New C-Class only with four cylinders
The new Mercedes C-Class is just around the corner. From 2021, Daimler’s middle class will only be electrified – and with a maximum of four cylinders. Outlook.
The radiator grille of the new C-Class is trapezoidal in the sporty versions, the chrome grille with a star is also likely to remain available as an option
The following applies to the design of the new C-Class: No experiments. The external dimensions will increase by a few millimeters
We don’t expect a fully electric C-Class until 2024. Then on a special electric platform with ample ranges
It runs for the C-Class from Mercedes. The current W205 series is selling better than any of its predecessors. In Germany, almost 41,700 sedans and T-models were sold in the Corona year 2020. Just A class (43.400) and GLC (41,800) are more popular.
But the end is near. After seven years it is time for a generation change. The new generation W206 will be presented towards the end of February. We expect their market launch in the summer of 2021. In other times, under new circumstances. E-mobility is increasingly setting the tone and development. The upcoming E-Class will therefore also come onto the market as a purely electric EQE.
All engines with mild hybrid
The C-Class is not ready yet. It is based on the well-known MRA2 architecture. A purely electric C-Class cannot be implemented on it. After all, with the generation change, only drives with electrical support are being installed. And: only with small engines. More than four cylinders are not provided. The well-known OM654 is used for the diesels. The most important gasoline engine is the four-cylinder called M254.
Both are designed as mild hybrids in all versions. An electric motor in the form of a starter generator helps here with a few horsepower and a little torque to reduce or boost consumption. At least one plug-in hybrid is also set, but it shouldn’t come until the end of the year. As is currently the case, for example in the GLE, Mercedes relies on long ranges for low consumption values according to the WLTP cycle. 90 kilometers are likely. Accordingly, we also expect relatively high charging capacities so that the large battery is quickly full.
The following applies to the design of the new C-Class: No experiments. The external dimensions will increase by a few millimeters
EQC sedan not until 2024
We don’t expect a fully electric C-Class until 2024. Then on a special electric platform with ample ranges. Since the name EQC already stands for the Electric SUV EQC is taken, the electric car will probably be called the EQC sedan.
For traditionalists who love the smooth running of an in-line six-cylinder or the roaring sound of a V8, there is no longer any offer in the W206. Not even the models from Daimler’s sports club AMG get more than four pots. As in the rest of the offer, 2.0 liter displacement ends. Models like the C 43, C 53 and C 63 could still exist. Mercedes wants to use the 2.0-liter four-cylinder (M139) developed for the A 45. It already delivers a generous 421 hp in the current A 45 S. That is enough for the C 43, in further expansion stages with electrical support more than 500 hp can be achieved. The C 63 AMG currently develops 510 hp.
A sad development for petrolheads. The only consolation: the small engines save weight. Handling should be improved with the lighter front axle. All-wheel drive in the future C 63 should also bring more dynamic efficiency in winding curves. As with the current E 63, it will be rear-heavy and offer a drift mode.
Design continuity
One cannot expect optical revolutions from the new C-Class. The smooth design with few folds remains. The radiator grille is trapezoidal in the sporty versions, the chrome grille with a star is also likely to remain available as an option. The external dimensions will increase by a few millimeters, otherwise the following applies: No experiments.
In the cockpit in the interior, however, more happens. The recently introduced S-Class (W223) serves as a model. So an end to the widescreen display. A large screen on the center console is supplemented by a smaller one in front of the steering wheel. We’ll have to switch the graphics with the driving mode and they’ll be configurable. Mercedes is largely abolishing buttons; operation is via the touchscreen or the latest generation of voice control.
We don’t expect a fully electric C-Class until 2024. Then on a special electric platform with ample ranges
Assistance at a distance from the S-Class
Level 3 autonomous driving is unlikely to exist in the C-Class. When it comes to assistance systems, the S-Class takes precedence. This year it should be able to take the driver out of responsibility at speeds of up to 60 km / h on the autobahn. Fully autonomous parking processes in special parking garages will initially only be able to master the S-Class. It remains to be seen whether the electronic architecture of the C-Class meets the requirements. Then Mercedes could add the features later.
In addition to the sedan and the T-model the two-door offshoots Coupé and Cabriolet. However, they should not follow until 2023. Because the current generation of the E-Class Coupé and Cabrio will not have a successor after their expiry, Mercedes will presumably position the C-Class derivatives a bit higher. A visually stronger distinction to sedan and station wagon appears likely.
As another new variant, we expect an all-terrain version of the T-model. We also expect plastic planking and a slightly higher body, larger wheels and all-wheel drive with driving programs for off-road use. Even in 2021. Mercedes will keep the prices for the C-Class W206 at a similar level as before. The station wagon will start at just under 38,000 euros, the sedan at around 36,000 euros.
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