First Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain revealed

The first-ever Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain has been revealed, but the local arm of the German car-maker has confirmed that it’s not coming to Australia – and nor is the regular C-Class Estate.

The latest W206-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class is due to arrive later this year, but the unveiling of the All-Terrain version overnight has prompted Mercedes-Benz Australia to confirm that it is exiting the premium mid-size wagon class altogether.

This leaves the BMW 3 Series Touring, Audi A4 Avant and Allroad, and the Volvo V60 Cross Country to scrap over what Mercedes-Benz deems to be a shrinking segment.

A Genesis G70 Shooting Brake is also confirmed for release in Australia this year.

“Though the C-Class All Terrain is an exciting addition to our global portfolio, this new variant will not be part of the Mercedes-Benz product range in Australia, nor will the C-Class Estate from the introduction of the W206 generation,” a spokesperson said.

“In the Australian market, demand for our growing family of Mercedes-Benz SUV models continues to increase, while demand for Estate models is steadily decreasing.”

Mercedes-Benz no longer offers E-Class Estate or All-Terrain models in Australia, and CLA Shooting Brake models have also disappeared.

As seen with the E-Class All-Terrain, the inaugural 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain adopts off-roader pretensions thanks to a 40mm higher ground clearance, larger wheels, distinctive radiator grille and more robust underbody compared with the regular Estate.

Larger steering knuckles on the four-link front suspension, plus a revised multi-link rear suspension are said to imbue the All-Terrain with a broader dynamic spread, while also assuring an 1800kg braked towing capacity.

As with the regular C-Class, the All-Terrain adopts mild-hybrid technology in both petrol and diesel guise, but places greater emphasis on all-wheel drive to match its soft-roader positioning.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan is due to arrive in Aussie showrooms later this year, offering longer dimensions and added interior space thanks to the use of Benz’s MRA architecture.

The big news is the adoption of strictly four-cylinder power across the range, including the flagship Mercedes-AMG C 63 S.

Each of the five engine options announced so far are fitted with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and an integrated starter-generator (ISG) that facilitates gliding, 15kW/200Nm boosting and an energy recovery function.

A full recap of the C-Class sedan range is available here, with exact pricing and specification details to be revealed in the coming weeks.