Review: Mercedes-Benz S204 C-Class Estate (2008-14)

Review: Mercedes-Benz S204.I C-Class Estate (2008-11)

Overview

Released in May 2008, the Mercedes-Benz S204 Series I (S204.I) C-Class Estate was a mid-size wagon. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive S204 C-Class Estate range initially consisted of the C 200 Kompressor, with the C 220 CDI following in September 2008. In 2010, however, the range was revised (see ‘2010 update’, below).

Please note that the Mercedes S204 C 63 AMG Estate has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the S203 C-Class Estate , the S204 C-Class Estate was 180 mm longer (at 4706 mm), 54 mm wider (1782 mm), 9 mm taller (1474 mm) and had a 45 mm longer wheelbase (2760 mm).

Like the Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class sedan , the S204 C-Class Estate had MacPherson strut front suspension with three-links and independent, multi-link rear suspension. The suspension also featured Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Agility Control’, an amplitude-selective damping system that utilised:

• A bypass channel in the shock absorber’s piston pin; and,
• A control piston moving within a separate oil chamber.

When linear travel of the shock absorber was low, the control piston forced oil through the bypass channel to produce a smaller damping force at the damper valve. For greater shock absorber movements, the control piston moved to close the bypass channel so full damping force was available. To be clear, Agility Control used hydromechanics, not electronics to vary suspension behaviour.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz S204 C-Class Estate included dual front airbags, a driver’s knee airbag, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints, front and outer rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters. The C-Class was also fitted with Mercedes-Benz’s PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection and ‘Adaptive Brake’ systems, the latter included emergency braking preparation, a brake-drying function and hill start assist (‘Start-Off Assist’).

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a Mercedes-Benz W204 C 200 CDI sedan received a five star safety rating which included an 82 per cent adult occupant protection rating and 70 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the frontal offset impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side and pole impact tests, however, maximum points were awarded. Under ANCAP’s methodology , this testing resulted in a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 36.16 out of 37.

Features: Mercedes-Benz S204 Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde

The Mercedes-Benz S204 C-Class Estate was available in Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde variants. Standard features for the entry-level C200 Kompressor and C220 CDI Classic models included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker Audio 20 sound system with a six-disc CD player, auxiliary input (3.5mm) and MP3-compatibility, dual-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Thermatic’), ‘Artico’synthetic leather, power adjustable front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lamps, rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a mobile phone interface, 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, speed-sensitive ‘parameter’steering, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, tinted windows, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, 12 volt power outlet and immobiliser.

Both the Elegance and Avantgarde variants were further equipped with electrochromatic rear vision mirrors and power folding door mirrors. However, the Elegance variants were distinguished by their burr walnut interior trim and ambient lighting; the Avantgarde variants featured 17-inch alloy wheels, full leather upholstery, Bird’s Eye dark interior timber trim, a four-spoke steering wheel, two-tone dashboard with silver bezels and black dial faces. Visually, the Avantgarde variants could also be identified by their front grille with the centrally-positioned Mercedes-Benz star and three horizontal louvres.

AMG Sports Package and Vision Package

The C-Class was also available with an optional AMG Sports Package. Based on the Avantgarde, the AMG Sports Package added 17-inch AMG alloy wheels, larger cross-drilled brakes, contoured sports seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, black roof lining, stainless steel pedals, an aluminium-finished gearshift lever and AMG body-styling (front and rear aprons and side skirts); automatic models were also fitted with steering wheel gearshift paddles. The optional Vision Package consisted of a Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, directional bi-xenon headlights and a power-operated glass sunroof.

April 2009: C 200 Kompressor Sports and C 220 CDI Sports

In April 2009, limited-run Sports variants were released of the C 200 Kompressor and C 220 CDI. Compared to their Classic counterparts, the Sports variants were fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting and aluminium interior highlights. Visually, the Sports variants could be identified by their Avantgarde front masks and grey-tint tail-lights.

April 2010: C-Class Estate update

In April 2010, the range underwent an update: the C 200 Kompressor was replaced by the C 200 CGI and the range was expanded with the introduction of the C 250 CGI.

Compared to their predecessors, standard features for the C 200 CGI and C 220 CDI included 17-inch wheels and Avantgarde styling elements (such as its distinctive grille). The C 250 CGI was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, the COMAND APS system and Avantgarde features.

In July 2010, the C 200 CDI was released; it was similarly equipped to the C 200 CGI and C 220 CDI.

Brochure

• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W204/S204 C-Class (International) (August 2007)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W204/S204 C-Class (International) (September 2009)

Related links

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz S204.I C-Class Estate (September 2007)
• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz S204 C-Class Estate (May 2008)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz S204 C 200 Kompressor Estate (May 2008)
• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class Sedan and S204 C-Class Estate (April 2010)

Review: Mercedes-Benz S204.II C-Class Estate (2011-14)

Overview

Released in May 2011, the Mercedes-Benz S204 Series II (S204.II) C-Class Estate introduced a revised range, additional features and cosmetic updates. Fuel economy was also improved as the seven-speed 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission was made standard across the range, while the C 200 CDI BlueEfficiency and C 250 CDI BlueEfficiency featured idle-stop (enabling the engine to shut down when stationary). From February 2012, the C 200 BlueEfficiency and C 250 BlueEfficiency also featured idle-stop.

Visually, the S204.II C-Class Estate could be identified by its reshaped bumpers, air intakes, bonnet contours in the area around the headlights and radiator grille, revised headlight lenses and horizontal LED daytime running lights in the front bumper (from June 2011 production). Inside, there was a new dashboard with grained surface and decorative trim, instrument cluster with integral display and, for Avantgarde variants, a new steering wheel.

Safety equipment

Compared to its S204.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the S204.II C-Class was extended to include driver fatigue monitoring (‘Attention Assist’).

Features

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz S204.II C-Class Estate were extended to include a new Telematics system with Bluetooth mobile and audio connectivity, auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod) and MP3/WMA/AAC compatibility, 1/3 to 2/3 split and folding rear seats with through-loading, parking guidance system, a nappa leather-covered steering wheel and gearshift lever.

Furthermore, the COMAND APS system – fitted to the C 250 models and above – was upgraded and included internet access and a 10 GB hard-drive for music storage.

Brochures and downloads

• Press Kit: Mercedes-Benz W204.II C-Class Sedan and S204.II C-Class Estate (May 2011)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz S204.II C-Class Estate (May 2011)
• Brochure: Mercedes-Benz W204.II C-Class Sedan and S204.II C-Class Estate (October 2012)
• Specifications: Mercedes-Benz S204.II C-Class Estate (July 2013)

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class Sedan