Mercedes-Benz C-Class Diesel Variant Coming in 2017
Giancarlo Perlas August 4, 2016
The arrival of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class diesel variant will be delayed. According to a source, the fuel-efficient C300d will not be offered in the market until 2017.
The Mercedes-Benz C300d was originally scheduled for the first quarter of this year. However, Rob Moran, Director of Communications for Mercedes-Benz USA, revealed via an email that the diesel model will not arrive until next year. No specific date was provided by the Mercedes representative about the launching of the C300d but it was estimated to come out in the middle of the mentioned year.
The compact crossover based on the C-Class core series named as the GLC Coupe will also have its diesel model pushed back. There is no firm date for the GLC’s release in showrooms too, but it is speculated to be out after its diesel sedan counterpart will be on sale.
The report claimed the so-called “Dieselgate” scandal is to be blamed for the delay. It should be noted that last year, it was found that Volkswagen has been manipulating its official emission figures. The allegations were admitted by its CEO Martin Winterkorn, which led to his resignation from the company. Other big companies like Mercedes and BMW were also dragged into the issue, but Mercedes vehemently denied involvement in such.
The aftermath of the scandal led to a intense scrutiny of all models owned by Mercedes, especially its diesel variants, by the United States of America’s regulatory body. Even the brand’s rivals BMW and Porsche experienced delays in rolling out their diesel models in the U.S. market because of the same reason.
