Mercedes C230 Goes NA With 2.5 Litre V6 Engine & 7-Speed Gearbox
Kuala Lumpur, 14 November 2006 – DaimlerChrysler Malaysia launched the new model Mercedes-Benz C230 today, discarding the traditional supercharger for a new all aluminium, lightweight, naturally aspirated, V6, 2.5 litre Quad-cam engine.
Exterior features are much the same as the current model, except for the V6 badge located on the left side of the vehicle, on the front fender.
With 150kW (204 horsepower) available on tap, and 245Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm, the V6 sprints from zero to 100 km/hr in 8.9 seconds, and achieves a top speed of 238 km/hr. The V6 configuration is a step forward towards smooth power delivery, and lower vibration from the engine. With experience gained from the larger V6 Mercedes engines, the C230 engine features variable valve timing and a two-stage induction system that lengthens the intake distance at low RPM for higher torque, and a shorter intake distance at high RPM for more power.
An interesting feature is the 7-speed, 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, hitherto available only on the higher end models, that is now standard equipment in the C230 series. With three modes, C (comfort/Cruising), S (Sport) and M (Manual), the 7G-TRONIC offers not only smooth and almost seamless gearshifts, it allows for closer gear ratios and a higher speed in top gear. The end result is much improved fuel consumption, which is claimed at 9.3 to 9.6 litre per 100 kilometres.
Suspension set-up remains the same, with three link Macpherson struts and coil springs at the front, and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Anti-dive and anti-squat geometry is built in. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front, and solid discs at the rear. ABS is of course standard, and they work with the ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to keep the car in line when drivers go beyond the limit. Stabilizers are fitted both to the front and rear.
An additional variant, the Mercedes-Benz C 230 Avantgarde Sports Package offers more goodies. On top of the standard equipment, the C 230 Avantgarde Sports Package comes with sports suspension, perforated brake discs, front sports seats, and 17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. Inside, there are mild differences, such as a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, a sports-style selector lever, and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs.
“We are pleased to offer Malaysians, for the first time, locally assembled version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class with a V6 engine and 7G-TRONIC as part of its standard equipments. We strongly believe that this will bring more value to our existing and potential C-Class customers,” said Florian Mueller, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, DaimlerChrysler Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
The Mercedes-Benz C 230 Avantgarde is priced at RM268,888 (on-the-road without insurance) while the Mercedes-Benz C230 Avantgarde Sports Package is priced at RM288,888 (on-the-road without insurance).
