MOTOR RIVALS

The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class heralds a new chapter in the Mercedes-Benz success story and sets new standards in the premium mid- range class. A host of new assistance systems offer safety of the highest standard, while a new suspension, optionally air-sprung, provides for exemplary ride and driving comfort as well as nimble and agile handling. In terms of appearance the new C-Class adopts a progressive approach with its clear yet emotional design and its high-class interior. Many other innovations and interior touches underscore the sedan's luxurious comfort and refined sportiness. In all, the perceived quality of the new C-Class feels like an "upgrade to a higher class of travel."

Powertrain

• C300 4MATIC - 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection in-line four-cylinder engine delivering 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque
• C400 4MATIC - 3.0L bi-turbo direct-injection V6 producing 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque.
• A rear-wheel drive version of the C300 will be launched in the first quarter of 2015.
• 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission.
• 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system.

Technology

• A centrally positioned free-standing central display with a screen diagonal of 7 inches or 8.4 inches if Multimedia Package with the COMAND Infotainment System is selected.
• Innovative touchpad in the handrest over the Controller provides for very simple and intuitive operation of all the head-unit functions using finger gestures. The touchpad also permits letters, numbers and special characters to be entered in handwriting - in any language.
• A head-up display is also new to the C-Class. It displays important information directly in the driver's field of vision on the front windscreen. The system provides information on vehicle speed, speed limits and navigation instructions and displays messages from DISTRONIC PLUS.
• DISTRONIC PLUS with Steering Assist - semi-automatic traffic jam assistant which at speeds under 37 mph is able to follow the vehicle ahead even where lane markings are unclear.
• Tunnel detection via satellite navigation - uses the map information from the navigation system and the GPS location data to close the air recirculation flap automatically when the vehicle enters a tunnel.
• AIR-BALANCE package with active fragrance, air ionization and more efficient filtration than is available on the standard model.
• A completely new multimedia generation offers intuitive operation in the new C-Class.
• Frontbass system - acoustic system uses the space within the cross-member and side member in the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers.
• Burmester® surround sound system is optionally available.
• Navigation system - features include an animated compass, a "Drive Show" with information for passengers similar to the on-screen presentations on board airplanes and Google Maps displayed on the head unit.
• COMAND offers a larger display with a resolution of 960 x 540 pixels and a special bonded glass cover such as is familiar from consumer devices like the iPhone or iPad.
• mbrace2 connected car technology - available option to have over twenty Mercedes-Benz Apps integrated into the COMAND system.

Chassis

• Aluminum hybrid body is around 154 lbs lighter than a conventional steel body.
• The vehicle's overall weight is even reduced by around 200 lbs.
• A newly designed 4-link front axle. The front independent suspension is fully decoupled from the spring strut.
• An optimized multi-link independent rear suspension with 5-link concept.
• Standard steel suspension.
• Optional sports suspension lowered by .6 inches as part of the optional Sport Package.
• Optional comfort suspension as part of the optional Luxury Package.
• Optional air suspension (AIRMATIC) on the front and rear axles. Electronically controlled, continuous variable damping at the front and rear. Also features all-round self-leveling.
• Standard electric parking brake.
• Standard Electromechanical Direct Steer system - combines road-speed-dependent power assistance from the speed-sensitive power steering system with a steering ratio which varies according to the given steering angle.
• Active Parking Assist - enables automated parking with active steering and brake intervention in both parallel and end-on parking spaces.

Safety

• Standard ATTENTION ASSIST, which can warn the driver of inattentiveness and drowsiness.
• Adaptive Brake Assist - offers protection from collisions from speeds as low as 4 mph
• Standard COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS - able to carry out autonomous braking at speeds of up to 124 mph. The system also brakes in response to stationary vehicles at a speed of up to 31 mph, and is able to prevent rear-end collisions at speeds of up to 25 mph.
• BAS PLUS Brake Assist System - can detect crossing traffic and boost the braking force if the driver fails to apply the brakes sufficiently
• PRE-SAFE® Brake - can detect stationary vehicles as well as pedestrians, brake automatically if the driver fails to react, thus preventing accidents up to 31 mph and mitigating the severity of collisions at speeds of up to 45 mph.
• In flowing traffic the PRE-SAFE® Brake provides assistance according to the same mode of operation throughout the speed range from 4 to 124 mph.
• Enhanced Active Lane Keeping Assist - can prevent the vehicle from unintentionally drifting out of lane when broken lane markings apply and a risk of a collision arises by applying the brakes on one side.
• Numerous airbags include: pelvis bags for driver and front passenger; a newly developed window bag; side bags for the outer rear seats; a knee bag for the driver.
• The front passenger seat is fitted as standard with automatic child seat recognition. The airbag is automatically deactivated when a child seat is fitted and reactivated once it has been removed.

MSRP
• 2015 C300 - $38,400
• 2015 C300 4MATIC - $40,400
• 2015 C400 4MATIC - $48,590

More powerful, more efficient, more intelligent: the new Audi A4 and A4 Avant feature numerous premium technologies which set higher benchmarks for their class. Elegant design blends with an innovative control concept, and lightweight construction meets new, efficient drivetrain solutions. The A4 and A4 Avant are also ahead of their peers in terms of infotainment and assistance systems. As a result, Audi drivers can look forward to a truly high-tech experience ― an innovative synthesis of technology and esthetics.

Technology

• Automatic climate control with a new interface
• Optional LED interior lighting packages with color-adjustable ambient lighting
• Optionally available: head-up display and Audi virtual cockpit
• Completely redesigned MMI operating concept including free-text search function
• Can also be operated by multifunction steering wheel and natural-language voice control
• Optional top-end infotainment system MMI Navigation plus with MMI touch and an 8.3-inch MMI monitor including Audi connect, LTE connectivity and Wi-Fi hotspot. Audi phone box available with inductive charging
• Many new Audi connect services including remote control via smartphone app to check and control the car
• Audi smartphone interface for connecting Apple and Android phones
• Bang & Olufsen Sound System with innovative 3D sound and Audi tablet as mobile rear-seat entertainment

Powertrain

• Three TFSI and four TDI engines at market launch, 110 kW (150 hp) to 200 kW(272 hp), up to 25 percent more power
• Fuel consumption reduced by up to 21 percent (Sedan model),
• Audi A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra* with new best figures: just 3.8 liters of diesel per 100 km and 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer (159.3 grams per mile)
• Highly efficient 3.0 TDI* in two power versions
• New 2.0 TFSI ultra* with 140 kW with newly developed combustion method and just 5.0 liters of gasoline per 100 km and 114 grams of CO2 per km (183,5 g/mi)
• A4 Avant g-tron* – can operate on sustainably produced Audi e-gas
• New generations of the S tronic, tiptronic and manual transmission. S tronic in A4 for front-wheel drive for the first time, both automatic transmissions with freewheeling function
• Front-wheel drive or quattro drive with wheel-selective torque control

Chassis

• Redesigned, light five-link axles at front and rear, significant increase in comfort with accentuated sportiness
• Newly developed electromechanical power steering, with dynamic steering on request
• Audi drive select dynamic driving system standard as of 140 kW (190 hp), suspension with adjustable shock absorbers available as an option.

Safety

• Stop&Go adaptive cruise control including traffic-jam assist for slow-moving traffic
• Predictive efficiency assistant for even lower fuel consumption
• Audi active lane assist and Audi side assist
• New: parking assist, rear cross-traffic assist, exit warning, turn assist, collision avoidance assist and camera-based traffic-sign recognition
• New safety systems: Audi pre sense city, basic and rear