Chassis and suspension: Agile handling and high comfort
The AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which is standard equipment in both the C-Class Saloon and Estate, harmonises perfectly with the dynamic design. It is based on an amplitude-dependent damping system: when driving normally with low shock absorber stimulus, the damping forces are automatically reduced for a noticeable improvement in ride comfort - but without any compromise in handling safety. When shock absorber stimuli are of greater magnitude, for example when cornering at speed or taking evasive action, the maximum damping forces are set and the car is stabilised effectively.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class's AGILITY CONTROL suspension is complemented by a rack-and-pinion steering system. Positioning the steering gear 80 millimetres in front of the wheel centre makes for predictable self-steering characteristics with a slight tendency to understeer. Speed-sensitive steering with variable steering-wheel support and a variable steering ratio is available as an optional extra.
See also:
Downshifting
Pull the left-hand steering wheel paddle
shifter.
The automatic transmission shifts down to
the next gear.
If you brake the vehicle or stop without
shifting down, the automatic transmission ...
Sidewall
The part of the tire between the tread and the
bead. ...
Brakes
Important safety notes
WARNING
On slippery road surfaces, never downshift in
order to obtain braking action. This could
result in drive wheel slip and reduced vehicle
control. Your ve ...