The S-Class-Inspired Mercedes-Benz C-Class (203 Model Series) Turns 25

The S-Class-inspired Mercedes-Benz C-Class (203 model series) turned 25 years on 21 March.

Second-gen C-Class arrived on 21 March 2000 with several features taking from the 1998 S-Class (220 model series).

The 203 model series differentiates itself from its predecessors (W202) with its front styling, distinctive triangular tail lights.

Besides the saloon (W203), the 203 model series was also available in Sports Coupé (CL 203) and Wagon (S 203).

Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 25 years since the debut of the second-generation C-Class (203 model series), which arrived on 21 March 2000 with several features taking from the 1998 S-Class (220 model series).

The German luxury carmaker purposefully incorporated defining elements from the flagship S-Class into the design of the second-generation C-Class to differentiate it from its predecessors (W202), produced between 1992–2001.

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In addition to its front styling and its distinctive triangular tail lights, the 203 model series also differentiates itself from its predecessors with a longer wheelbase and distinctly short overhangs, along with a more slanted windscreen.

Inside the “Young Classic”, its COMAND control and display system, which configured a wide range of digital functions long before today’s cockpit touchscreens, were also taken from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

At the time, the Mercedes C-Class W203 was available in Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde trims and the 4-cylinder and V6 gasoline and 4- and 5-cylinder diesel engines.

The top model, the C 32 AMG, was equipped with a 3.2-liter mechanical supercharged V6, developing 354 hp. After the 2004 upgrade, the C 55 AMG, with its 367 hp V8 engine, moved to the top of the model range.

Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG Estate of the 203 model series used as the Official Medical Car in Formula One.

Besides the saloon (W203), the 203 model series was also available in two other body variants : the Sports Coupé (CL 203) launched at the end of 2000, followed by the Wagon (S 203) in 2001.

Thanks to sporty and practical strengths of this C-Class, the performance-oriented C 55 AMG estate served as the F1 Medical Car from 2004 to 2007, taking on the role of the emergency response vehicle.

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