Mercedes Benz

Substantially more agile and efficient, but as comfortable and spacious as ever – the new B-Class from Mercedes-Benz is a winner on all fronts. The vehicle's lower height and more upright seat position provide for a first impression that hints at the compact sports tourer's dynamic credentials. The second generation of the B-Class car heralds a new compact class era at Mercedes-Benz in terms of both design and technology. The entire drive programme is completely new: four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines with direct injection and turbocharging, dual clutch transmission and manual transmission. Several new assistance systems support the driver.


"No model change in the history of Mercedes-Benz has ever seen so many new developments introduced in one fell swoop," stresses Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development. "Future B-Class customers will benefit from this quantum leap in terms of exemplary low fuel consumption and CO2 emissions combined with driving pleasure, plenty of space and the highest standard of safety that has ever been available in this class."

Fuel consumption: up to 21 percent less than its predecessor

The fuel consumption of the new B-Class undercuts its predecessor by up to 21 percent. All the engines have been developed in-house. Both diesel models (B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and B 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY) now run on 4.4 litres per 100 km (114 and 115 g CO2/km respectively ) – their predecessors required 5.2 litres per 100 km. The B 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY attains a CO2 value of 115 g/km with automatic transmission – an improvement of 21 percent on its predecessor (146 g/km). The petrol-engine variants have also made great strides: despite a substantial improvement in performance, the B 180 BlueEFFICIENCY and B 200 BlueEFFICIENCY now run on 5.9 litres per 100 km (137 and 138 g CO2/km respectively), undercutting their predecessors by up to twelve percent.
The new B-Class (length/width/height: 4359/1786/1557 millimetres) will be making its way to European dealers in November 2011.

The exterior design: perfect space in a most attractive guise

The new B-Class is a typical Mercedes sports tourer, offering plenty of space combined with impressive dynamic performance as a hatchback saloon. The characteristic lines of the exterior design indicate both of these attributes: front and rear sport a width-emphasizing design, with a wide, prominent grille and headlamps extending along the sides at the front while the rear end features a wide rear window, two-piece tail lights with horizontally offset meander and a large tailgate with low loading sill.

The new sportiness and the outstanding aerodynamics are particularly evident in the side line: the bonnet flows seamlessly into the A-pillar and the roof line descends sleekly to the striking roof spoiler. The roof features a swage line which lends the vehicle a longer appearance. The pronounced wheel arches offset by dynamic feature lines under the beltline are a sporty interpretation of the current design line from Mercedes-Benz. The bottom edge of the body features dynamic side skirts which lend the vehicle add a light touch to the vehicle's appearance. Refined details such as the modern-look headlamps with the new spotlight element confirm the brand's unmistakable premium credentials which shine through in the compact segment, too.

Outstanding aerodynamics: astounding cd value despite station wagon rear end

An outstanding drag coefficient of cd = 0.26 places the new B-Class at the forefront of its market segment. Apart from the aerodynamic exterior design, numerous optimisation measures on points of detail such as the air flow around the front wheels, the underbody design and the cooling air flow are also crucial contributory factors to this excellent aerodynamic performance. Patents are pending for innovative details such as the serrated wheel arch spoiler. With the optional ECO Technology package which will be available in due course, the B-Class is even on a par with the world-class aerodynamic credentials of the E-Class Coupé, attaining a drag coefficient of cd = 0.24 which is nothing short of sensational for a vehicle with a station wagon rear end.

New concept: lower overall height but more space inside

The new vehicle concept underscores the dynamic aspirations of the new B-Class. The most striking aspect is the reduced height: at 1557 millimetres, the new model crouches almost five centimetres lower on the road than its predecessor. The seat height in relation to the road has also been reduced (minus 86 mm).

