New C-Class All-Terrain Estate

Mercedes-Benz is introducing a versatile alternative in the C-Class segment: the C-Class All-Terrain. Following the introduction of the warmly received All-Terrain version of the E-Class in the spring of 2017, the new C-Class is the second such station wagon – with a striking appearance and plenty of talent.

Mercedes-Benz C-class off-road

With approximately 40 mm more ground clearance than the conventional C-Class Estate, as well as standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, two off-road driving modes and larger wheels, the new C-Class All-Terrain handles light loads with ease. terrain. The "off-road" design includes a distinctive grille, special bumpers with lower grilles and matte dark gray wheel arch extensions. In addition, the latest stellar crossover uses features from the recently launched C-Class, including efficient 48V mild-hybrid 4-cylinder engines, the adaptive and intuitive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system and the latest generation of assistance systems. . . . Additional DIGITAL LIGHT headlights provide special off-road lighting. The world premiere of the C-Class All-Terrain will take place this September at the Munich Motor Show, and it will appear in European dealerships later this year.

Compared to a conventional C-class station wagon, the All-Terrain version has slightly larger dimensions. It is 4 mm longer - its length is 4755 mm. The wheel arch extensions increased the width by 21mm to 1841mm. On the other hand, the ground clearance has been increased by about 40mm, bringing the car's height to 1494mm. Standard tire size 225/55 R 17 on rims 7.5 J x 17 H2 ET 44.5. Optional kits are available with 245/45 R 18 tires on 8 J x 18 H2 ET 41 rims and 245/40 R 19 on 8 J x 19 H2 ET 41 rims.

The size and functionality of the luggage compartment remains the same: the sport-style rear can accommodate luggage from 490 to 1510 liters, the rear seat back in the Estate version has a 40:20:40 ratio. The EASY-PACK trunk lid is included as standard.

Since the All-Terrain versions are based on the AVANTGARDE exterior line, the moldings, side window trims and roof rails are all brushed aluminum. When ordering the Night package, some trim elements (such as window surrounds, exterior mirrors, bumpers and boot sills) are finished in high-gloss black.

The AVANTGARDE interior is also standard on the C-Class All-Terrain. There are three color options to choose from: black, beige macchiato/black and hay brown/black. The center console is tilted slightly towards the driver (6°) and the freestanding LCD instrument cluster appears to float above the rest of the cab. Customers can choose between 10.25 inches (26.0 cm) or 12.3 inches (31.2 cm).

For the new variant, a new type of "Offroad" was developed. It contains detailed information such as the slope of the road and the angle of the steering wheel. It also displays geographic coordinates and a compass.

The seats with the characteristic AVANTGARDE upholstery pattern are also eye-catching. The multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather provides a good grip. In addition, decorative lighting is included as standard.

For more demanding tasks: Comfortable suspension with increased ground clearance

The All-Terrain variant has about 40mm more ground clearance than the regular C-Class wagon and has larger wheels. This makes it ideal for riding on poor quality surfaces. The four-link front suspension is equipped with slightly larger steering knuckles. A multi-link system works at the back.

To ensure balanced ride comfort and high stability, the C-Class All-Terrain is equipped as standard with a comfortable suspension with a passive damping system: the damping effect is based on the ground and depends on the vibration amplitude.

It's all about character: DYNAMIC SELECT with off-road modes

In addition to the ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL modes, the All-Terrain variant offers two additional DYNAMIC SELECT modes for off-road driving: OFFROAD, for light terrain such as dirt roads, gravel or sand, and OFFROAD+ with controlled descent. speed (DSR) is recommended for slightly heavier terrain and roads with steeper gradients. Depending on the selected program, the DYNAMIC SELECT system adjusts the engine, transmission, steering, ESP® and 4MATIC characteristics accordingly.

DIGITAL LIGHT with off-road lighting

The C-Class is equipped with powerful LED headlights as standard. The DIGITAL LIGHT system already known from the new S-Class is available on request and offers special off-road lighting for the All-Terrain version. When driving on light terrain, the wide-angle road illumination allows the driver to see obstacles more quickly, even when cornering. The function is activated when the off-road mode is activated and is active up to 50 km/h; above this speed it is automatically deactivated.

DIGITAL LIGHT uses a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs in each headlight. The light emitted by them is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micromirrors. Thus, the resolution of the lamps is more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle. The result is lighting with virtually unlimited light distribution options, perfectly adapted to the current conditions. However, it is not only the technology of the reflector that is decisive, but also the digital intelligence behind it. On-board cameras and sensor systems detect other road users, while powerful computers evaluate data and digital maps in milliseconds and give the lights “instructions” on how to actually form the beam.

