Due in UK showrooms from June, the latest C-Class uses a new lightweight construction and increased proportion of aluminium, resulting in a weight reduction of around 100kg. Benefits include a cut in fuel consumption of up to 20% without any loss of performance along with improved handling.

The new model features an 80mm longer wheelbase at 2,840mm, with a 95mm increase in length to 4,686mm and 40mm in width to 1,810mm. Mercedes says the additional space benefits first and foremost the rear passengers, who now travel in even greater comfort. Boot space is also up to 480 litres from the current 475 litres.

Three engine variants are available from launch and comprise the C 220 BlueTEC diesel and the C 180 and C 200 petrols. The 2.1-litre C 200 BlueTEC turbocharged diesel delivers 168bhp and offers emissions of 103g/km and mpg of 70.6mpg.

Soon after launch, Mercedes-Benz will expand the range of engines to include a new, small 1.6-litre diesel engine offering reduced weight, compact design and low fuel consumption. The supercharged four-cylinder engine offers 113 and 134bhp with 207lb.ft or 236lb.ft of torque and is said to put the new C-Class in a class-leading position in terms of CO2 emissions.

In addition, more powerful versions of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel engine will be launched, covering 113bhp to 201bhp. The C 220 BlueTEC will also be available with an output of 168bhp.

There will also be hybrid models, including the C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID, which uses a four-cylinder diesel engine and a compact electric motor to give an average 72.4mpg in NEDC combined mode (provisional figure). A plug-in hybrid model will also follow.

The new C-Class also sees the introduction of two new six-speed manual transmissions for the four-cylinder engines which offer enhanced ease of shifting while the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission has been revised for improved eco and driving performance.

New styling is said to be ‘clear and emotional’ and brings in elements of the S-Class and E-Class as well as contributing to the C-Class’s best-in-class drag coefficient of 0.24.

The brand also promises interior styling and materials that surpass higher vehicle classes. New features include the centre console, with different designs used for the automatic and manual models.

Also news is the touchpad in the handrest over the Controller on the centre tunnel, which has been designed for simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting – in any language.

The head-up display is another new feature and provides information on vehicle speed, speed limits and navigation instructions and displays messages from DISTRONIC PLUS.

Suspension has also been revised to be more sporty yet more comfortable with a newly designed four-link front axle and an optimised five-link independent rear suspension. Steel suspension is fitted as standard with three settings but the new C-Class is also said to be the first vehicle in its segment that can be fitted with an air suspension (AIRMATIC) on the front and rear axles.

A number of new safety and assistance systems seen on the S-Class are also fitted on the new C-Class. These include Attention Assist, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness, Adaptive Brake Assist, which offers protection from collisions from speeds as low as 5 mph, and the standard-fit Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which can carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 125mph.

UK specification and pricing are still to be confirmed.