Classic C-Class.
Mercedes will be putting on quite a show in China at Auto Shanghai. It’s bringing the EQS, EQB electric duo, and the CLS facelift. The C-Class is also being unveiled. The luxury sedan is branded with the “L” suffix and will compete against the locally-produced BMW 3 Series or Audi A4, both of which have been extended for extra rear legroom.
You’ll notice the classic front grille design and the longer wheelbase. Mercedes has kept the tradition of hood ornaments alive for many years, and it is quite elegant. Shanghai saw a different car, with a modern design in the same vein of the C-Class global standard-wheelbase C-Class.
Mercedes does not provide details on the car’s dimensions, but local reports indicate that the wheelbase is a generous 2,954 millimeters (16.3 inches) long. This makes it 89mm (3.5 in), longer than the international C-Class W206. The overall length of the car has increased to 4,882mm (192.2 inches), which is an increase in length by 131mm (5.1in) over the standard sedan. The People’s Republic model is further distinguished by the stylized logo “L” on the rear pillar.
The interior was essentially copied from the global C-Class, which is the highest-end model. Mercedes will sell the C-Class in certain parts of the world with a lower specification, but without the XXL touchscreen. This one will replace the 11.9-inch display with a smaller 9.5-inch unit that includes separate capacitive touch climate controls.
The back has some modifications beyond the additional legroom. Mercedes has fitted fancier seats into the C-Class L. They are separated by a central armrest with cupholders and USB ports. The Chinese version has a higher level of sound-deadening material, which allows for a quieter cabin. It also features a more comfortable suspension setup.
The C-Class L joins its sedan siblings in China, where Mercedes also sells an A Class L (with an AMG A35 Hot version), and an E Class L with a stretched GLC crossover.