Beijing, June 1, 2010 – Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. today announced the launch of the new C-Class Estate, available in two models – C 200 CGI and C 300– priced at RMB 430,000 and RMB 548,000 respectively. The C-Class Estate combines impressive spaciousness with unique design, driving dynamics and extreme safety together with multi-functional practicality, thus making it the perfect vehicle for customers who desire a trendy vehicle that reflects their individuality and pursuit of a leisurely lifestyle. With the introduction of the C-Class Estate, Mercedes-Benz becomes the first automaker to enter the luxury station wagon segment in China's auto industry, once again echoing the Mercedes-Benz's pioneering spirit.

Mercedes-Benz took into consideration the diversified needs of customers, and immediately launched the C-Class Estate to open up the market's luxury station wagon segment. Mercedes-Benz debuted and began pre-orders for the C-Class estate in China at Auto China 2010, which quickly garnered immense popularity among customers who appreciated the novel characteristics of the vehicle.

As a trendy vehicle perfectly suited for everyday use as well as leisurely travels, the C-Class Estate rightfully boasts outstanding spaciousness and unparalleled storage room. For instance, through adjusting foldable back seats, occupants may have 485 – 1,500 liter volume, which is big enough to fit four golf bags. At the same time, the C-Class Estate also provides numerous devices for quick load and safe transport, including hooks and storage nets, which are available for easy separation and arrangement of items. Furthermore, the model is also equipped with aluminum roof rack as standard, allowing customers to place large items, such as bicycles, during their long-distance travels.

In keeping with the spacious nature of the C-Class Estate, Mercedes-Benz is also fully aware of the importance of maintaining practicability while being stylish at the same time, which is clearly evident in the unique design of the model. The C-Class Estate's front section is characterized with an impressive sporty essence, along with translucent headlight eyelids and arrow-shaped turning lights – all of which contribute to a strong visual impact. In addition, the model features an oblique flow roof line, which gathers with the powerful side line at the tail to create a dynamic body shape, thus further establishing its unique and active personality. A panoramic sunroof is also applied as standard on C 300, allowing the cabin interior to bathe with sunlight to make an even more pleasant driving ambience.

The C-Class Estate also guarantees outstanding performance and driving agility. The C 300 carries a smooth and powerful improved V6 engine, with a maximum output of 170kW, along with 7G-TRONIC transmission. Equipped with an all-aluminum 1.8 liter inline four-cylinder turbo-charged direct injection engine, the C 200 CGI can reach a maximum output of 135 kW and a torque of 270 Nm, representing outstanding fuel consumption without compromising the powerful drive delivery thanks to its BlueEFFICIENCY package. Additionally, the C-Class Estate is also equipped with the AGILITY CONTROL suspension as standard, which further enhances driving comfort and enjoyment.

Customary of Mercedes-Benz's safety-first philosophy, the C-Class Estate features the automaker's signature safety technologies. Among others, the preventive occupant protection system PRE-SAFE®, which offers outstanding safety performance, such as ESP electrical stability program and BAS brake assist system sense in real time potential risks. The model also includes NECK-PRO crash-responsive head restraints and eight airbags to ensure the C-Class Estate is second to none when it comes to extraordinary safety standards.

As part of Mercedes-Benz's attention to the increasing desire for individualism among customers, the C-Class Estate offers an optional AMG sports package for the racing enthusiasts. With the AMG package, the C-Class Estate offers an array of high-performance and sporty features – for which AMG is renowned – to enhance the driving dynamics, including the AMG 17" 6-twin spoked mixed tires, AMG sports seats, AMG sports suspension (15 mm lowered), speed sensitive sport steering and leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.

As a model that artfully integrates the comfort of a luxury sedan together with the spaciousness of an SUV, the C-Class Estate is set to appeal to Chinese customers and families desiring a stylish car that advocate the pursuit of a leisurely lifestyle. Today's launch of the C-Class Estate not only further enriches the automaker's portfolio and brand image in China, but it also serves as another testament of the three-pointed star's pioneering vision, as Mercedes-Benz is set to extend its leadership in the luxury station wagon segment.