The next generation of the Mercedes mid-size sedan is getting an offroad version. Thus, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain will be fighting the Audi A4 with off-the-asphalt abilities.
Mercedes has also reserved electrified drivetrains and autonomous driving technology, Autocar.cu.uk reports. Completely redesigned, the new C-Class, codenamed W206, will receive features of its more luxurious sibling, the new S-Class.
The C will run to recover its ground in the race with the facelifted Audi A4 and new BMW 3 Series and will hit the showrooms in 2021.
The car will be built on the company’s MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform, that will grant the sedan with more advanced electrical architecture with a 48-Volt system.
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The versatile platform will host the already familiar body styles: the saloon, estate, coupe and cabriolet. But a new variant is in the cards as well to join the lineup. The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain will fight the new Audi A4 Allroad. It will be based on the C-Class estate, but will get, similar to the E-Class All-Terrain, off-road-specific features. It will thus receive the rugged styling, more robust bumpers and wheel-arch plastic cladding. It will come with a greater ground clearance, that will make it capable of tackling rough terrain and extra underbody protection.
Four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines will make up the engine range of the fifth-generation C-Class. Mercedes is preparing a new electric motor and a new battery technology that are set to come with a higher efficiency in the hybrid versions, raising the model’s electric range.
A C43 and C63 performance variants are also planned for the new C-Class.
The mid-size saloon will also receive new level four automated valet parking function, Autocar states, that Mercedes-Benz is developing with Bosch, making the car capable of parking itself in garages and of maneuvering into and out of parking spaces via a smartphone app.
*C-Class Estate pictured.
