We are definiitely being overwhelmed by the C-class news that is being released, but I am sure you don’t mind, especially if it is news like the 4MATIC all wheel drive system. Shortly after the Europe-wide market launch of the C-Class, Mercedes-Benz has announced a further technical refinement in the new model series, namely 4MATIC permanent all-wheel drive. This further enhanced system will be available for order and delivery in the six-cylinder C 280, C 350 and C 320 CDI models from the summer of 2007. With a total of 49 4MATIC models, Mercedes-Benz will then have the widest all-wheel-drive range among all premium brands.

The latest-generation Mercedes all-wheel-drive system improves on the previous 4MATIC with greater efficiency, a lower weight and more compact dimensions. These advantages are reflected in a more favourable fuel consumption and even better traction: the new C 280 4MATIC with its 170 kW/231 hp six-cylinder engine consumes 9.6 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres, and is therefore more economical than its predecessor by 0.2 litres. For the first time in the C-Class, a diesel model with all-wheel drive also becomes available now: the new C 320 CDI 4MATIC has an output of 165 kW/224 hp and consumes 7.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.