The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, a model range that accounts for one in every five Mercedes-Benz cars sold here, has been launched on the Irish market and can now be seen in dealer showrooms.

When fully available here, the new C-Class line-up will consist of four petrol engine and five diesel engine versions with entry prices beginning at €37,750 (ex works) for petrol models and €37,950 for diesel models.  Petrol versions will include the C180, C200, C250 and C300 models. Diesel versions will include the C180, C200, C220, C250 BlueTEC models and a C300 Diesel
Hybrid.

First to arrive is a C220CDI diesel-powered 2.2-litre, 170bhp version at €43,300 whose many features include a 0.24 Cd value, 103g/km CO2, 4-litres/100km fuel consumption and €190 road tax.  With it come two petrol-powered versions – a C180 1.6-litre, 156bhp model at €37,750 with 116g/km C02 and 5.0 –litres/100km and annual road tax of €200 and a C200 2.0-litre, 184bhp version at €39,500 whose equivalent features are 123g/km CO2, 5.3-litres/100km fuel consumption and annual road tax of €270.  All of the remaining models, including a C300 Hybrid, arrive in September.

Speaking at its launch, Mercedes-Benz sales manager Ciaran Allen said: "With its new looks, keen pricing and well-appointed features, we expect the C-Class to be a very competitive model offering in the mid-range luxury segment. It will be marketed on the three platforms of design and appointments, technical innovation and performance and a highly-competitive specifications-to-value offering."