Big diesel for C-class

MERCEDES-BENZ has beaten arch-rival BMW in offering a large-capacity diesel version of its entry-level luxury sedan.

Announced this week ahead of its release in October, the C320 CDI will join the C200K, C220 CDI and C280 V6 versions of the redesigned W204-series C-class sedan, which has met unprecedented demand since launching here in late July.

The C320 CDI, which will be priced from $92,800 ($6100 more than Audi’s A4 3.0 TDI quattro sedan) and becomes the new C-class range-topper until the wild C63 AMG arrives next year, and is powered by a 165kW/510Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 that weighs a relatively lithe 208kg and features direct-injection and third-generation common-rail technology.

The same engine is found in the $85,900 R320 CDI people-mover and the $91,874 ML320 CDI and $105,000 GL320 CDI SUVs, while a detuned (140kW/440Nm) version motivates the ML280 CDI ($78,874), the E280 CDI sedan ($103,300) and the E280 CDI Estate ($109,300). A more powerful (173kW/540Nm) iteration graces the top-shelf S320 CDI, priced at $189,874.

In the seven-speed auto-equipped C320 CDI, which sprints to 100km/h in a claimed 7.7 seconds and features all of the C280 V6’s standard equipment plus three-zone Thermotronic climate-control, it returns combined average fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km. Top speed is electronically limited to 210km/h.



“The C320 CDI offers our leading-edge diesel engine technology in the form of a powerful and economical V6,” said the managing director for the Mercedes Car Group in Australia, Horst von Sanden.



“It combines outstanding driving performance, low exhaust emissions and impressive fuel economy with the safety, comfort and agility that the all-new C-class has wowed so many customers with.



“I know this exciting announcement will be welcome news for our customers, many of whom have been eagerly anticipating this brilliant engine’s appearance in the popular new C-class,” he said.

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