In response to requests from many customers, the sitting position is more upright, however. At the same time, the headroom has been further improved. With maximum headroom of 1047 mm at the front (without sliding roof), the B-Class is among the most spacious cars in its segment in this discipline, too. The ergonomically expedient more upright sitting position in combination with a lowering of the vehicle's floor at the rear leads to a segment-leading degree of legroom (976 mm).

The B-Class is optionally available with the so-called EASY-VARIO-PLUS system. This enables simple reorganisation of the interior so as to enable the transportation of bulky items. Features of the EASY-VARIO-PLUS system include fore/aft adjustment of the rear seats by up to 140 millimetres (thereby increasing the luggage compartment volume from 486 to 666 litres) and a front passenger seat whose backrest can be folded forward onto the seat cushion.

The interior design: superior quality in a new dimension

High-quality materials and finely structured surfaces, stylish details, precision workmanship and a new spaciousness – the interior of the B-Class defines a whole new benchmark in the compact segment.

Many features have been the reserve of higher classes of vehicle to date and embody Mercedes-Benz's special understanding of quality and aesthetics. The dashboard is optionally available in ARTICO leather finish with stitching, for example. Four equipment packages (Chrome, Sports, Exclusive and Night package) enable individualisation according to personal tastes.

In the interior, the large, three-dimensional trim covering the entire dashboard first strikes the eye. It is available in four variants, covering a broad spectrum from modern through sporty to classic. Common to all versions is a high-class appeal combining an attractive look and feel with easy care and durability.

The three large round vents in the middle and their uniquely designed cruciform nozzles add a sporty attribute to the interior's emotional design idiom. The display, which is available in two sizes (147 and 178mm) appears to hover over the vents. With its stylish design – the trim frame with galvanised finish contrasting with the piano black of the front panel – and slender lines, the colour display (TFT) is a highly attractive feature in the cockpit.

The 3-spoke steering wheel, which always features a silver chrome insert in the middle spoke, the instrument cluster with four analogue round dials and suspended pointers in 6 o'clock position and the seats with contrasting stitching underscore the sporty character.

The drive: designed for maximum efficiency

The new B-Class features new petrol and diesel engines as well as new manual and automatic transmissions. All transmissions and engines have been developed in-house, with production taking place at the plants in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim and -Hedelfingen, Rastatt/Baden, Gaggenau/Baden and Kölleda/Thuringia. The simultaneous development process enabled perfect coordination of engines and transmissions, e.g. with regard to implementation of the ECO start/stop function which features as standard on all B-Class models.

Common features of the new drive systems are the use of state-of-the-art

technologies for maximum efficiency, very smooth running, high tractive power right from low revs, sustainability in terms of impending emissions standards and low weight. For the purposes of transverse installation the engines, all of which are turbocharged, and the two transmissions are very compactly designed, providing the B-Class with an exemplary small turning circle for a front-wheel drive vehicle of eleven metres. The engine and transmission suspension disposes of a four-point mounting system comprising engine mount, transmission mount and two self-aligning supports. This suspension system has been designed specifically to meet the requirements of the high-torque engines with regard to minimum noise levels. The hydraulic damping integrated in the transmission mount is a key contributory factor to the exceptionally high ride comfort.

The new four-cylinder petrol engines (internal designation M270) mark the launch of a completely new engine series. The combustion process is based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz direct injection system which was introduced last year with the BlueDIRECT V6 and V8 engines. Its use in the B-Class marks this technology's debut in the compact segment. The new four-cylinder engines have been designed for both transverse and longitudinal installation. In the new B-Class they are initially available with a displacement of 1.6 litres, as the B 180 rated at 90 kW (122 hp) and the B 200 with an output of 115 kW (156 hp). Their maximum torque of 200 and 250 Nm respectively is available from an engine speed of 1250 rpm.

