A new Mercedes C-Class saloon is due with us in 2021 - and these spy shots give us our first hints of what we’ll see from the brand's next BMW 3 Series challenger.
While the testing mule is currently clothed in camouflage cladding, the overall shape suggests a fairly subtle design evolution from the current C-Class. The brand’s recent trend is towards cleaner overall shapes, so we can expect fewer character lines and creases across the car’s flanks.
Both the window line and tailgate are set to take a similar form in order to maintain family ties with the outgoing model. A lower, more prominent grille will sit between headlights that are likely to move to full LED tech, and will take on a slimmer shape than those of the existing W205.
Under the skin, the new C-Class is set to ride on an updated version of the current car’s Modular Rear-wheel drive Architecture (MRA) system. Despite the name, there will be four-wheel drive variants, which could see the next hot AMG model distribute its power to all four wheels. It’ll likely be powered by the same 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, but the extra traction off the line should improve the 0-62mph time.
Sitting below that model should be the AMG 53 - an Audi S4 rival powered by a straight-six petrol with 48-volt mild hybrid assistance. That’ll be one of several versions of the new C-Class with varying levels of electrical propulsion.
Expect a mild hybrid set-up to assist some of the more modestly-powered four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units, and a plug-in option with a 30 mile-plus battery-powered range. A fully-electric saloon won’t sit within the C-Class line-up, but as a standalone model.
While the outside will stay largely similar to its predecessor, the cabin will be set for a complete redesign. The new look will be focused around a new infotainment system as, like the latest A-Class and GLE, the C-Class will feature the latest twin-screen MBUX infotainment setup. This will bring features like customisable digital dials, conversational voice controls through the ‘Hey Mercedes’ interface, and augmented navigation directions.
Click here to read our in-depth review of the current Mercedes C-Class...
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