MERCEDES-BENZ is planning a flying start to 2001 with three world premieres - including the unveiling of the new C-class estate which goes on sale later this year.

The C32 AMG and the SLK 32 AMG are also being unveiled this month. Both have identical 3.2-litre high-tech supercharged V6 engines delivering 354bhp, setting new benchmarks in the compact high-performance saloon and roadster market. The new C-class estate completes the young, progressive model family of the Mercedes-Benz C-class.

In addition to the sporty, elegant design and high-quality standard equipment, the saloon, sports coup and estate feature a number of trailblazing technical innovations unprecedented in this market sector.

Both the new estate and the sports coup will go on sale in the UK this summer.

The new estate as a long, highly distinctive shape, with boldly flowing lines which drop sharply at the rear to merge into the extremely oblique-angled roof pillars.

The rear seat cushions and back rests can be folded forward, either completely or with a 2/3:1/3 split to give a level load surface of up to 1.5 square metres. A removable shopping crate fits neatly in the spare wheel recess. The C-class estate also now has a totally flat load space from the boot lip.

The new estate is available in three levels of trim - Classic, Elegance and Avantgarde and includes a wide range of standard features including a multifunction steering wheel with illuminated buttons, electric windows, automatic headlamp adjustment, partially electric adjustable seat-height and backrest rake and cruise control with the Speedtronic function. UK models will also feature automatic climate control.

A high level of occupant safety is provided with two stage airbags for the driver and front passenger, high-performance belt-tensioners, belt force limiters, windowbags and sidebags in the front doors. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Brake Assist are also standard.

The new C-class estate offers a high level of individual choice to customers in terms of the six economical engines available - four petrol and two diesel versions, with outputs ranging from 129bhp to 218bhp.

Two state-of-the-art engines celebrate their premiere in the C-class estate: the smooth-running 3.2-litre V6 which develops 218bhp and the high-torque 2.7-litre CDI powerplant which produces 170bhp. The C240 will be available with 2.6-litre V6 engine. The C200 Kompressor and C220 CDI engines will be offered with a choice of three different gearboxes - the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the optionally available Sequentronic or the electronically-controlled five-speed automatic. The Sequentronic gearbox will be available later in the C180 and C270 CDI.

The C32 AMG, available in the summer, has an output of 354bhp, and torque of 450 Nm. It accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 5.2 seconds and thus catapults itself straight into the performance category of thoroughbred racing cars.

Damper struts and gas-filled shock absorbers from Mercedes-AMG, as well as specially developed torsion-bar stabilisers on the front and rear axles, make the ideal comfort and handling compromise possible. The body of the C32 AMG is approximately 30mm lower than the standard C320.

In addition to the standard Electronic Stability Program with Brake Assist and Acceleration Skid Control (ASR), the large ventilated disc brakes at both front and rear make for greater road safety. The braking distance from 60mph is less than 118 feet. Sporty features of the C32 AMG include a new leather sports steering wheel, powerfully contoured sports seats providing optimum lateral support on fast bends and high-quality, two-tone nappa leather.

From this summer, Mercedes-AMG will introduce a new dimension to the compact roadster sector with a new high-performance car with innovative technology and sporty styling: the SLK 32 AMG.

The open two-seater has some impressive figures, a maximum torque of 450 Nm from 4400 rpm, and it accelerates from a standing start to 60mph in 5.2 seconds.

The new high-performance roadster enjoys the same technical innovations as the C32 AMG. This includes the innovative automatic transmission with Speedshift function.

Speedshift is a new automatic transmission which combines the advantages of a five-speed automatic transmission with the dynamism of a manual transmission.

The transmission immediately selects the best gear for powerful acceleration or deceleration, which is particularly suited to the sporty character of the SLK 32 AMG and which, in combination with the 3.2-litre supercharged engine, offers a unique drive package.

The bodystyling of the new SLK 32 AMG incorporates re-designed front and rear aprons, sporty side skirts and an elegantly integrated airflow breakaway edge on the boot lid, which reduces the lift on the rear axle by more than 50 per cent.

The AMG design is continued in the interior - sports seats with integrated head restraints ensure superb lateral support.