We've known for a while now that Mercedes is cooking up a rugged All-Terrain version of the C-Class wagon. Mercedes also sells the E-Class All-Terrain, but this is the first time the smaller C-Class has been given the All-Terrain treatment.

After several prototypes were spied being put through their paces, Mercedes has lifted the covers off the first-ever C-Class All-Terrain. Compared to the conventional C-Class Wagon, the new All-Terrain offers around 1.5 inches of extra ground clearance, making it more suitable for venturing off-road. Measuring 187.2 inches long, the All-Terrain is also 0.15 inches longer than the regular C-Class, while flared wheel arches increase the width by 0.8 inches to 72.4 inches.

The extra ground clearance also increases the overall height to 58.8 inches. As standard, the C-Class All Terrain rides on unique 17-inch wheels, which can be upgraded to a larger 19-inch set.

Visually, the C-Class All-Terrain is distinguished by a unique grille with chrome trim and vertical slats, a modified bumper with a plastic skid plate, and additional exterior chrome trim. The All-Terrain is also based on the Avantgarde trim, which features polished aluminum accents and high-gloss black trim on the b-pillars and rear side window bars. An available Night Package adds additional high-gloss black trim to the front and rear. Being based on the C-Class wagon, the All-Terrain is spacious and practical, with a luggage capacity of 17.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded up and 53.33 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Two new driving modes are available: Offroad is designed for handling dirt roads, gravel, or sand, while Offroad+ with hill-descent control makes it easier to tackle steeper terrain. Inside, the C-Class All Terrain is equipped with a 10.25-inch infotainment screen or a larger 12.3-inch screen is optionally available. For the All-Terrain, the display shows information such as the incline, decline, and steering angle.

Under the hood, the C-Class All Terrain is offered with a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an integrated second-generation starter-generator or a four-cylinder diesel engine with an integrated starter-generator and a 48-volt electrical system. This is the same sort of powertrain employed in the standard C-Class Sedan. Performance figures have not been revealed, however. With a standard all-wheel-drive system, the C-Class All-Terrain has a towing capacity of up to 3,968 pounds.

Combining the practicality of a wagon with the versatility of an SUV, the C-Class All-Terrain is an attractive alternative to a crossover. Mercedes will present the C-Class All-Terrain to the public at the Munich Motor Show next month.

Unfortunately, the Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain will not be offered in the US, even though the E-Class All-Terrain is sold here. This perhaps isn't surprising since the C-Class Wagon hasn't been sold here since the 2005 model year, but it's still disappointing. Pricing has not been announced for Europe where the Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain will take on the Audi A4 Allroad when it goes on sale.