Benz C-Class to upsize?

The new gen C-Class is set to get bigger but will remain rear-wheel drive... And for that you can blame (or thank) the A-Class.

Benz's new compact car has wheelbase and track dimensions that are not far short of the company's top-selling medium prestige model. Though only offered in a five-door hatch currently, the new A-Class will soon spawn a variant with four-doors and big-ger car looks.

That car is the CLA, which according to Vehicle Line test boss Rudiger Rutz, is shaping up to challenge the current C-Class in sheer size.

"The C-Class will stay rear wheel drive but for sure [the A-Class and its derivatives] will make sure it grows a little," Rutz told motoring.com.au.

"[But] If you look at the size [wheelbase and track] of the A-Class, it has potential to [underpin] a larger car.

"We can expand the platform and I think we will go on with that idea... But the CLA is that car. The C-Class will stay [rear-wheel drive]," Rutz stated.

According to Rutz, the new four-door 'coupe', previewed as a concept in Geneva 2012, and closer to production form at the recent Beijing motor show, will be very close in size to the existing C-Class coupe. Rutz promises record setting aerodynamic efficiency for the new car. And stunning performance for the as yet officially confirmed AMG version...

Rutz says the new compact platform has potential to generate variants outside the current roadmap. At this stage, in addition to A and B-Class, Mercedes-Benz has commented on the roll out of CLA, a compact SUV and one other vehicle. That last model is likely to be a small convertible/sportscar.

The AMG version of the A-Class will feature a new all-wheel-drive system developed in conjunction with Magna, says Rutz. It's this system that will also feature on the so-called GLA/MLA-Class softroader and high-spec CLA variants. Indeed a range of compact Benzs will feature all-wheel drive traction. All-paw versions of the A 250 and A 220 CDI are also on the way, says the testing chief.

Alas, the Euro timetable for the AWD non-AMG A's is unclear -- as are their likely appearance Down Under. Local Benz sources point to using all-wheel drive as a point of difference for the CLA.

"Think what Audi did with quattro with its small cars," stated one insider.

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