Autocar UK – 28 August 2019

8 AUTOCAR.CO.UK 28 AUGUST 2019

New C-Class to get limo tech

Merc’s next-gen compact exec will take advanced features from the future S-Class

T

he next Mercedes-

Benz C-Class has been

redesigned from the

ground up, with highly

efficient new hybrid drivetrains

and advanced autonomous

driving technology set to be

some of its key draws.

Having experienced a sharp

drop in C-Class sales in recent

years because of the universal

gravitation of buyers towards

SUVs, the German maker is

providing the fifth-generation

model with many of the

developments being readied

for the new S-Class. The new

C-Class, codenamed W206,

will challenge the recently

facelifted Audi A4 and new

BMW 3 Series when it arrives in

UK showrooms in 2021.

As evidenced by the latest

prototypes, the design of the

new C-Class is a clear evolution

of the styling seen on today’s

model. Although its exterior

features a new-look front end

with more angular headlights,

the new car’s proportions,

dimensions and overall

silhouette remain very close to

those of the model it replaces.

The starting point for the

new C-Class is Mercedes’

MRA (Modular Rear

Architecture) platform. It

offers a number of advances

over the earlier version of

the steel and aluminium

structure. These include,

according to insiders,

more advanced electrical

architecture that supports

a 48V system, which is key

to providing the 2021 model

with a new range of plug-in

hybrid drivetrains.

The MRA structure uses a

double-wishbone front and

multi-link rear suspension,

with adaptive damping likely to

be offered as standard across

the range in most markets,

including the UK. The new

C-Class will continue to provide

the option of rear air springs

on selected models.

As well as being used by

the C-Class saloon, estate,

coupé and cabriolet, the

new platform will underpin

successor models to the GLC

and GLC Coupé, with a choice

of both rear-wheel drive and

optional four-wheel drive.

NEW ALL-TERRAIN MODEL

As an addition to the existing

line-up, Mercedes has given

the green light to a new Audi

A4 Allroad rival in the C-Class

All Terrain model. Based on

the standard estate, it will

receive more rugged styling,

with unique bumpers and

wheel-arch cladding, increased

ride height and beefed-up

underbody protection –

All Terrain estate,

like this E-Class,

will join the line-up