Mercedes will launch its first raised wagon in the attempt to beat Audi and the Allroad line-up at its own game, Autopista reports. But what was believed to be an E-Class Allroad will in fact be a C-Class T-Cross, launching next year. The new variant should follow in the footsteps of the Audi A4 Allroad.
The raised ground clearance will be the most important modification. The C-Class T-Cross will of course be based on the T-model and come with pneumatic AIRMATIC suspension, an unique feature in this segment, neither the Audi A4 Allroad, nor the VW Passat Alltrack sporting such an option. The air suspension will most likely be included in the extra off-road package, in line with the GLC SUV with which the C-Class T-Cross shares its modular MRA platform.
Standard ground clearance is estimated at 19 cm, some 3,5 cm more compared to the standard C-Class T-Modell, with more cm possible thanks to the variable AIRMATIC suspension settings. In addition, the All Terrain C-Class T-Modell should feature the usual visual tweaks, plastic aprons and underride protection elements.
A must is the standard all-wheel drive, so the future C-Class T-Cross will offer 4Matic in conjunction with various four and six-cylinder engines. The base model will feature the all-new 2-liter diesel engine with 194 PS, in C 220 d T-Cross guise. This will be joined by the C 250 d and C 350 d models plus the C 350 and the 401 PS AMG C 43.
If the C-Class T-Cross will be well received by the buying public, Mercedes is poised to launch a bigger sibling as well, the E-Class T-Cross, not earlier than 2018 though.
Photo: Autopista.es
