Spies have captured the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan on film while engineers were testing a heavily camouflaged prototype in Spain.

With a possible world premiere at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new C-Class sedan, internally called the W205, won’t be arriving in European dealerships before spring of 2014 with North American deliveries likely to commence in the fall of the same year.

Though the brand’s engineers made sure that we don’t see any design elements of the new model on the prototype, the styling will borrow elements from Mercedes-Benz’s latest production models such as the more upright family grille as seen on the SL and CLS.

From this video, it’s also clear that the C-Class’ shape will be less rakish than the similarly sized CLA four-door coupe, which is due to make its debut next year.

The German luxury brand’s BMW 3-Series rivaling saloon is based on a new and lighter platform, while engineers will also shave some pounds from the body, making the new C-Class lighter than the current model.

The W205 will benefit from a newer generation of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines while we also hear that Mercedes will develop regular and plug-in hybrid powerplants.

At the top of the range will be an AMG-branded variant, which is rumored to be powered by a twin-turbocharged V8 making around 450-ponies.

Video Credits: YouTube/Ghpixx

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