Mercedes-Benz’s new C-Class sedan has beaten the Ford Mustang and the new Volkswagen Passat to clinch the 2015 World Car of the Year award, the biggest prize in global automotive circles. The award was conferred to the C-Class at the ongloing 2015 New York Auto Show by an international jury comprising of 75 automotive journalists from 22 countries around the world.
Delivering the verdict, the jury noted that the C-Class “delivers levels of refinement, luxury, safety, ride and handling that challenge best-in-class,” thanks to its all-new aluminum/steel hybrid platform, updated rear-drive powertrains and design and technological cues from the S-Class.
To be eligible for the 2015 Car of the Year award, a vehicle must become available for sale on at least two continents during the period beginning January 1, 2014 and ending May 31, 2015. Previous World Car of the Year winners include the Audi A3 (2014), VW Golf (2013), Volkswagen Up! (2012), Nissan Leaf (2011), VW Polo (2010), VW Golf (2009), Mazda2 / Mazda Demio (2008), Lexus LS460 (2007), BMW 3-Series (2006) and the Audi A6 (2005).
This year, the C-Class was chosen from an initial entry list of 24 vehicles, followed by a short list of twelve and then, three finalists. Shortlisted finalists included the F45 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, Mazda 2, Hyundai Genesis and Citroen C4 Cactus (which picked up the 2015 World Car Design of the Year award).
Mercedes-Benz also picked up two other 2015 WCOTY titles, the Mercedes-AMG GT bagging the World Performance Car award and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe taking the honours in the World Luxury Car segment, the latter its second title in a row (it won last year with the W222 S-Class). The BMW i8, meanwhile, took the 2015 World Green Car gong.
Speaking about the award, Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Mercedes-Benz, said: “The C-Class has always been a trendsetter in the premium medium-size category. This is true for the new C-Class as well. It comes to the starting line with qualities usually reserved for higher-class automobiles. It embodies what we understand modern automotive luxury made by Mercedes-Benz to be and has all the prerequisites to be a huge success. Accordingly we are extremely delighted of winning the honour of World Car of the Year.”
Congratulations to Stuttgart.