The start line for the brand new C-Class is Mercedes’ MRA (Modular Rear Structure) platform. It affords quite a lot of advances over the sooner model of the metal and aluminium construction. These embrace, in keeping with insiders, extra superior electrical structure that helps a 48V system, which is vital to offering the 2021 mannequin with a brand new vary of plug-in hybrid drivetrains.
The AMG efficiency variants will make a return, however as revealed by Autocar, the top-rung C63 will swap its V8 engine for a brand new hybridised 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit with greater than 500bhp.
The MRA construction makes use of a double-wishbone entrance and multi-link rear suspension, with adaptive damping prone to be supplied as customary throughout the vary in most markets, together with the UK. The brand new C-Class will proceed to offer the choice of rear air springs on chosen fashions.
In addition to being utilized by the C-Class saloon, property, coupé and cabriolet, the brand new platform will underpin successor fashions to the GLC and GLC Coupé, with a selection of each rear-wheel drive and optionally available four-wheel drive.
New all-terrain mannequin
As an addition to the prevailing line-up, Mercedes has given the inexperienced mild to a brand new Audi A4 Allroad rival within the C-Class All Terrain mannequin. Based mostly on the usual property, it’s going to obtain extra rugged styling, with distinctive bumpers and wheel-arch cladding, elevated journey top and beefed-up underbody safety measures already delivered to the bigger E-Class All Terrain.