SPY PICS: Next-gen Mercedes C-Class spotted

Mere months after the updated fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class made its Australian debut comes more evidence of the all-new model that will follow.

Spotted testing in Sweden this week, the next-generation C-Class – codenamed W206 – will retain a footprint familiar to the current model, albeit with underpinnings based on Mercedes-Benz’s MRA2 second-generation rear-wheel drive architecture.

Slightly lighter and with greater allowance for all-electric applications (a plug-in hybrid or electric turbocharged variant is expected), the MRA2 platform is also compatible with turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines – including the OM 654 ‘clean’ diesel from the current E-Class – and inline 3.0-litre six-cylinder oiler presented in the recently updated S-Class.

There is no word yet as to whether the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C 63 will feature V8 power. With recent EU emissions cuts of 37.5 per cent mandated by 2030, car companies will be looking closely at their larger capacity engines.

Technology highlights for the next C-Class are expected to include LED headlights across the range, the high-beam lamps capable of a range up to 600m without laser technology.

Safety assistance and connectivity systems will also evolve, the C-Class rumoured to adopt those technologies found in the latest S-Class, including parking via smartphone, digital map-based speed control and a WLAN hotspot.

While the photos here show a body familiar to its predecessor, Mercedes-Benz says the biggest change for C-Class will come from inside the cabin.

Like the Audi A8, the new C-Class will score a series of ‘virtual buttons’ which present relevant controls on a larger 300mm touch-screen because according to the German marque, “too many operating options are confusing the customer”.

Improved voice commands via the new AI-powered MBUX interface, like those found in the latest A-Class and GLE-Class are also expected.

Excusing the Toyota Camry, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is Australia’s top-selling medium car; and while overall sales are down by more than 40 per cent in 2018, the continued improvement of the C-Class ensures the next model will likely turn that trend around.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to debut post-2020.