The new four-cylinder diesel engine is a further development of the OM651 deployed in the C- to the S-Class, a common rail direct-injection engine of the third generation. With its displacement scaled down to 1.8 litres and numerous optimised points of detail, this is the first time that the compression-ignition engine has been mounted transversely in a Mercedes-Benz car. The B 180 CDI generates 80 kW (109 hp) of power, while the B 200 CDI has an output of 100 kW (136 hp). The maximum torque stands at 250 Nm from 1400 rpm for the 80 kW variant and 300 Nm from 1600 rpm for the 100 kW variant.

Overview of B-Class engines[1]

Another Mercedes-Benz premiere is the new 7G-DCT dual clutch transmission in the B-Class. This transmission is extremely compact, extremely variable with regard to adaptation of the engine speed thanks to seven gears, features an electric oil pump for start/stop capability, shifts gear without any interruptions in tractive power and combines the comfort of an automatic with the efficiency of a manual transmission.

The new 6-speed manual transmission designed along similarly compact lines as a three-shaft transmission is a close relative of the DCT. Extremely easy gear shifting, low shift forces, low internal friction and a low weight are among its most important characteristics.

[1] Germany: May differ from country to country

The chassis and suspension: refined sportiness now for the sports tourer, too

"Fascinatingly agile" is the assessment of all test drivers who have put the new B-Class through its paces to date. Three factors are instrumental to the substantially enhanced dynamic performance in comparison to its predecessor, which does not come at the cost of any compromises on comfort: the lowered centre of gravity, the new four-link rear axle and the upgraded ESP®Electronic Stability Programme. A sports suspension is optionally available for further enhanced agility. The centre of gravity has been lowered by a further 20 mm and the suspension additionally features sports dampers with amplitude-selective damping and a Direct-Steer system to emphasize the car's sporty character.

Steering: mechanical with electric assistance

The electromechanical steering of the B-Class has been redesigned. The electric motor of the servo assistance system is now located directly on the steering gear as a dual pinion EPS system, thereby optimising the package as a whole. A Direct-Steer system is available in combination with the sports package. The steering ratio becomes noticeably more direct at greater steering angles, enhancing the vehicle's handling and agility substantially.

The electromechanical steering system makes an important contribution to the vehicle's overall efficiency, as the steering assist function only requires energy when steering actually takes place.

New assistance and braking system reduces the risk of rear-end collisions

As a world first in the compact segment, the B-Class features a radar-based collision warning system with adaptive Brake Assist as standard, which lowers the risk of rear-end collisions. The COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST system gives a visual and acoustic warning to alert a possibly distracted driver to identified obstacles, and prepares Brake Assist for the most precise possible braking response. This is initiated as soon as the driver emphatically operates the brake pedal.

In contrast to systems currently on the market in the compact class, the new COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST brake assist feature is not merely a system intended to minimise minor damage in urban traffic. Rather, this innovative solution is aimed at protecting motorists from typical rear-end collisions in dangerous traffic situations. Mercedes-Benz expects the new safety system to have a significant positive effect on accident statistics.

The democratisation of safety also encompasses an array of other assistance systems which have been adopted into the B-Class from the larger model series. These include:

- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST (standard)
- Speed Limit Assist (speed limit sign recognition)
- Active Parking Assist
- Brake HOLD function
- Hill Hold function
- LINGUATRONIC
- Reversing camera
- DISTRONIC PLUS

Premiere in the compact class: PRE-SAFE® available for the first time

The PRE-SAFE®preventive occupant protection system which features in the B-Class is available for the first time in this vehicle category. This represents a further step in the ongoing democratisation of this innovation, which was premiered in the S-Class in 2002. Core features of PRE-SAFE®are reversible belt tensioning, the closing of side windows and sliding sunroof in case of critical lateral dynamics and adjustment of the fully electric front passenger seat with memory function to an ideal position for maximum effectiveness of the restraint systems. PRE-SAFE®is always activated in response to critical longitudinal and lateral dynamics and may also be triggered upon intervention by certain assistance functions.

