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This is the brand new Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate. And among headline luggage capacity stats and engine variants, one thing stands out.
Using map data from the C-Class Estate's sat nav and GPS location, it automatically closes the air recirculation flap when the car enters a tunnel, and reopens it upon leaving the tunnel. That's right, it uses signals from SPACE to close the air flaps.
Aside from that, the new C-Class Estate is, you'll agree, a very clean design, and sits on the same platform as the new C-Class saloon. It's 96mm longer than its predecessor and 40mm wider, allowing for more leg/shoulder/elbow and headroom. It's also a hefty 65kg lighter than the outgoing Estate: 49 per cent of the car is built from aluminium.
The all-important load capacity rises over the old C Estate too, for a seats-down total of 1510 litres (the 3-Series Touring has 1500 in comparison). Seats-up, and you're looking at 490 litres (495 for the Beemer). The rear seats can also split 40:20:40 rather than just 60:40, making it very versatile in the back.
There are four petrol engines on offer (three four-pots and one six-cylinder), with power outputs ranging from 156bhp to 333bhp, along with a C350 Hybrid with 275bhp to follow.
Merc's diesel engine offering ranges from 115bhp to 204bhp in the power stakes, while there's also the option of the C300 BlueTech hybrid, mating that four-pot diesel to an electric motor for a combined output of 231bhp and 74mpg claimed economy.
Though of course, the one we're all waiting for is the new AMG version of this C-Class - in both estate and saloon form - likely packing a version of the AMG GT's new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. That's a big tick in the ‘Yes' box.
Merc is offering a standard steel suspension-equipped chassis, or one that comes with air suspension, with all-round self-levelling for better ride comfort when the rear is full of Stuff. That's right, air suspension on a C-Class. As usual, the damping is adaptive, ranging from ‘Comfort' through to ‘Sport+'.
There are things like the ‘Easy Pack' power tailgate and ‘Hands Free Access' system (both self explanatory), along with Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, Brake Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Cross-Traffic Assist and Distronic Plus (cruise control that automatically maintains the gap to the car in front).
There are many airbags, an audio system that uses the space within the cross member and side member as a resonance chamber, lots of apps, a touchpad that operates like your smartphone, head-up display and the Mercedes ‘connect me' online services.
We'll confirm UK prices as soon as we hear them. For now, let us know your thoughts.
Written By:- Vijay Pattni
More of this article on the Top gear website
