2015 C-Class Estate The First Mercedes With New Features by Henny Hemmes +VIDEO

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

The C-Class Estate is not just a lifestyle wagon, it's a luxury vehicle for customers with an active lifestyle.

By Henny Hemmes
Senior European Editor

FRANKFURT - August 8, 2014: The introduction of the new generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate also includes the premiere of some new high-tech features. The Estate is the first model with ‘Mercedes connect me’, a package of services in Europe that is bundles under the brand name ‘Mercedes me’.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

The services are available on a digital internet platform and can be accessed via a personalized Mercedes ID on the designated website. Customers can connect to their vehicle from anywhere and at any time via "connect.mercedes.me".

When I asked Andreas H�fner, responsible for product management MBconnect, about the safety of the system, he said that unlike the Tesla Model S that has recently been hacked, it would be much extremely difficult to go into the car’s system, as it works via a special integrated (COM) module.

Except for breakdown assistance, telediagnosis and maintenance management, ‘Mercedes connect me’ also includes the emergency call system that automatically connects occupants with the Mercedes Emergency Call Center and sends the location and condition of the car to a rescue operations center. Not only can a rescue vehicle immediately be directed to the car, but the nearest hospital will be informed in order to prepare for incoming victims with an indication of the state of their condition and injuries. It works automatically, but can also be activated manually. The new system also allows owners to remotely lock or unlock doors, check the status of their vehicle and to program the auxiliary heater.

The touchpad on top of the controller in the center console of the Estate is another new feature. It has been developed by Mercedes-Benz and you can operate all the main functions by ‘writing’ on the pad, like on a smart phone.

The C-Class Saloon debuted earlier this year with new software based on the iPhone to use ‘CarPlay’, Apple’s infotainment system and it speaks for itself that the Estate has this as well.
• SEE ALSO: New Mercedes-Benz C Class: MY2015 C-Class Sedan

For those who are going to make the new T-Modell part of their active lifestyle, Mercedes has developed a line practical products, which are available as ‘Genuine Accessories’.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

For a more active look there is the front apron spoiler lip and a roof spoiler. They can be painted in the desired color and fitted by a Mercedes dealer. Also available are two-piece mirror housings and the LED-illuminated Mercedes star for vehicles with the star emblem in the grille. But it only lights up when the engine is switched off and when the car is locked or unlocked by remote control and when the doors or hatch are opened. Also available are an illuminated door sill panel and stainless steel sports pedals, removable child seats for different ages and a baby-safe infant carrier.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate

Additionally, Mercedes offers a foldable bicycle rack to mount on the trailer coupling. It can hold up to three bikes and even allows the tail gate to be opened with the rack installed. For those who want an exclusive bike, Mercedes has a new trekking bike and a new fitness bike with aluminum frame available. They come in three sizes for males and females. And would you rather take your equipment on the roof of the car, then there are the Easy-Fix carrier bars for roof rails, that can be combined with a new bicycle rack and ski and snowboard rack.

Last but not least there is a range of practical accessories for the rear compartment: Style & Travel Equipment. Such as a basic support, that should be clamped between the posts of the front head restraints and acts as a holder for further accessories. Coincidentally, I saw such a feature a week earlier in the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate