A leak last month prematurely revealed the C-Class’ interior ahead of its scheduled debut at the 2014 Detroit show.
The low-resolution pictures confirm the fourth-gen C will be available with two front end treatments likely called Luxury and Sport. Heavily inspired by the range-topping S-Class, the old-school Luxury model will wear an elegant three-slat grille with a small Mercedes three-pointed star protruding from the hood. The Sport variant falls in line with the front-wheel drive CLA-Class thanks to a more aggressive two-slat grille adorned by an oversized emblem. Both variants will gain specific front bumpers.
The 2015 C-Class will shed up to 221 pounds depending on engine and equipment thanks to a new body structure made up of aluminum, high-strength steel and composite materials. Fewer pounds equate to higher mpgs and Mercedes is predicting best-in-class mileage for the sedan.
Increased rigidity and improved safety will also be by-products of the new structure, with a high-strength passenger safety compartment, specifically developed deformation zones and an exterior skin made from aluminum claimed to provide superb NHTSA crash test results. Furthermore, Mercedes says the 2015 C-Class will incorporate many of the safety technologies that debuted in the latest S-Class, although it isn’t yet ready to talk specifics.
The redesigned C-Class will benefit from a new chassis composed of a four-link front and five-link rear setup, and Mercedes’ AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping will be offered as an option.
Upmarket interior
With the arrival of the entry-level CLA-Class, Mercedes will move the next C-Class will slightly upmarket in order to widen the gap between the two models.
Clearly inspired by the automaker’s new S-Class, the next C-Class’ dashboard gets a high-tech style that’s swoopier and more evocative than before. Moreover, the tech quotient has been turned way up. Images posted by Auto Express appear to show a range-topping model, but the big standouts include a new smartphone-esque touchpad in the center console (that pairs with switches taken directly from the S-Class). A control knob to operate the automaker’s infotainment system is also included.
Uniquely, a “GPS-sensitive” climate control system will be able to detect tunnels and switch to air recirculation mode to prevent fumes from entering the cabin. For those with sensitive olfactories, an AIR-BALANCE system will discreetly dispence perfume to dispel unwanted odors.
Powertrain Lineup
Mercedes has yet to divulge what exactly will be under the 2015 C-Class’ hood, but the sedan is expected to be offered with a 2.1-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder with 195 horsepower and 369-lb-ft of torque, according to a Car and Driver report. Rated at 45 mpg highway in the larger, heavier E-Class, the mill will return even loftier figures in the C-Class.
Other available engine will likely include a turbocharged gasoline four-cylinder with 210 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, as well as a V6 that will serve as the top non-AMG motor. While specifics of the latter motor are currently, it should either be a variant of the existing 3.5-liter V6 or the new twin-turbo 3.0-liter from next year’s E400.
A seven-speed automatic will serve as the dancing partner for all three engines at launch, but it will eventually be replaced by Mercedes’ nine-speed auto. Each powertrain will be offered with all-wheel-drive in place of the standard rear-wheel-drive setup.
The Alabama-built 2015 C-Class will arrive in showrooms several months after its debut in Detroit. A convertible, a coupe, and a BMW 3-Series GT-fighting hatchback will expected to debut later in 2014, while buyers in Europe will have access to a station wagon.
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