I’ve never come across someone who speaks with such passion for a brand than DaimlerChrysler corporate affairs media manager Hans Leithgöb, who has been with Mercedes-Benz since 1972.
At the launch of the new V6 engine additions for the current C-Class range in Stellenbosch, I had the opportunity to speak to Leithgöb at length and try as I might to punch holes into his theories, there was no giving way to his placid “you need to understand the philosophy behind the Mercedes-Benz brand”.
“We develop our own brand of technology in accordance with our philosophy. We’ve never done something purely because another manufacturer is doing it. Take our infra-red cameras for instance. Other manufacturers have made their units heat sensitive, so that you can see thermal readings of pedestrians. So, what happens if there’s a brick in the middle of the road? This is why we’ve developed infrared cameras that will display the imagery of all obstacles on the road.”
Leithgöb didn’t display a simple case of brand bias. Instead, he spoke with a genuine conviction that was difficult to ignore. Of course, the fact that we had just driven the thoroughly impressive range of V6 engine derivatives helped his cause tremendously.
The new C-Class is due to debut in 2007 and the addition of three new V6 petrol engines and one V6 CDi serves to beef up the power at the top of the C-Class range.
The C280 (with 170kW of power and 300Nm of torque) replaces the current C240, the C350 (with 200kW and 350Nm) replaces the C320, the C230 Sport Coupé (150kW and 245Nm) replaces the C230 Sport Kompressor and the C320 CDi (165kW and 510Nm) replaces the C270 CDi.
All the new derivatives feature the 7G-tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox as well as the new Neck-Pro active head restraint system for driver and front passenger and an increase in power of up to 30% and an increase in torque of up to 25%.
The new six-cylinder units feature variable camshaft adjustment, which means that the 24 valves open and close at the best possible time in any driving situation to, among other things, reduce energy losses which also helps reduce fuel consumption.
The course for the launch stretched over 310km and included seven mountain passes on one of the most scenic routes through the Cape region, which featured extremely twisty bits and lovely long stretches of open road. I ended up in the lucky situation of being given the keys to the C350 (which costs R377 000) and the Gods must have been smiling on me on that day as I was also assigned to drive with Richard Wentzel of DaimlerChrysler who was involved in plotting our course. This meant that I didn’t have to consult a tricky map and I had the added advantage of someone who knew where every speed trap was situated. What a pleasure.
I sized up the C350, took notice of the 18 inch 225 tyres at the front and 245s at the back, slipped into the leather seat and was determined to have more than just a little fun with the 200kW on tap and 350Nm available from 2 400rpm to 5 000rpm.
The C350 handled every situation that was thrown in its direction with supreme confidence.
Mercedes-Benz claims the C350 will do nought to 100kph in 6,4 seconds and it has an electronically limited top speed of 250kph.
During the route, the C350 stuck confidently to the road and even at top speeds, it almost dared you to go faster. Towards the end of our journey, we were treated to a lovely little stretch known as Bainskloof Pass. If you’ve never driven through this pass, it is certainly something to try out as the roads have very little traction and it offers an excellent assortment of curves and hairpin bends that should have your passengers green at the gills when they notice how high up they are and how many stretches don’t have any barriers in place to prevent you from certain death if you happen to lose control of your car. Needless to say, I trod very carefully, but was entirely assured of the C350’s (and my own) ability.
The engine update comes at a time when rivals in this segment have launched entirely new model ranges and one has to say that it is a significant enough update to tide us over until the all-new C-Class is available in 2007.