The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Long has been officially launched in the Chinese auto market.

Prices start at 369,000 yuan and top out at 479,000 yuan (US$ 60,000-78,000). The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Long is a stretched variant of the W2015 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-class for the Chinese car market, extended by 60mm making for a wheelbase of 2900mm.

The C-Class L comes in two options - Sedan and Sport Sedan. The Sport Sedan comes with a different grille, a more aggressive front spoiler, slightly bigger side skirts, speedy alloys, and a racy interior.

The C-Class L is manufactured in China by the Beijing-Benz joint venture. It will compete with other China-made China-only stretched sedans such as the Audi A4L, the BMW 3 Series Li, the new Cadillac ATS-L, and the Volvo S60L. The 2014 C-Class is the first C to be stretched for China.

Two variants of the 2.0 four-cylinder turbo petrol are available - the C200 L with 184 PS and 300 Nm, and the C260 L with 211 PS and 350 Nm. The only transmission available is the 7-speed automatic. A much more powerful 3.0 V6 turbo with 329 PS will be added to the line-up later.

The extra six centimeter goes entirely to the passengers in the back. Buyers can spec TV screens and tray tables, among other features.