Mercedes To Expand C-Class Lineup
Published: April 15th, 2013
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The next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, due in 2015, will be getting a full lineup of variants to help it better compete against the BMW 3-Series.
The next-generation C-Class will be built in Alabama, a first for a Mercedes-Benz passenger car. In addition to the sedan and coupe, convertible and hybrid variants will be offered, marking the car’s transition from M-B’s entry-level product in the United States to a more prestigious position in the lineup. While BMW outsold Mercedes by 5,000 units when only the sedan models were compared, the delta was closer to 20,000 units when all variants were included. But while BMW will offer a 3-Series wagon, Mercedes-Benz won’t be doing the same with the C-Class.
More by Derek Kreindler
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In the US right now, there is no C-class wagon at the moment, sadly. Wagons sell so poorly here, plus people are far more likely to buy the GLK when there's no competing C wagon. I can appreciate the ergonomic benefits of ingress/egress with taller vehicles, as well as their perceived larger interiors; but apart from that, you get reduced performance, efficiency, and less useful cargo space (especially in the hatch). I'm not a fan of this crossover trend.
Apart from offering a coupe and convertible, MB must also improve the quality of its product. It seems that on every mid-cycle refresh they are playing catch up with other players in this segment.
I drove a '12 C300 4matic once. It was an utter piece of junk. It was slow, heavy and ugly. Everything about the interior screamed "you didn't pay us enough money!" And this was a $40K+ car. I'm not a fan of BMW either but at least they have a sporty image even if its mostly on paper by now. This car was neither real luxury nor sport. I'm surprised anybody buys these at all. I wouldn't touch it with a 10-foot-pole and I'm well in their general target audience.
I don't know what your definition of "passenger car" is, but the Mercedes-Benz ML and GL are already built at the Tuscaloosa, Alabama plant.