Mercedes made in Beijing exclusively for Chinese

With all of its focus exclusively on China, Mercedes-Benz believes its first locally produced long wheelbase C-Class will act as a game-changer and reset the benchmark in its segment.

The latest generation of the German brand's major force hit the Chinese market in Beijing on Monday, with four variants, C 200 L and C 260 L models, priced from 369,000 yuan to 479,000 yuan, respectively.

The new C-Class long wheelbase is the only model in its segment offered in both sedan and sport sedan variants.

According to Mercedes-Benz, the made-in-Beijing long-wheelbase version of the C-Class was designed with the preferences of Chinese consumers. The wheelbase has been extended by 80 mm to 2,920 mm.

"In China, for China has always been a key element of our strategy, and our all-new C-Class is just the latest proof of this. Designed and developed clearly with our Chinese customers in mind and produced exclusively in Beijing, this fantastic product will be one of our top growth drivers in the country," said Hubertus Troska, member of the management board of Daimler AG with responsibility for China.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has always been considered a pioneer in automotive technology and the latest offering from the Stuttgart-based company is no exception.

The rear seat cushions and backrests were softened to match to Chinese customer preferences and the rear passenger seating features a mirror and ashtray.

The rear center console has also been fitted with an independent 220 V power outlet and a USB port interface.

"China is a vitally important market for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and the locally produced model has been a pillar product for Mercedes-Benz' growth in China since it was first unveiled in 2008," said Nicholas Speeks, president and CEO of BMBS.

"We will progressively enlarge the C-Class lineup in 12 months with more viarants. With this fascinating new generation, we hope to make China the number one market for the C-Class from its current second position."

The sport sedan features a sporty front end with large air intakes and AMG styling. The sedan, on the other hand, retains the classic three-pointed star on the bonnet and has a shield-shaped grille.

The new C-Class long wheelbase offers full LED headlamps, Mercedes-Benz CONNECT and Intelligent Drive System as well as the first WLAN hotspot in its class.

Further technological innovations consist of a full range of assistant systems including a semi-autonomous driving pilot and an innovative touchpad that allows the head unit functions to be operated through Chinese handwriting.

The segment-exclusive AIR BALANCE PACKAGE boasts four optional fragrances and powerful air filters to remove PM 2.5 particles while increasing the concentration of negative oxygen ions.

"With these fascinating new features unique in the segment, we believe we will conquer the Chinese customers one by one, day by day," said Speeks.

Production of the car started at the Beijing Benz factory in July, just six months after production of the standard version began at the German carmaker's Bremen plant.

"Though made in China, and for China, the All New C-Class also represented Mercedes' global standard. It's the Sino-German cooperation at its finest," said Henry Li, senior executive vice-president of network development at Beijing Mercedes-Benz Sales Service Co Ltd.

The new 2.0 T turbocharged engines powering the new C-Class are also locally produced at BBAC in Beijing. Capable of providing peak torque at 1200 rpm, the naturally aspirated turbocharged engine gives excellent throttle response for smooth output.

The company is so confident in its local production that locally-produced engine components are now being exported to Germany for use in vehicles assembled there.

"The all new C-Class long wheelbase is the first new model to launch as we set out on the second decade of our Sino-German cooperation," said Xu Heyi, chairman of BAIC Group and the joint venture BBAC. "This makes it a strategically important model for both BAIC and BBAC."

The first generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was a global sensation when it launched 32 years ago. Now, the new C-Class long wheelbase looks ready to shake up the industry once again.

"The all new C-Class continues our customer oriented strategy and has been tailor made according to the tastes and needs of Chinese consumers," said Speeks.

"With a host of technologies borrowed from higher models now equipped as standard, we look forward to exceeding consumer expectations, setting new standards in the segment and truly changing the game."

"The all new C-Class long wheelbase demonstrates our commitment to providing Chinese customers with an unprecedented experience," said Fred Duan, executive vice-president for Sales and Marketing at BMBS.

"Through exploring and understanding their needs and changing lifestyles and our dedication to 'the best, or nothing', we are going to change the way people drive."

lifangfang@chinadaily.com.cn