AN in-car Internet feed will be available on the new Mercedes C-Class saloon and estate which is being launched in March.
The online hook up, which needs to be connected through as ‘smart’ mobile phone, will allow web pages to be viewed inside the car.
It is the first time that such a system has been offered in a Mercedes and makes the new C-Class one of only a handful of cars that are currently web-enabled.
At the moment only Audi has an Internet connection available in the UK on its new A7 Sportback, although other car makers are expected to be introducing such compatibility on next generation models.
The Mercedes system is designed in such a way that it can be operated by the driver only when the car is stationary.
The new C-Class was given a sneak preview to motoring pundits gathered in Detroit on Sunday night in advance of the North American International Auto Show which is being staged in the motor city.
As well as the Internet link, Mercedes announced that the C-Class would also feature a number of new safety features including sensors which automatically stop a car drifting from lane to lane or pulling out in front of overtaking traffic.
The car, which has been restyled inside and out, will be available in three trims – SE, Elegance and Sport – with prices ranging from £25,515 for a C180 saloon to £34,480 for a range topping C250 diesel estate.
All engines used in the range are said to be more powerful while the looks of the car are more angular than before.
Inside, new switchgear and trims similar to those introduced in the SLS AMG gullwing supercar and the new CLS coupe last year give the cockpit a much more upmarket feel.
Allowing for the recent VAT increase, prices for the new line up are about one per cent more than before with the most economical version – a C220 diesel priced from £27,870 – averaging a claimed 64.2mpg with CO2 emissions of 117g/km.
Although the new C-Class was previewed in Detroit, the car will not make its official public debut until the Geneva Motor Show – just before it goes on sale.