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2014 Mercedes-Benz C Class Spy Shots

 
8 7,707 views Jan 29, 2012
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2014 Mercedes-Benz C Class spy shots

A prototype for the next-generation Mercedes-Benz C Class has been spotted undergoing cold-weather testing at a secret location in Northern Europe, and these are the first spy shots of the car.

The new C Class is expected to go on sale in early 2014 and will for the first time be manufactured at Mercedes’ plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

The prototype reveals that Mercedes’ designers are taking a safe route with the styling of the new car, following BMW’s lead with the new 2012 3-Series by retaining the previous model’s overall proportions but sharpening things up a bit.

The shape of the headlights appear more streamlined than the units on the current car, while the body keeps the classic wedge shape though it appears stretched out a little. It’s too early to tell what the rear will look like though a cross between the styling of the CLS and new SL Class is likely. The computer-generated rendering below is a highly-stylized preview of what to expect.

As for the drivetrain, expect to see an eight- or possibly even a nine-speed automatic fitted. We’re unlikely to see a three-cylinder engine offered in the C Class anytime soon but a turbocharged 1.8-liter engine should make its way into the base model. A V-6 should remain also, and will be joined by a range of diesel engines and a new hybrid. This hybrid model will likely pair a four-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric motor sandwiched between the engine and gearbox.

Further down the track a high-performance AMG model will be launched, complete with a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine developing around 450 horsepower. While output may be down slightly on the current C63 AMG, performance should be improved thanks to a lighter overall structure. Like the 2013 SL Class, the new C Class will almost certainly benefit from plenty of aluminum--and some composite--structures in its construction.

Finally, wagon and coupe models will return and will be joined for the first time by a new C Class Convertible.

Stay tuned for more updates as development work continues.

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class rendering

2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class rendering

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HI-RES GALLERY: 2014 Mercedes-Benz C Class spy shots




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Comments (8)

  1. fb_100000079225802 avatar Samuel Choi Posted: 1/29/2012 8:31am PST

    Why would they want to release a redesigned one when the current C class didn't come out that long ago?
     
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  2. viknesh avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran Posted: 1/29/2012 9:34am PST

    Hi Samuel,

    The current C Class has been on sale since the 2008 model year and only underwent a mild-facelift for 2012. A release of the new C Class in 2014 or early 2015 would give the current model a typical lifespan of 6 to 7 years.
     
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  3. fb_100000079225802 avatar Samuel Choi Posted: 1/30/2012 5:24pm PST

    oh, hehe, I thought it was a redesign because they released so many new models with the facelift. Okay that makes more sense, but that was a weird strategy from MB.
     
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  4. fb_1036215057 avatar Paul Lindo Posted: 1/29/2012 7:43pm PST

    Hi Viknesh, are you sure this new model will lose the N/A 6.2 V8 in favor of a smaller twin turbo unit? That would be so sad!! There is no exhaust note out there that sound as nice as the 6.2!
     
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  5. viknesh avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran Posted: 1/29/2012 11:28pm PST

    Hi Paul,

    We've already started to see AMG phase out its 6.2-liter V-8.

    AMG's smaller 5.5, both in naturally-aspirated and turbo forms, makes more sense due to its similar power levels, much higher torque, and increased fuel efficiency. The most recent recipient was the SLK55 AMG, which got the naturally-aspirated version.
     
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  6. fb_1036215057 avatar Paul Lindo Posted: 1/30/2012 6:09am PST

    I agree that the old 6.2 V8 does not make much sense in this "green" world, but to me, turbos just does not sound the same as a N/A engine. I am hoping that they use the 5.5 V8 without the turbos.
    Do you know if the naturally-aspirated 5.5 sounds as nice as the 6.2?
    I am worried because next yr i plan to trade my 2009 335i M Sport package for the C63
     
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  7. viknesh avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran Posted: 1/30/2012 9:24am PST

    I haven't driven nor heard the new SLK55 but I know what you mean. The same thing happened with the change from Pagani Zonda to Huayra.
     
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  8. fb_82100996 avatar Rich Shanks Posted: 1/30/2012 9:59am PST

    I hope it looks low and sleek, like the rendering.
     
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