New Mercedes C-Class prototype hints at major changes

The all-new Mercedes C-Class – code named W206 – has been spotted on test again in northern Sweden. It will keep the same footprint as the current model but the platform will be changed to the MRA2 (second generation of the Mercedes rear wheel architecture), which represents a further development of the current rear drive architecture, used also for the E-Class. 

The MRA2 is slightly lighter and shares some components with the EVA (Electric Vehicle Architecture) used for the future generation of Mercedes EQ models. The new C-Class will be powered by four-cylinder engines, including the 2-litre clean diesel OM 654 launched with the E-Class in 2016. A completely new generation of six-cylinder engines in diesel and petrol guise will be available. The inline-6 3-litre diesel was already presented on the S-Class facelift last year and will deliver 286bhp (single turbo) and 340bhp (twin turbos), while the 3-litre petrol will deliver more than 400bhp.

The future C-Class will also get a plug-in hybrid version like the current generation which will combine a four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. But the electric range will increase dramatically to at least 100 km.

The future C-Class will receive the 48-V network like the S-Class, a solution which offers a lot of advantages. A powerful electric network can supply energy for the climate compressor or for an electric turbocharger and thus, will reduce fuel consumption.

As a trendsetter in lighting technology, Mercedes will drop out the xenon solution in favour of LED systems. The main beam of the C-Class should be up to 600 meters wide without laser technology. The conventional headlamps will remain in the base offer and then will follow the LED option.

The next C-Class will get an evolution of the assistance systems already available in the new S Class. Owners will be able to drive their cars into the garage by smartphone. For the first time, using the very exact digital maps supplied by Here company, which is purchased together with Audi and BMW, can be used for speed control. In addition, an online connection (three years free) including WLAN hotspot will be available.