We’re only a few months away from Mercedes unveiling their latest BMW 3-Series rival in the all-new W206 C-Class, arriving with the same rear-wheel / four-wheel drive setup as before. Its styling should resemble that of the latest S-Class, as well as the facelifted E-Class, although we can’t say for certain which of the two it takes after more as long as these prototypes keep showing up with camouflage tape all over their front and rear fascias.

This particular prototype, while very similar to that other blue test car we showed you back in November, is missing some of that vehicle’s sporty elements, such as the AMG wheels and Night Package (glossy black trim). It does however come with AMG Line bumpers and skirts. Compared to its predecessor, the new C-Class features sleeker headlights, new door handles, a new shoulder line, and horizontal teardrop taillights that are positioned higher up on the boot lid than on the E or S-Class.

 

It’s quite possible that the C-Class’s compact dimensions will match up well with Mercedes‘ latest design language, perhaps even better than with any of the carmaker’s other new sedans. The good news is that we’ll soon find out whether that’s true or not. s for the interior, it borrows heavily from the latest S-Class, boasting a free-standing digital gauge cluster and a portrait-style infotainment display. It should be among the, if not the most modern-looking interiors in the segment.

The all-new C-Class will be powered by a wide range of 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid drivetrains, with flagship AMG models possibly ditching their 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 units if you believe the latest reports, which talk about Mercedes introducing a four cylinder-only engine range.