The 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission increases ride comfort with an exceptionally smooth gear change process. The seven forward gears allow for smaller shifts in engine speed. 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 electronic parking aid PARKTRONIC monitors the front and rear of the vehicle during manoeuvring and warns the driver if there is a risk of collision. If the system identifies an obstruction, it provides a visual signal. As soon as the distance is less than approx. 35 cm, a short warning sound is emitted. When the vehicle gets even closer (less than approx. 25 cm away) a continuous signal is heard. PARKTRONIC uses this procedure to make parking safe, even with limited space available.

PRE-SAFE® recognises the danger of accident early on and activate safety systems which can reduce the change of injury for vehicle occupants. To accomplish this PRE-SAFE® continually monitors the sensor data from the systems such as ESP® and identifies events such as noticeable understeering or oversteering.

If a critical driving situation should occur, the systems respond within fractions of a second. The belt tensioners are activated, the electrically adjustable seats (if included) are moved to a favourable position in the event of a collision and the side windows and the optional sliding/tilting sunroof are automatically closed.

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.

COMAND APS is equipped with a hard-disk-based navigation system with map display and a 7-inch colour display. It 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 and has a video function, 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 PCMCIA slot through which SD memory cards can be used 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 comfortably and conveniently operate COMAND APS using voice entry.

The panoramic sliding sunroof provides a bright, welcoming interior atmosphere and a generous view of the sky. Its surface is almost a third larger and its transparent surface is almost twice as large compared to conventional sliding sunroofs. In addition the roller sunblinds block out any unwanted sunlight.

The dynamic handling package with sports driving mode lends the C-Class even more spirit. With the push of a button you can choose between a particularly comfortable or an excitingly sporty driving style.

In sports mode the rigidity of the damping and the accelerator characteristic both change such that you can feel the response of the engine much more directly. Regardless of which driving mode is in use, the electronically controlled damping system always adjusts to the driving situation and the road conditions.

The components of the dynamic handling package still include the 3-spoke leather steering wheel and the innovative sports parameter steering. With the changed steering characteristic and the direct steering ratio, it provides a particularly sporty steering sensation. The vehicle's lowering by 15 millimetres makes driving around fast curves even more fun.

The AMG sports package lends the vehicle significant added dynamism - both technically and visually.

Technical equipment:

• Perforated disc brakes with aluminium brake callipers and Mercedes-Benz lettering in front
• Sports suspensions lowered by 15 mm
• Sound-optimised rear silencer for the 6-cylinder petrol engine
• Speed-sensitive steering with variable centring, including more direct steering ratio

Exterior equipment:

• AMG front apron
• AMG side skirts
• AMG rear apron
• 17-inch 6-twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels, in high-sheen titanium silver finish (front: 225/45 R 17 to 7.5 J x 17 ET 47, rear: 245/40 R 17 to 8.5 J x 17 ET 58)

Interior design:

• Sports seats in front with Liverpool fabric/ARTICO man-made leather
• 3-spoke black leather steering wheel, including steering-wheel gearshift paddles (in conjunction with automatic transmission)
• Black roof liner
• Gearshift/selector lever in aluminium look with leather gaiter
• Brushed stainless steel sports pedals with black rubber studs
• Black floor mats with AMG lettering