Mercedes-Benz India today launched the C 250d at Rs 44.36 lakh (ex-showroom, Pune). Until now, the C-class line-up featured only the C 200, C 220d and the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S sedan. 

The talking point about the C 250d is the 9G-Tronic transmission it comes with – a first for a C-class in India – as opposed to the seven-speed unit on the other two variants. The German carmaker also announced that the C 250d will be locally assembled in a bid to improve availability of the sedan across the country.

The vehicle comes with a more powerful twin turbocharged 250d motor similar to the one powering some variants of the CLS, E-class as well as the GLE SUV in India. The 2143cc motor develops 201bhp at 3,800rpm and 50.98kgm of torque at 1600-1800rpm. 

This variant of the C-class shares most of the features such as reversing camera, LED ambient cabin lighting with three selectable colours, Attention Assist and a panoramic sunroof among others, with the C 200 and C 220d. It also gets the addition of the Active Parking Assist.

The launch of this top-spec variant will bolster the appeal of the already-popular C-class, which replaced the E-class to be the highest-selling car last year in the country. 

The carmaker also revealed that it sold a record 13,502 units in the year ending December 2015, up 32 percent as against 10,201 units sold in 2014. Mercedes-Benz has plans to introduce 12 new products to its portfolio in 2016 and open 10 new showrooms.