This is the new Mercedes C-class, sped completely undisguised ahead of its unveiling at the Detroit motor show in January 2014. Scooped in optional AMG styling pack trim, this production-ready C-class also gives some clues to the styling of the sporty flagship: the new C63 AMG.
Mercedes C-class: the styling
More than ever before, the new Mercedes C-class looks like a miniature S-class. The upright nose, sharp bodyside creases and rather blobby LED taillights are all dead ringers for the flagship Benz.
The new C-class’s short rear deck adds a hint of CLA-esque swoopiness to the car’s profile – although the rump looks smaller than before, the new C’s overall dimensions growth ensures boot capacity swells from the current car’s 475 litres to 485L.
What’s bespoke to this AMG-style C-class?
Ramping up the visual aggression is a triple-intake front bumper sporting a chrome ‘blade’ motif along the lower edge. This car is wearing 18in AMG Sport multispoke alloy wheels, and a rear bumper incorporating twin trapezoidal tailpipes, a faux diffuser and A45 AMG-style rear wheelarch vents.
Expect the BMW M3-rivalling AMG version proper to boast a quad-exhaust arrangement, as well as more extrovert lower body addenda.
AMG Firepower will come from a new, downsized 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8, developing around 450bhp. Elsewhere in the range, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol and diesel powerplants will raise efficiency and performance versus today’s fleet of engines. A manual gearbox will be available, but the vast majority of sales will be swallowed by the seven-speed automatic version.
What’s inside the new Mercedes C-class?
Mercedes has shown unveiled official pictures of the new car’s minimalist cabin, which takes cues from the S-class in its design and operation. For CAR’s full story on what you’ll find inside the cockpit and under the skin of the new BMW 3-series and A4 rival, click here.