Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain Reportedly Approved For Production

Expected next year, the fifth generation C-Class will bring a lot of novelties to the Merc’s premium compact model, including a rumored All-Terrain variant.

According to Autocar, the C-Class All-Terrain will be offered solely as an estate, with a beefed up ground clearance, plastic cladding on the lower parts of the exterior, underbody protection and uniquely shaped bumpers. The smaller sibling of the E-Class All-Terrain will challenge the likes of the Audi A4 Allroad.

Also Read: Volvo V60 CC Vs. Audi A4 Allroad: Which Rugged Estate Would You Go For?

Not much else is known about the more rugged version of the next C-Class, although the entire lineup will be significantly revamped, with focus on bringing new tech to the segment as well as improving fuel consumption and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

They will do so with a range of new four-cylinder petrol and diesel units with mild-hybrid tech. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are also on the agenda, alongside the successors of the C43 and C63, with the former expected to pack a six-banger with mild-hybrid tech and the latter an updated version of AMG’s 4.0-liter V8.

The new C-Class will also reportedly feature autonomous tech, with a bunch of radars, sensors and cameras working together to allow the car to drive on its own. The Level 3 tech will debut in the new S-Class that’s due in 2020, and will let assume full control of the car at speeds of up to 80 mph (~130 km/h) for extended periods of time, once its development is completed and the proper legislation is put in place.