Mercedes is launching an all-new version of its C-Class saloon next year, joining the latest generation S-Class ahead of major product offensive in 2021. The BMW 3 Series rival has been spied on numerous occasions over the past 12 months, but now we’ve got a good look at the car with minimal camouflage.
On the surface, the new C-Class doesn’t look all that different to the current model. While covered in cladding, the front-end looks as though it’ll adopt a slightly reworked look inspired in part by the new E-Class, while the side profile actually looks a little more rudimentary compared to the current C-Class.
However, the back end is far more rounded than before and it looks like it’ll take the tail light design from the S-Class. It also looks like Mercedes has either increased the height of the roof or has sculpted in a bit more headroom for those in the back.
But it’s not just a new look. We’re expecting the new C-Class to come with an all-new interior inspired by the S-Class. While it won’t be quite as advanced as the flagship saloon, it will no doubt adopt the car’s massive touchscreen infotainment system that merges elegantly with the dashboard. It could also feature a digital cockpit that’s better integrated into the dash compared to the iPad-like panel used in the current car.
That’s not all, though. The C-Class will be one of the company’s highest-volume production cars and therefore needs to meet the EU’s strict fleet emission laws. Expect 48-volt mild-hybrid systems on most models, along with plug-in hybrid variants aimed at taking the fight to the BMW 330e.
And, unfortunately, it’s rumoured Mercedes will ditch the V8 engine in the C63 for a more environmentally-friendly, but less exciting, four-cylinder turbo motor.
We’ll have all the details when the covers come off the new Mercedes C-Class in early 2021.
Keyword: Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2021: new spy shots emerge ahead of unveiling