Mercedes-Benz is preparing a C-Class All-Terrain
The fashion for off-road vehicles is not slowing down. Even family cars taste it. Like the Subaru Outback Wilderness and Audi allroad of this world, Mercedes-Benz is increasing the offer of its adventurous wagons. The C-Class All-Terrain will come alongside the E-Class of the same name in 2022.
Like her big sister, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain adds a little spice to the family version to make it more efficient off-road and offer a product different from the SUVs that have become too numerous on our roads. It stands out for its high ground clearance of some 40 millimeters, its redesigned bumpers as well as its black plastic sills and fender contours. Black body elements and model-exclusive rims are also featured.
So that it can perform better off the beaten track, the All-Terrain receives several reinforcements on the side of the chassis and its suspension elements. The shocks are beefier, and the front axle knuckles have been oversized. The All-Terrain integrates electronic systems dedicated to off-roading with two new driving modes: Offroad and Offroad +. The latter adds a decent automatic control system.
The vehicle will even offer the option of advanced LED lighting to better illuminate the trails at night; however, it cannot be activated at a speed of less than 50 kilometers per hour.
Under the hood of a C-Class All-Terrain hides the same 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder as a regular C300 4MATIC sold here. Although the manufacturer has yet to reveal its technical specifications, it would not be surprising to find the same output of 255 horsepower and the same torque of 273 lb-ft. This engine is mated to a 9-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
For Canada?
Mercedes-Benz was adamant when launching the model online: no, the C-Class All-Terrain will not be sold in the United States, but nothing had been mentioned yet about the Canadian market. Remember that the C-Class wagon is still marketed with us. Finally, we learned today that it will not be marketed on Canadian soil.
It is obvious, however, that station wagons, like sedans, are losing momentum in our market, but the surge in popularity of off-road vehicles could bring these vehicles back to life. We can tell you more in the coming weeks.