The scope of restraint facilities takes special account of the B-Class's use as a family car. Great importance has been attached to the safety of the rear occupants. Belt tensioners, belt-force limiters and belt height adjusters come as standard on the outer seats. Rear sidebags are optionally available. Integrated child seats and automatic child seat recognition are available as in the predecessor. Driver and co-driver are provided with new pelvis bags which are able to cover the pelvis and the entire upper part of the body. For head protection, a windowbag is fitted as standard.

COMAND Online multimedia system with internet access

Internet access, the convenient LINGUATRONIC voice control system, two navigation solutions tailored to different budgets, connection for mobile audio devices and an intuitive operating concept – the information and communication systems in the B-Class offers excellent user-friendliness and a superior level of functionality which has been the reserve of higher categories of vehicle to date. It is the new multimedia generation from Mercedes-Benz which delivers these standards. The operating concept featuring the turn/push control in front of the armrest and the control knob on the head unit is also familiar from other Mercedes model series.

The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access. Customers can either surf the web as they wish while the car is stationary or call up a Mercedes-Benz app whose particularly fast page loading and simple operation make it suitable for use while driving. Integrated apps include Google™ Local Search and Weather and the facility for downloading a route which has previously been configured on a PC using Google Maps and transmitted to the car.

All set for the future: modular "ENERGY SPACE" concept

The modular "ENERGY SPACE" concept means that the new B-Class is already designed to accommodate versions with an alternative drive: appropriate interfaces in the body shell enable the main floor panel to be modified and a step to be produced for the versions with alternative drive. An underfloor compartment covering part of the area under the rear bench seat offers space for alternative energy accumulators.

Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class) finished in the penultimate race of the season contested in Valencia in seventh position. The race was won by Mattias Ekström (Audi). Spengler has 51 points in the drivers’ standings and goes into the grand finale in Hockenheim on 23rd October in second position. Martin Tomczyk (Audi) clinched the drivers’ championship in Valencia with one race still left on the calendar.


Renger van der Zande (stern AMG Mercedes C-Class) and David Coulthard (Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes C-Class) came home in fifth and sixth place. After qualifying in Valencia, race stewards handed down a penalty to both Coulthard and van der Zande for running rear wings that allegedly did not conform to regulations. Their teams have lodged an appeal – the two drivers were allowed to start from their original grid positions, but for the moment, their results will not stand.

Gary Paffett (THOMAS SABO AMG Mercedes C-Class) finished eighth, Jamie Green (AMG Mercedes C-Class) was tenth, Susie Stoddart (TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class), Christian Vietoris (Young Stars AMG Mercedes C-Class) and Ralf Schumacher (Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class) finished in P11, 12 and 13. Maro Engel (GQ AMG Mercedes C-Class) was 15th.

Across the race weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), a total of 16,000 spectators visited the Valencia circuit to watch the DTM race.

Race summary

The start: David Coulthard and Renger van der Zande defend their starting positions three and four. Jamie Green moves up from P11 to P8 on the opening lap. Bruno Spengler goes up two places, from 12th to 10th.
Lap 11: The pit stop window is now open. Coulthard is the first C-Class driver to come in. Susie Stoddart also makes her first mandatory pit stop.
Lap 12: Van der Zande, Jamie Green and Christian Vietoris come into the pits.
Lap 16: Spengler pits for the first time.
Lap 17: First pit stop for Gary Paffett.
Lap 18: Ralf Schumacher completes his first mandatory pit stop.
Lap 19: Maro Engel is the last C-Class driver to make his first pit stop.
Lap 24: Second pit stop for Bruno Spengler. He reemerges ahead of Edoardo Mortara (Audi).
Lap 25: Paffett and Vietoris change tyres for the second time.
Lap 26: Second mandatory pit stop for Stoddart, Green and Coulthard.
Lap 27: Van der Zande pits for the second time and returns to the track before Coulthard.
Lap 30: Paffett overtakes Mortara (Audi), moving into eleventh place.
Final lap (Lap 45): After 45 laps and some 180.22 km, Renger van der Zande and David Coulthard finish in P5 and P6 - but their positions won’t count in the standings for the moment. Bruno Spengler and Gary Paffett come home in seventh and eighth place.

