After the sedan and the station wagon, Mercedes is offering its new C-Class in an adventurer version. Called All-Terrain, this offer is based on the station wagon and adopts, as standard, all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance. The model will be presented at the Munich Motor Show before it goes on sale.
In 2016, Mercedes followed the trend started by Volvo and Audi on all-road station wagons by launching its E-Class All-Terrain. Five years later, the German manufacturer declines this body for the first time in the lower segment of wagons with the C-Class All-Terrain.
A specific look …
As expected from Mercedes, this is not a purely aesthetic proposal with some fittings giving the illusion of a simple Class C adventurer break. Admittedly, this model benefits from a specific presentation which allows it to gain a few millimeters in length (4.755 m) and width (1.841 m). It thus has a redesigned grille, protections under the front and rear bumpers, as well as around the wheel arches and on the sills. The car also fits more generous size rims, ranging from 17 to 19 inches.
… but not only
However, the C-Class All-Terrain also adopts a ground clearance raised by approximately 40 mm compared to that of the classic station wagon, thus bringing the height of the model to nearly 1.50 m. 4Matic all-wheel drive is also available as standard. It delivers up to 45% of engine power on the front axle and up to 55% on the rear. Two specific driving modes have been added:
- OffRoad : for slightly uneven terrain (dirt roads, gravel, sand);
- Offroad + : for more difficult and steep terrain. This mode is associated with the controle descent speed (DSR).
Lighting suitable for all roads
To see where to put the wheels on difficult roads, the C-Class All-Terrain has, as an option, specific LED lighting which widens the light beam when one of the offroad driving modes is activated. The system is operational up to 50 km / h and offers adaptive lighting according to other road users. It can also be remotely updated with additional features, such as the projection of guide lines or symbols on the road.
Tow on all roads
The C-Class All-Terrain can also tow a trailer (up to 1,800 kg) over rough terrain. From 65 km / h, a stabilizer acts on the braking system different wheels to keep the trailer level. An assistant also facilitates maneuvering by automatically regulating the steering angle up to a speed of 5 km / h and on a slope of up to 15%. The driver can also freely adjust his steering angle up to 90 °.
A gasoline engine and a Diesel
The range of engines is simple: a petrol and a Diesel. In both cases, it is a four-cylinder combined with a 48 V micro-hybrid system. The powers have not been communicated, but the range of the classic C-Class currently consists of only one gasoline (204 hp) and two diesels (163 and 200 hp). The nine-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Identical presentation and habitability
Inside, nothing changes compared to the presentation of the classic C-Class. The dashboard is still adorned with a beautiful central 11.9-inch touch screen for infotainment, as well as a 12.3-inch panel for the instrumentation. Roominess in the rear seats, as well as the volume of the trunk are unchanged compared to the dimensions of the station wagon: 490 to 1,510 l. Modularity retains the 40/20/40 ratio for the seat backrests.
Mercedes will present this C-Class All-Terrain at the Munich Motor Show (September 7-11, 2021). The prices will be communicated immediately for marketing scheduled for the end of 2021.
