MONTREAL - The Mercedes-Benz C230 and C230 4MATIC(TM) are making their World Exclusive debut to Canada at the 2008 Montreal International Auto Show, held from January 18-27, 2008.

The latest addition to the highly successful C-Class family offers a car with an even greater emphasis on value, agility, comfort and safety. The look of the new mid-size C-Class reveals the latest Mercedes design that's characterized by an edgy interplay of taut lines and wide, rounded surfaces. Revised suspension and steering help make the new C-Class noticeably more agile, along with a new slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission for the C230 rear-wheel-drive model and the 7G-TRONIC automatic tramsmission for the C230 4MATIC(TM).

The C230 starts from $35,800 and the C230 4MATIC(TM) starts from $39,500, they are powered by a 2.5 litre V6, producing 201 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Both models are well equipped with such features as 8-way power adjustable front seats, tire pressure loss warning system, MP3 capable single CD player with Bluetooth technology, rain sensing wipers and 16" alloy wheels

To further enhance the model, the optional Premium Package includes: tilt/sliding glass sunroof, heated front seats, auto dimming mirrors, exterior power folding mirrors, and the harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system with in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

The new C230 and C230 4MATIC(TM) can be ordered with the optional sport package. It is easily differentiated by the AMG body-styling - deeper front and rear aprons as well as under-door rocker panels - grille-mounted star - and twin-spoke 17-inch wheels of staggered width. In addition, the car features sport shocks and springs that provide a crisper ride and a 15 mm (0.6 inches) lower ride height. Interior features include, a three-spoke steering wheel and aluminium or no charge black Birdseye maple trim (instead of the four-spoke wheel and burl walnut trim). An instrument cluster with a titanium-coloured background and rubber-studded aluminium pedals further differentiate the models. The sport package is available for the C300 and C300 4MATIC(TM) at no additional charge. The C350 and C350 4MATIC(TM) come standard with the above mentioned options with the addition of 17-inch 6-twin spoke AMG wheels and a rear lip spoiler.

The new C-Class is now available in six V6-powered models - the C230 and C230 4MATIC, the C300 and C300 4MATIC(TM), the C350 and the C350 4MATIC(TM). The C63 AMG will be introduced in mid-2008. New standard equipment for the C300 and C350 models includes a power sunroof, eight-way power front seats with lumbar support (10-way power front seats with memory and power steering column on C350 models), two-zone automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, bi-xenon headlamps, Bluetooth connectivity and a central controller with a display screen.

Renowned Mercedes-Benz Safety

The 2008 C-Class comes with all the safety features that people have come to expect from Mercedes-Benz - from four-wheel independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes to six air bags, ABS anti-lock brakes, traction control and ESP (Electronic Stability Program). In addition, active front head restraints move forward nearly 51 mm (2 in.) and upward by about 25 mm (1 in.) in the event of a severe rear collision, helping to support the head and reduce the likelihood of whiplash injuries.