Rear-wheel drive combines with a double-wishbone front suspension and a patented five-member multi-link rear suspension. The double-wishbone setup is superior to a strut-type design. By not requiring the shock absorber to help locate the front suspension, it can be softer; the wide placement of the upper and lower wishbones contribute to sturdiness. The rear multi-link rear suspension is space efficient -- allowing a larger trunk. It also eliminates unwanted rear steering effects and incorporates anti-lift and anti-squat characteristics. That means the car tends to be more stable in corners, under hard braking and during hard acceleration.
Brake Assist, standard on all C-Class models, goes one step beyond the standard anti-lock braking system. Mercedes-Benz research determined that many drivers don't brake hard enough for emergency situations. Brake Assist detects panic braking by how quickly the brake pedal is pushed and applies full braking force faster than the driver could.
All C-Class models have a driver-adaptive 5-speed automatic transmission. The computer modifies shifting to match how and where the car is being driven at the moment. By sensing through throttle position and speed, for example, it can determine the car is going downhill and will hold the car in gear rather than upshifting to provide engine braking. Press the pedal quickly and the computer will assume the driver wants to downshift for quicker acceleration. The system reduces hunting between gears by discerning uphill grades. It also uses data from the cruise control system and engine temperature to control shifting. Next Page