Comments after the race:

Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class) – seventh:
“This was unfortunately not the championship outcome that we had wanted, but we didn’t lose the title today – that happened much earlier. Congratulations to Martin Tomczyk and Phoenix-Audi – they deserved to win. It was a tough race. We fought hard and the guys did a very good job – pit stops went perfectly, enabling me to move up a position, but more was not possible. My team gave their all, but it wasn’t enough to win the title, it’s a pity. Many thanks to the guys for their brilliant support. We now intend finishing the season with a win at our home race in Hockenheim. I’m a fighter and will push hard again next year.”

Gary Paffett (AMG Mercedes C THOMAS SABO-Class) – eighth:
“The C-Class drove really well today. Although Bruno is no longer able to win the title, we still have one more race ahead of us, and we intend to go back on the attack. From a personal point of view, I’ve had a difficult season, but as a team, we’ve done a good job. Though at the end of the day, Audi have finished on top. I’d like to congratulate Martin Tomczyk on a well-deserved title win. It’s all the more to his credit that he put in such a great performance in an old car.”

Jamie Green (AMG Mercedes C-Class) – tenth:
“The start was good, and the speed of the C-Class promised a lot for the race. Unfortunately, I got stuck in traffic early on and wasn’t able to show my true potential. Now I’m focusing on Hockenheim and hoping that I’m able to pick up points again.”

Susie Stoddart (TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class) – 11th:
“Starting from last on the grid didn’t exactly make for an easy race. Even so, I managed to keep up with my team-mates. I got the maximum out of the C-Class today and hope that I can put in another good performance at Hockenheim. I feel so sorry for Bruno that things didn’t work out for him in his title challenge.”

Christian Vietoris (Junge Sterne AMG Mercedes C-Class) – 12th:
“This was a very tough race. Our starting position on the grid wasn’t easy, but we did our best. I wasn’t able to improve my position during the race, unfortunately – I'm of course very disappointed not to have finished in the points.”

Ralf Schumacher (Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class) – 13th:
“That was not an easy race for us drivers today. I would have like to have finished further up the field, but it just wasn’t possible. My focus is now on the final race of the season at Hockenheim where I intend to lay on a great show for our fans in the Motodrom and the Mercedes grandstand.”

Maro Engel (GQ AMG Mercedes C-Class) – 15th:
“From a motor racing perspective, this year’s Valencia weekend wasn’t the best for me: P15 in both qualifying and the race are not satisfactory results as far as I am concerned. So I’m looking forward all the more to the closing race at Hockenheim where I recorded by best ever DTM result in 2009. I’d very much like to put in a repeat performance in the last race of the season.”

Renger van der Zande (stern AMG Mercedes C-Class) – not classified:
“I’m satisfied with where I finished in the race itself. I’m pleased that I was able to put in such a strong performance in Valencia. The heat made it a difficult race, but I gave it everything I’d got. It’s a shame for Bruno and Mercedes-Benz that the championship is now over. Although nobody will be battling it out for the title at Hockenheim, we’ll be on the attack and aiming to cheer up our fans with a decent result in our home race.”

David Coulthard (Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes C-Class) – not classified:
“That was a tough race but enjoyable – it was a lot of fun fighting with the other guys at the front of the field. Shame that Bruno now has no chance of taking the championship; he’s had a terrific season and would have made a worthy winner. The same applies to Martin Tomczyk – well done, but next year we want to bring the championship back to Stuttgart. Season finale in Hockenheim, where I once again intend putting on a good show for our fans in the Motodrom and in the Mercedes stand.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport:
“Congratulations to Martin Tomczyk and Phoenix Audi on winning the championship. Things didn’t work out for us as we would have hoped in the last three races, so we were unable to repeat our title win of last year. Now we are looking forward to the grand finale at Hockenheim where we intend to win the last race to be contested under the existing rules.

