Next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class leaked

Mercedes-Benz is taking a very evolutionary approach for the design of its next-generation C-Class.

Cochespias shared this image of what appears to be the next mid-sized C-Class sedan, completely undisguised.

It’s a bit grainy but we can see the company continues to follow tradition by styling its C-Class to look like a smaller version of the S-Class that preceded it. In this case, the next C-Class is strongly reminiscent of the W223-series S-Class revealed this month.

That means slimmer headlights than the current W205-series C and, though it’s hard to make out, smoother flanks with minimal side creasing.

Though we can’t see it, previous spy photos have shown the W206-series C-Class will shift to horizontal tail lights for the sedan. Previously, these were only featured on the coupe, convertible and wagon variants, with W205 C-Class sedans featuring more vertically-oriented tail lights as on the outgoing S-Class.

Expect the interior to be heavily inspired by the latest S-Class, though we don’t yet know if it’ll have a touchscreen quite as large as the new S-Class’s vertically-oriented 11.9- or 12.3-inch units. It will, however, use the latest generation of MBUX.

Also expected are hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains to supplement traditional turbocharged four-cylinder petrol powertrains. Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system is expected to be standard across the range.

The new Mercedes-AMG C53 could use the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine of the A45 S, which produces 310kW of power and 500Nm of torque – up 23kW though down 10Nm compared to the boosted V6 in the current C43. Another possibility that’s been mooted is the 3.0-litre inline-six from the new S450, which produces 270kW and 500Nm.

Perhaps more shocking are the rumours that have circulated that the next C63 will drop its sonorous V8 for a hi-po turbo four.

Though the current C-Class was first launched in 2014, it received a mid-cycle enhancement in 2018 that’s kept it sitting comfortably atop the segment.

Last year, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class comfortably outsold the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4 with 6798 sales, compared to 3135 and 1284 respectively.

The latest BMW 3 Series, however, is proving to be a formidable opponent. Redesigned last year, it’s sitting at 2130 sales year-to-date while the C-Class is lagging behind at 1921 sales.