Mercedes-Benz has expanded its entry-level C-Class to a full line of vehicles with the introduction of a station wagon. The sedan models, C240 and C320, were launched last fall as 2001 models. At the Los Angeles Auto Show in January of this year, a hatchback coupe model was given its send-off, followed a short time later at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit by the launch of the wagon. Power comes from a 3.2L SOHC 3-valve V-6, driving the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission. The transmission is equipped with “Touch Shift,” which allows the driver to manually select gears by slight side-to-side movements of the gear lever. Suspension is fully independent, with disc brakes and standard 4-channel ABS on all wheels. Mercedes-Benz Electronic Stability Program senses if the vehicle is not following the path determined by the steering wheel, and applies selective braking to a single wheel to bring it back into line. Inside, the wagon offers 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up, and 48.9 cubic feet with them down. The rear seat is the split-folding type, so that a rear passenger and long cargo can be carried together. The new model will begin appearing in Mercedes dealerships in September, as a 2002-model.