Bruno drove well throughout the season, but at the end of the day, it wasn’t to be. Without the retirement in the previous race at Oschersleben caused by a defective shock absorber, I feel sure the title race would not have been decided ahead of the final weekend. Many thanks to all our team members for their hard work and dedication this season. We remain fully motivated for the last race of the season at Hockenheim.”

Roberto Merhi (20 years old, Spain, Prema Powerteam) is the new Formula 3 Euro Series champion. The Spanish driver clinched the title during the penultimate race weekend of the season in Valencia and, as an additional reward, has been invited to test for DTM at the wheels of the new AMG Mercedes C-Coupé. After 24 races out of 27 this season, Merhi achieved nine wins, seven pole positions and 17 podium finishes, driving a car powered by the Mercedes-Benz Formula 3 engine.


Promoting young racing talent is a long-standing tradition at Mercedes-Benz. Since the Formula 3 Euro Series was first staged in 2003, drivers powered by Mercedes-Benz engines have won almost 80 percent of all races (145 victories out of 182, of which 110 were one-two finishes) and seven out of nine drivers’ championship titles. In the same period, 13 drivers managed to make the step up to Formula One, having served their apprenticeship in Formula 3 with Mercedes-Benz power. One third of the 2011 F1 starting grid learned their trade in Formula 3 with a Mercedes-Benz engine, including world champions Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, 2010 DTM champion Paul Di Resta, Adrian Sutil, Kamui Kobayashi, Sébastien Buemi, Jaime Alguersuari and Bruno Senna.

Similar successes have been achieved in other top racing series by former members of the Mercedes-Benz junior development programme. Of the nine Mercedes-Benz DTM drivers in the 2011 season, five started out in Formula 3 driving a Mercedes-Benz powered car: Jamie Green (2004 Formula 3 Euro Series champion), Bruno Spengler, Maro Engel, Christian Vietoris and Renger van der Zande.

The 2012 DTM AMG Mercedes C-Coupé is the successor to the AMG Mercedes C-Class, which is the most successful vehicle in the 27-year history of DTM, having taken 84 victories from 157 races and five drivers’ championship titles. The new car is based on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé which had its world premiere in summer 2011 and offers a new, improved safety concept with optimised carbon-fibre monocoque, roll cage and crash structures. Development, design and construction of the vehicle began in June 2010 at HWA AG, and the first test drives took place in September 2011 at the Lausitzring with Gary Paffett at the wheel.

Roberto Merhi: “Being asked to test for DTM in the new AMG Mercedes C-Coupé is the icing on the cake after winning the Formula 3 Euro Series championship title. It’s a great honour for me to follow in the footsteps of such successful drivers as Lewis Hamilton, Jamie Green and Paul Di Resta, who all won the Formula 3 Euro Series title with Mercedes-Benz in recent years and then went on to compete in Formula One or DTM. I would like to say a very big thank you to Mercedes-Benz for their support. I would not be where I am today, but for the Mercedes Young Driver Programme, which has enjoyed a terrific amount of success for a number of years. I’m going to push as hard as I can to justify the confidence placed in me and my dream is to remain in the Mercedes driver line up.”

