C-Class Sedan

Segment
Sedan

The arrival of the new Audi RS6 Avant in America will hopefully pave the way for more wagons being sold in the US. Audi already sells the rugged A4 Allroad in America, but it will soon face some stiff competition from Mercedes. According to a report by Autocar, Mercedes is preparing to unleash a new All-Terrain version of the C-Class, which will be offered as an affordable alternative to the current E-Class All-Terrain.

Based on the current Mercedes C-Class Estate, the All-Terrain version will feature more rugged styling with unique bumpers and wheel-arch cladding, as well as increased ride height and underbody protection. In other words, expect it to sport similar upgrades to the larger E-Class All-Terrain.

Thanks to Mercedes' Air Body Control air suspension, which is offered in the E-Class All-Terrain, it should also have significantly improved ground clearance. In the E-Class All-Terrain, the air suspension can be configured to adjust the ground clearance from 4.7 to 6.1 inches.

Before the C-Class All-Terrain arrives, the next-generation Mercedes C-Class sedan, coupe, and convertible will likely debut first. The new C-Class will be based on Mercedes' Modular Rear Architecture that will enable the new model to be offered with a new range of plug-in hybrid drivetrains. The same platform will also underpin future successors to the GLC and GLC Coupe, with a choice of both rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive.

In terms of engine options, Autocar claims the fifth-generation C-Class will be offered with four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines featuring a choice of EQ Boost mild-hybrid and EQ Power plug-in hybrid systems. Like the new S-Class, the C-Class will also be equipped with level 3 autonomous tech that will make it the most advanced car in its class.

The new Mercedes C-Class will likely debut sometime in 2020, with the wagon variant to follow at a later date. We'll have to wait and see if the C-Class All-Terrain gets sold in the US, but it seems unlikely considering the E-Class All-Terrain isn't available Stateside.