Changes to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class range are expected to result in lower running costs and reduced tax liability thanks to extra standard equipment and lower CO2 emissions.

The enhancements help to lower running costs and can reduce BIK for business drivers by up to four tax bands, while CAPhas announced a five percentage point (£450) increase in values for the entry-level trim grade at three years/60,000 miles.

Executive SE is the new entry point to the revised range for the C180, C200 CDI and C220 CDI saloon and estate, which includes a sports grille, new 16-inch alloy wheels, Artico upholstery and LED daytime running lights at a price increase of £35 over the previous SE grade.

A new Luxury Package is available for Executive SE models to replace the Elegance equipment grade. Carrying a £2,000 premium, it includes the three louver grille with bonnet-mounted star, 17-inch alloy wheels, automatically dimming rear view mirror and folding exterior door mirrors, chrome trim on the side, rear and shoulder line, a storage package and brown Ash wood trim with a matt finish.

The Sport trim makes way in the 2013 C-Class for two new variants –AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus. The AMG Sport Saloon and Estate cost £960 less than the previous Sport models, and feature 17-inch AMG wheels and halogen headlights.

In addition, there is a tax saving on the new AMG Sport, thanks to a reduction in CO2 over the previous model. For example, the previous C 220 CDI Sport saloon with manual transmission offered 133g CO2/km and BIK 2012/13 of 20%, giving a total BIK over 36 months of £7,865, based on an income tax bracket of 40%.

By comparison, the new C220 CDI AMG Sport saloon with manual transmission gives 123g CO2/km and BIK 2012/13 of 18%. Therefore the total BIK over 36 months is £6,897, giving a total saving of £968.

The AMG Sport Plus, priced £1,000 above AMG Sport and £35 over the previous Sport line, includes 18-inch bi-colour AMG alloys, bi-xenon front lights with Intelligent Light System and Adaptive High Beam Assist, AMG sports seats, Black Artico/Dinamica upholstery with contrast red stitching, red seat belts, AMG floor mats with red edging and silver gearshift paddles (auto).

In the C-Class Coupé, the pricing and specification of the AMG Sport are unchanged, but an AMG Sport Plus version is now available for an additional £1,000.

The C180 BlueEFFICIENCY is powered by a new ultra-efficient 1.6-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine and is accompanied by electric power steering to further bolster economy.

With an output of 154bhp, the new engine is almost as powerful as its predecessor while developing an identical 184lb-ft of torque across a wider rev range – 1,250 to 4,000 rpm.

There are also new interior and exterior features, including revised colour options, repositioned cruise control and indicator stalks and easier-to-read silver graphics for the telematics screen. The telematics system in conjunction with Mercedes-Benz Comand now includes eCall to report the car’s position to a call centre via GPS in the event of an emergency.

Both retail and fleet buyers can take advantage of flexible Mercedes-Benz Service Care packages which reduce and spread the cost of routine maintenance from £27 per month. All labour and parts, including replacement items such as spark plugs, brake fluid, oils and filters, are included.
 

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