Four ways 2015 C-Class cuts fuel consumption by 20 percent 

How did Mercedes-Benz cut fuel consumption in the all-new 2015 C-Class by 20 percent? You lose weight, get more aerodynamic and get two new turbocharged engines. The new C-Class drops a lot of weight and it gets more fuel-efficient than the outgoing generation sedan. The new-generation C-Class has taken on a new transformation that changes the rules for the mid-range luxury segment.

All automakers are looking for ways to reduce fuel-consumption in their new automobiles and there are four ways Mercedes-Benz has been able to cut fuel consumption in the all-new 2015 C-Class by 20 percent. It starts with a complete redesign of the cabin structure that reduces weight.

Weight savings of up to 220 lbs 

One of the key ways automakers are looking to improve fuel mileage is by reducing overall vehicle weight, but some times it reduces safety. Mercedes has been able to accomplish more with less. The new C-Class gets an all-new aluminum hybrid body frame that reduces weight and is close to 154 lbs lighter than a conventional steel body of the outgoing model. It also increases rigidity for improved handling, noise reduction in the cabin and improves crash safety.

C-Class overall weight is even reduced by around 220 lbs. The 2015 version leads the "lightweight rankings" in its segment. The obvious benefits include up to 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption without any loss of performance. The new luxury sedan also features a lower center of gravity, which improves driving dynamics for sportier and more agile handling.

Improved aerodynamics 

Another way to improve fuel mileage is to make the car more aerodynamic. The 2015 C-Class now features fins in the radiator grille that can be closed at certain speeds completely to improve the vehicle's Cd value. It slips through the air easier, and thus with a lower drag, it achieves improved efficiency. The wind resistance is lowered and noise level in the cabin has also been lowered further.

2 new turbocharged engines

A major change in the new 2015 C-Class sees two new turbocharged engines. In the U.S. market, C-Class launches with two models: C300 4MATIC with a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection in-line four cylinder engine. The new 2.0-liter turbo will produces 235 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant improvement over the outgoing 2014 C250 turbo 1.8-liter with 201 horsepower.

As we see with many automakers, they are developing smaller turbocharged engines that are producing more power than the larger naturally aspirated powerplants. The 2015 C400 4MATIC comes with a new 3.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection V6 with 329 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque. This all-new turbocharged powerplant replaces the old 3.5-liter direct injection naturally aspirated V-6 with 248 hp. Both engines are lighter, produce more power and are more fuel-efficient. Both engines are tremendous upgrades for the new U.S. market C-Class.

A new automatic transmission

Mercedes-Benz has also upgraded the old seven-speed automatic with a 7G-TRONIC PLUS which has undergone further development in Stuttgart. The new gearbox also enhances environment-friendliness and fuel-efficiency in the new C-Class. It also comes with the new-generation 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system that improves traction and driving stability in all-weather conditions.

How did Mercedes-Benz cut fuel consumption in the all-new C-Class by 20 percent? It's not one, but four things. By cutting weight with a new aluminum hybrid frame, it’s slippier through the air, it gets two new turbocharged engines and a new 7G-TRONIC PLUS. It looks like the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will remain the best-selling model series for Mercedes. Read more here and see if the new C-Class is a sports sedan or a luxury saloon?