Norbert Haug, Vice-President, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport: “Roberto Merhi is an exceptional talent, and his title win in the Formula 3 Euro Series 2011 will be an important milestone in the international racing career he has ahead of him. Mercedes-Benz Motorsport has overseen his development to date in the same way that we brought on the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Paul Di Resta, Jamie Green, Bruno Spengler, Christian Vietoris and Renger van der Zande, to name just a few of the drivers who have since gone on to even greater things in Formula One and DTM after starting out with Mercedes in Formula 3. Seven championship titles out of a possible nine since the Formula 3 Euro Series was first staged in 2003 clearly demonstrate that our development programme for young talent is founded on a system that leads to success – and ultimately to the Formula One world championship, as in the case of Lewis Hamilton driving a McLaren-Mercedes in 2008, or to the DTM title, which Paul Di Resta won last year before graduating to Formula One. We will continue to work with Roberto Merhi and his test in the next-generation DTM C-Coupé is a further step in his career. Congratulations, Roberto, on a first-class season. And congratulations also to our partner team Prema. Without perfect teamwork in Formula 3, there can be no perfect results. In 2011, Roberto Merhi and Prema delivered these in abundance - and in convincing style.”

Renger van der Zande (stern AMG Mercedes C-Class) will begin the ninth race of the 2011 DTM season in Valencia on Sunday (start: 13:00 BST, from 12:45 BST live on ARD television) as the best-placed Mercedes-Benz driver in third position on the grid. The DTM rookie posted a 1:31.173 minutes in the shoot-out at the end of qualifying. Mattias Ekström (Audi / 1:30.608 minutes) will be on pole.


David Coulthard (Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes C-Class / 1:31.338 minutes) will be in fourth place on the grid at his 20th DTM race on Sunday, meaning he’s improved his best DTM qualifying result so far – Shanghai 2010 – by two places.

Gary Paffett (THOMAS SABO AMG Mercedes C-Class / 1:30.297 minutes) will be in ninth place on the grid for the start of the penultimate race of the season. Jamie Green (AMG Mercedes C-Class / 1:30.602 minutes) and Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class / 1:30.621 minutes) will be in P11 and P12. Ralf Schumacher (Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class) posted a 1:30.304, the tenth best time of the third segment of qualifying, but because of a place penalty handed down at the last race in Oschersleben, he will be in P13.

Qualifying Part 1: Gary Paffett was the best-placed C-Class driver in the first qualifying segment with a time of 1:30.052 minutes – third fastest. Maro Engel (GQ AMG Mercedes C-Class / 1:30.583 minutes), Christian Vietoris (Junge Sterne AMG Mercedes C-Class / 1:30.587 minutes) and Susie Stoddart (TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class /1:30.739 minutes) finished 15th, 16th and 18th respectively. The gap between best time and 18th place was only eight and a half tenths of a second.
Qualifying Part 2: The second qualifying session was suspended after a spin by Edoardo Mortara (Audi). All the remaining drivers go through to the third part of qualifying.

Comments on qualifying:

Renger van der Zande (stern AMG Mercedes C-Class) - third (1:31.173):
“Getting into the fourth qualifying session is a marvellous result for me. I drove a great lap and the lap time speaks for itself – we found more grip as qualifying progressed, and raised our game compared to free practice. It was absolutely great to be driving among the leaders. Hopefully, I’ll soon be mixing it at the very front of the field much more often.”

David Coulthard (Deutsche Post AMG Mercedes C-Class) – fourth (1:31.338):
“The shoot-out at the end of qualifying was new for me, but what a great experience! It wasn’t altogether easy for me to adjust to it – it’s been some time since I had only one shot at qualifying. Naturally, I’m delighted with fourth place on the grid. From this position, a good race is a strong possibility.”

Gary Paffett (THOMAS SABO AMG Mercedes C-Cass) - ninth (1:30.297):
“It’s been extremely difficult here today, in this weather with these temperatures. My car was sliding around a lot during qualifying, and it wasn’t easy to post a perfect lap because of the tyres. Overall, it’s a disappointing result, because my speed was good. Unfortunately, I made a small error in Q3, and that cost me time.”

Jamie Green (AMG Mercedes C-Class) - 11th (1:30.602):
“This was obviously not a great qualifying session for me. Unfortunately, I just wasn’t quick enough to achieve a better result. The balance of my C-Class was fine, but on every lap I made a small mistake – and that cost me time. Eleventh place is disappointing, but that’s motor racing for you.”

