The 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission increases ride comfort with an exceptionally smooth gear change process. The system can also skip individual gears, for example, changing directly from the seventh to the fifth gear, which is especially ideal for overtaking manoeuvres. Together with very short shift times and a low noise level, the 7G-TRONIC significantly increases the driving dynamics and also makes a considerable contribution to reducing fuel consumption.

The AIRMATIC DC semi-active air suspension significantly increases the driving and road roar and tyre vibration characteristics in comparison to conventional steel suspension. The system adjusts to the current driving situation: for a rough road surface the suspension is gentler and for smooth surfaces it is more rigid. With a push of a button you can also choose between the comfort and sport modes.

From a speed of 140 km/h the normal level of the vehicle is automatically lowered by 15 mm. This reduces the wind resistance and lowers fuel consumption. If the speed drops below 70 km/h, the vehicle returns to the normal level.

For particularly poor stretches of road the body can also be raised manually by approx. 25 mm. It is automatically lowered back to its normal level after a speed greater than 80 km/h is maintained over a longer period of time or where a speed of approx. 120 km/h is exceeded.

At the push of a button the DISTRONIC proximity-controlled cruise control keeps the vehicle at the desired distance from the vehicle in front. Radar sensors permanently measure the distance and regulate the speed. The cruise control function also allows the driver to set a desired speed which is automatically maintained.

The Intelligent Light System – as an active element of the safety concept – provides improved vision. It helps in detecting possible dangers early on.

In the country light mode the light from the low-beam headlamps is distributed such that the edge of the carriageway is significantly better illuminated than with conventional headlamps.

The motorway mode is automatically activated in two levels: from 90 km/h the system increases the performance of the bi-xenon lamps. From 110 km/h the setting of the headlamp on the inside of the traffic lane also changes to uniformly illuminate the entire width of the lane for up to a distance of around 120 metres.

With the expanded fog lamp the system improves the visibility when fog is present. The left bi-xenon headlamp tilts outwards and the light cone is simultaneously lowered downwards. This light function is automatically activated as soon as the rear fog lamp is switched on and the vehicle is not travelling faster than 70 km/h.

The active light function follows the driver's steering angle: sensor data on the steering angle, yaw rate and vehicle speed allow the bi-xenon headlamps to tilt to the side within seconds as soon as the vehicle drives into a curve. With the cornering light function the cornering lamps automatically switch on when the driver activates the indicator or turns the steering wheel.

Audio 50 APS is the entertainment and navigation centre of the vehicle. All functions can be conveniently operated using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel and the 5-inch colour display. With the integral LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system it is also possible to give verbal commands.

In DVD navigation mode arrows point the way. A radio provides entertainment along with a 6-disc DVD changer which can play audio CDs, MP3 CDs and DVDs. To listen to music from external data devices, simply use the Aux-in connection in the glove compartment. There is also the option of using Bluetooth to establish data connections.

COMAND APS is equipped with a hard-disk-based navigation system with map display and a 6.5-inch colour display and serves as the central control unit for all telematics components.

The system’s entertainment functions include a radio, a CD/DVD drive which is MP3-compatible, an equalizer with speed-sensitive volume control and MUSIC REGISTER with a 4 GB hard disk for storing digital music files. An Aux-in connection in the glove compartment, a slot for SD memory cards and a Bluetooth interface provide connections to external data devices and a mobile telephone. In addition the Gracenote® database supplies information on the album and artist for CDs and DVDs. LINGUATRONIC allows you to operate COMAND APS using voice entry.

The sports package emphasises the dynamic character of the C-Class with athletic design elements such as sports pedals or a leather mutifunction steering wheel. The following elements are included in the package:

Interior design:

• Steering wheel gearshift paddles for faster gear changes and manual gear mode (M) (in conjunction with 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission)
• Sporty seats with light double stitching in front and rear
• Driver’s and front-passenger seats with distinctive lateral structure for backrests in black ARTICO man-made leather
• Multifunction sports steering wheel, 4-spoke design in leather
• Chrome/leather gearshift/selector lever
• Brushed stainless steel sports pedals and footrests with rubber studs
• Velour entrance strip with silver chain-stitching and Mercedes-Benz lettering
• Trim

Exterior equipment:

• 18-inch 10-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels (vehicles without 4MATIC with mixed tyres on FA: 245/40 R 18 wheels 8.5 J x 18 ET 38, RA: 265/35 R 18 wheels 9 J x 18 ET 39; vehicles with 4MATIC 245/40 R 18 wheels 8.5 J x 18 ET 38)
• Sportily tuned suspension
• Suspension lowered (vehicles without 4MATIC)
• Brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering (vehicles without 4MATIC)
• Larger braking system in front with perforated disc brakes
• Autonomous braking system (vehicles with 4MATIC)
• Speed-sensitive steering (E 200 CDI, E 220 CDI, E 200 KOMPRESSOR)
• Sporty engine sound (E230 to E 500 4MATIC)
• Two-pipe exhaust system with oval exhaust tip in polished stainless steel