Mercedes to launch long-wheelbase C-Class in Beijing

Designed to take on similarly stretched variants of the BMW 3-Series, the Audi A4 and the Volvo S60, the C-Class L will be 2.3 inches longer than its regular-wheelbase counterpart. The extra space will benefit the rear passengers, and the interior will undoubtedly be marginally more upscale than the one found in the standard C.

Technical details haven’t been announced yet but expect the long-wheelbase C to use the same four-cylinder engines as its standard counterpart. All models will come with an automatic transmission, and a diesel engine will not be offered because oil burner sales are dismal at best in China.

Both the long- and regular-wheelbase variants of the 2015 C will be built in Beijing by a 30-year old joint-venture between Beijing Automotive and Daimler called Beijing Benz. The factory currently builds regular- and long-wheelbase variants of the E-Class, the last-gen C-Class and the GLK-Class crossover.