In an unexpected move, Mercedes-Benz India today announced the launch of new-generation C-Class on November 25, 2014. The announcement took us by surprise because we had expected the company to bring in the saloon by early 2015. Based on the company's new lightweight modular rear-drive MRA (Mercedes Rear-drive Architecture) platform, the new C-Class features a new long bonnet merging into the twin-slat grille with Mercedes's three-point star, low stance and short front overhangs. However, the soft shoulder line emerging from LED head-lamps and flowing downwards the door handles, day light opening design, tail lamps, rear bumper, boot lid and rear bumper have been carried over from the previous version of the car.
The new C-Class is 95mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor, while its height has been reduced by 5mm. It now measures 4686mm in length, 1810mm in width and 1442mm in height. With a wheelbase worth 2840mm, the saloon offers a spacious cabin, especially for the rear passengers. The boot space has also been increased by 5mm to 480-litres. The interiors of the new C-Class are inspired by the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be offered in both petrol and diesel engine options, though only the petrol variant will be launched on 25th November; the diesel variants will be brought in later. The C200 petrol will be equipped with a 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder engine, which is likely to deliver a power of 208bhp and a torque of 350Nm. The C220 diesel will get a 2.2-litre engine that will produce a peak power of 168bhp with a torque of 400Nm. A 7-speed automatic transmission will be on offer. Expected to come via the CBU route, the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will compete against the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 upon its launch.
