We now know for sure that the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be showcased for the first time at next year’s Detroit Auto Show scheduled for January. After that, the German marque plans to put the sedan version on sale in August. In 2015, the coupe and cabriolet body styles will be launched, as well as a hybrid variant which will arrive a few months later. It is a known fact the estate variant will not be sold in United States as there is a weak demand coming from that market. Mercedes-Benz doesn’t plan a crossover version of the new C-Class, unlike BMW who has already launched the 3-Series Gran Turismo (GT).
Getting back to the new C-Class, in an interview given to Automotive News, the firm’s USA CEO Steve Cannon declared the upcoming generation of the sedan will look a lot different than the current model. We should expect the new vehicle to adopt some of the fresh styling cues seen on the A-Class, CLA and the E-Class, along with probably a few hints of the new S-Class.
For the 2014 C-Class they will invest funds in the Tuscaloosa factory located in Alabama in order to prepare it for the car’s production. The automaker says they plan on making at least 100,000 units each year. More importantly, it will be the first Mercedes-Benz C-Class in existence to be powered by an engine manufactured in the United States. Mercedes and Nissan have formed a collaboration to jointly build four-cylinder engines at the Decherd, Tennessee factory which belongs to Nissan. Production will commence in 2014.
In comparison to the current generation, the 2014 C-Class is expected to be about 100mm longer so it should have an overall length of 4700mm. 80mm of the added length will be in the wheelbase which will measure 2820mm. Rumors are indicating the car will be lighter and should tip the scales at just 1,380 kg (3,042 lbs) for the base C160 model.
Powering the 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be an array of 4-cylinder and V6 engines mounted longitudinally. Output is expected to vary from 184 bhp (137 kW) to 330 bhp (246 kW). The aforementioned plug-in hybrid variant will make use of a 27 bhp (20 kW) electric motor, while the range-topping AMG variant will likely be powered by either a 4.0-liter V8 or a larger 5.5-liter V8 mill.
Note: 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Edition C lineup pictured
Source: Automotive News