Bruno Spengler (Mercedes-Benz Bank AMG C-Class) - 12th (1:30.621):
“Qualifying didn’t go as I would have liked. I gave it my best shot, but unfortunately it just wasn’t possible to post a faster lap time. Now we’ll analyse this as a team to find out why. Tomorrow’s another day. In the race we’ll be trying to move up the field from the rear. I started twelfth in Spielberg earlier this season and managed to move up as far as fourth place – so tomorrow there’s everything left to play for.”

Ralf Schumacher (Salzgitter AMG Mercedes C-Class) - 13th (1:30.304):
“This wasn’t the result I’d expected. I’d wanted to mix it with the leading drivers here, but sadly that wasn’t possible today. The long-runs were promising at least, so let’s hope we’ll look better in the race tomorrow.”

Maro Engel (GQ AMG Mercedes C-Class) - 15th (1:30.583):
“15th on the grid is not great, especially since I came to Valencia with such high hopes. I‘ve been struggling with my car right through the weekend. The grip has been poor and the car has been really difficult to drive, so I didn’t manage to post a decent lap. I’ll give it all I’ve got in the race, but it certainly won’t be easy from this grid position.”

Christian Vietoris (Junge Sterne AMG Mercedes C-Class) - 16th (1:30.587):
“I’d certainly aimed to do better, but I started the last race in Oschersleben from 17th place and still finished in the points. I’m hoping for a similar result in tomorrow’s race. Getting a good start, with perfect pit stops and the right strategy, that’s what’s important.”

Susie Stoddart (TV Spielfilm AMG Mercedes C-Class) - 18th (1:30.739):
“18th, that’s not exactly brilliant as a result! I had hoped for more, but was plagued by oversteer otherwise I would have kept up with my team-mates. I will push as hard as I can in the race to try and move as far up the field as possible.”

Norbert Haug, Vice President Mercedes-Benz Motorsport:
“Renger and David ran well here today, putting their 2011 C-Class cars places on the second row of the grid. Martin Tomczyk in P11 wasn’t exactly strong, but unfortunately, we are unable to get Bruno away in front of Tomnzyk – we were just 68 thousandths of a second adrift. Tomorrow, we’ll try to move up the field, so that Bruno secures more points than Tomczyk."

"Fifth and tenth place are separated by one tenth of a second, which shows once again how close racing is in the current DTM line up. The race tomorrow could be full of surprises and Bruno's chances of clinching the championship after his bad luck with a shock absorber in the last race that cost him the lead in the standings are still very much alive.”

Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts looking to get a taste of the all new 2012 C-Class Coupe can get an opportunity to test drive the sleek two-door sports car courtesy of the luxury car maker through a Facebook test drive program as of September 21, 2011.


Mercedes-Benz is putting the athletic sports coupe in the hands of those who showcase their prowess for adventure via 1-2 minute video submissions on the Mercedes-Benz Facebook page www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzusa. Ten submissions are going to be chosen based on what Facebook fans would do with a C-Class Coupe for one week. Those chosen to fulfill their adventure are receiving a stipend of $2,000 in addition to the C-Coupe to help carry out their quest.

The C-Coupe Your Week program submission is underway and runs through October 14, 2011, 5 p.m. EST. Participants in the test drive program will have their submissions posted to the Mercedes-Benz Facebook page along with videos and photos from their adventure.

The 2012 C-Class Coupe has an aggressive stance that conveys performance from every angle. Both the 201-hp 1.8L turbo-4 engine in the C250 and the 302-hp 3.5L V-6 engine in the C350 are all-new. A high-pressure Direct Injection technology micro-manages the fuel spray as quickly as 0.1 millisecond for rich torque, leaner efficiency, and cleaner emissions. The C-Coupe is currently available at Mercedes-Benz dealers.

Source: Mercedes-Benz USA

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