Testing time for C-class

Date: 05 January 2007   |   Author: John Mahoney

In an effort to prove the all-new C-class will have what it takes to take the battle to the dominant BMW 3-series and Audi A4 when it's launched in June, Mercedes granted BusinessCar exclusive access to the arduous development process.

During testing the C-class has covered more than 15 million arduous miles that saw the German compact exec shaken, chilled, baked, vandalised and crashed on your behalf to in the hope that when it goes on sale it will be the toughest, most durable and most reliable vehicle in its class.

Comfort has remained a top priority, with exhaustive testing carried out by engineers in Stuttgart using up to hundreds of thousands of sensors and even dummies to measure unpleasant noise intrusions into the cabin.

Not only is the interior promised to be a quiet and relaxing place to spend time, the C-class will have a cosseting ride too. Engineers have used a ride simulator that allows differing suspension set-ups to be experienced on recreated virtual roads, before a prototype is built. Fine-tuning can then occur on the very same roads in real life.

Computers also enabled Mercedes to get a head start on development by using high-tech digital prototypes in virtual wind tunnels to ensure the C-class is as aerodynamic as possible in conditions that cannot be recreated in wind tunnels, such as crosswinds. This bodes well for stability, fuel consumption and wind noise levels.

Even seat comfort has not been overlooked. Specially developed dummies of varying sizes were created to ensure a real body's weight is supported equally using thighs rather than the backside in an attempt make the most comfortable and relaxing seat possible for long-distance drives.

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