Aerodynamics: Against the wind

Nov 10, 2015

Outstanding fuel consumption figures require great aerodynamic properties. The new C-Class Coupé has the lowest drag coefficient in its segment.

Mercedes-Benz offers the most streamlined cars with the lowest drag coefficients in almost all vehicle categories. The new C-Class Coupé boasts a Cd value of 0.26.

	C-Class Coupé	Predecessor
Drag coefficient Cd	0.26	0.27
Frontal area (A), m²	2.18	2.11
Aerodynamic drag Cd x A	0.57	0.57

Because the aerodynamic drag is greater than all other driving resistance forces from a speed of about 70 km/h, this top figure of the C-Class Coupé pays off in the form of fuel savings and reductions in CO₂ emissions – especially at higher rates of speed such as when driving on the motorway. A reduction in the Cd value by 0.01 points translates into one gramme less of CO₂ per km in the driving cycle (NEDC), while it can equate two grammes in averaged real-world consumption and actually as much as five grammes of CO₂ per kilometre at 150 km/h.

Intensive detail work for Cd benchmark

The aerodynamics engineers achieved the Cd value of the C-Class Coupé with an extensive bundle of measures. They include:

aerodynamically designed front and rear bumpers
aerodynamic wheel spoilers, at the front with 3-D shape and auxiliary spoiler on the front engine bay shroud
sealing between wheel arches and engine compartment
aerodynamically designed exterior mirrors with mirror base
sealing around headlamps and aero lip in the gap between the bonnet and the front bumper
Improved sealing of the radiator section and flow properties to make efficient use of the available cooling air
spoiler modelled on the boot lid
aerodynamically optimised underbody with extensive engine compartment and underbody panelling
aerodynamically optimised wheels and tyres

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Aerodynamics: Against the wind