Even though it still looks pretty good,
the W205 generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which has been around since
2014, is about to get replaced by an all-new model. Set for a reveal towards
the end of the year, the next C-Class is, in typical Mercedes-Benz fashion,
inspired by its bigger E- and S-Class siblings.
The camouflage does a good job of hiding
most details of the exterior design, but we can see the new pattern of the
thinner headlamps and horizontal taillights that will likely be joined together
by a thin chrome strip. The front overhang appears to be longer and from what
we can tell, the lines on the doors are less aggressive.
The 2021 C-Class will also feature an
overhauled interior, with a screen-heavy dashboard and the latest MBUX
infotainment system. Much like the upcoming next generation of the regular and
Maybach-branded S-Class, the smaller model’s center console will host a huge
portrait display that’s much bigger than anything we’ve seen in past models of
the series, paired to a freestanding digital instrument display. The console
will host the touch controls for the HVAC system and features a smartphone
storage space, likely with inductive charging. The three-spoke steering wheel
has a sportier design.
An updated version of the MRA architecture
is the foundation stone of the new C-Class. The platform supports
electrification and in addition to the regular gasoline and diesel four- and
six-pots, it will include a plug-in hybrid option, or perhaps more.
A controversial rumor suggest the demise
of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the top AMG models, and its replacement with
a heavily hybridized 2.0-liter unit, which is reportedly going to develop more
than 500 HP, something that has yet to be confirmed by any brand officials. The
sedan variant of the new C-Class will be followed by the Estate, and possibly a
new All-Terrain jacked-up version based on the latter. The family will be
completed by the Coupe and Cabriolet models that might debut in 2021 or 2022.
