C-Class with added business appeal

Mercedes-Benz has introduced a special edition version of the C-Class to sweeten the appeal of petrol versions.

The C-Class Executive SE is based on the SE model, but comes with the Sport grille with the integrated Mercedes-Benz star, new design 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome trim finishes on the boot lid and exhaust.

It comes as a C180 Kompressor BlueEFFICIENCY 156bhp 1.8-litre engine with a standard manual gearbox, with fuel consumption of 44.8mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 154g/km.

Standard features include COMAND multi-media system including hard disk satellite navigation, Linguatronic voice control and 6GB music storage, while all can be controlled through the multi-function steering wheel.

All manual C-Class models come with Hill Start Assist, removing the need to use the parking brake when pulling away from a standstill, holding the car for a second and allowing the driver to move from the brake pedal to the accelerator smoothly.

Prices are about £600 higher than for the standard SE models, but the special edition adds about £2,200 worth of extra features.

Based on the current tax year, a 40 per cent tax payer would be liable for £138 per month driving the saloon version, rising to £146 per month from April 2010.

It is possible that the Executive SE grade will also be offered on other engines in the C-Class range in the future.