used during a gesture. Haptic feedback tells the driver that their inputs have been accepted meaning there is no need to take their eyes off the road. And with a new Heads Up Display there is even less reason to do so. The system shows information on vehicle speed, speed limits, navigation instructions and displays messages from Distronic Plus.

Mechanicals

Aluminium has been used extensively in the new C-Class. How Extensively? Nigh on 50 per cent of the car's structure is made up of the lightweight material, up from 10 per cent in the previous generation. It means that, despite casting a larger shadow, the new model is up to 100kg lighter than before, which should have benefits in terms of performance and handling.

The lower weight also means the three engines that will be available at launch have to work that little bit less and therefore have better fuel economy and lower emissions. The C 220 BlueTec CDI for example is said to achieve 70.6mpg and emissions of 103g/km, yet offers up 170hp and 400Nm of torque. That diesel unit is joined by a pair of petrol offerings in the 1.6-litre C 180 and 1.9-litre C 200 producing 156- and 184hp respectively. In time these launch engines will be joined by new diesel options with power outputs ranging from 115- to 204hp and a pair of hybrids including a plug-in version that is said to be particularly efficient.

To better allow the C-Class to compete with cars like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 the engineers in Stuttgart have designed a new four-link front suspension, which, in conjunction with the lower centre of gravity from the weight savings, is said to give a more sporty and agile drive. Of course if you do not fancy old steel springs you can now opt for Mercedes-Benz Airmatic air suspension, which comes with "Comfort", "ECO", "Sport" and "Sport+" options via the Agility Select control.

Anything else?

The new C-Class will borrow most of the safety and convenience systems from the E- and S-Class models. These include Attention Assist, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, Adaptive Brake Assist and the more advanced Collision Prevention Assist Plus. Also available is Distronic Plus, which allows the C-Class to completely drive itself up to speeds of 37mph, which will take the strain out of the M25 slog.