What's more, the revolutionary DIGITAL LIGHT lighting technology can be upgraded with projection features – optionally available at the factory when ordering a car or online at the Mercedes-Benz Store via over-the-air updates. The system can improve driving safety by displaying directions, symbols and animations on the road. Example: When a vehicle enters a road construction area, the DIGITAL LIGHT displays two guide lines on the surface, which similarly define the width of the vehicle and make it easier to control the track. In addition, the smart technology additionally highlights pedestrians detected in the danger zone and informs the driver of violations of the prohibition of entry on motorways and one-way roads.

Towing a trailer with help

With all-wheel drive as standard and a towing capacity of up to 1,800 kg, the C-Class All-Terrain is designed for trailer towing. The list of options includes a semi-electric trailer hitch (hook) with trailer stabilization with ESP®. It unlocks with a button in the trunk and then folds out. Correct unfolding is signaled by the extinguishing control lamp.

At speeds of 65 km/h and above, the ESP® trailer stabilization system can automatically intervene in critical situations when unwanted vibrations are detected - they are damped by alternate braking of individual wheels. This is usually enough to counteract dangerous "kneading". If necessary, the system reduces vehicle speed (by limiting engine torque and braking all four wheels).

In combination with the 360° camera parking package, Trailer Maneuver Assist is available, which automatically adjusts the tractor's steering angle up to speeds of 5 km/h and gradients up to 15%. It can be controlled intuitively via the MBUX system. The driver only needs to indicate the direction of the maneuver on the central screen. For the first time, the system allows you to perform any maneuver on turns up to 90 °. In this case, the steering is carried out automatically. The driver can also choose to "tow straight" when the trailer is already moving in the correct direction and only needs to continue in reverse. Thanks to several cameras, the maneuvering process can be monitored from different angles, and dynamic lines on the screen show the trajectory of movement, the width of the vehicle and the distance to recognized objects.

Unrivaled traction: latest generation 4MATIC drive

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive system, which is standard on All-Terrain versions, provides increased traction and road holding even on difficult surfaces. Up to 45% of torque is delivered to the front axle and up to 55% to the rear axle. The 4MATIC system has been further developed for even greater efficiency and drive compatibility with the 9-speed automatic transmission. The new front axle drive unit delivers higher torque with optimized load distribution in terms of driving dynamics. What's more, the 4MATIC system has a significant weight advantage over its predecessor in the C-Class, helping to reduce CO2 emissions. The technicians were also able to reduce friction losses in the new transfer case, which has a closed oil circuit and does not require additional coolants.

electrified drives

The C-Class All-Terrain is available with a petrol or diesel engine. The petrol version uses a new 4-cylinder petrol engine (M 254) with integrated starter and generator (ISG) of the second generation. For a short time, an electric support can increase the power of an internal combustion engine up to 15 kW (20 hp). Thanks to recuperation and the ability to “float” when the engine is off, the M 254 gasoline unit is very efficient. For the first time, Mercedes-Benz has combined all the innovations of the modular family of 4- and 6-cylinder petrol and diesel engines into one design. These include NANOSLIDE® cylinder coating, CONICSHAPE® cylinder honing and an aftertreatment system located directly on the engine. A new feature is the segmented common-flow turbocharger, which represents a further evolution of the dual-scroll technology. The result: an even more efficient compressor response.

The diesel variant also benefits from the installation of a mild hybrid. The OM 654 M four-cylinder engine is equipped with a second-generation integrated starter and 48-volt electrical system, can recover energy and float when the engine is turned off. Electrification allowed the use of an electric refrigerant compressor for the air conditioning system.

Other features of the new C-Class

Front and rear passengers benefit from the slightly larger exterior dimensions of the new C-Class generation: compared to its predecessor, the elbow width has increased by 22 mm at the front and 15 mm at the rear. In the second row of seats, passengers have 11 mm more headroom, and knee room has been increased to 35 mm, which makes traveling there even more comfortable.

The C-Class has taken another big step forward in terms of digitalisation. The interior uses a display and operating concept borrowed from the new S-Class, but with a sporty interpretation. This is emphasized by the driver-oriented cab layout, with the instrument panel and center display tilted slightly towards it.

The second generation of the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system features superb LCD graphics, and the interface can be customized with three display styles (classic, sporty, discreet).

The latest generation of assistance systems includes additional advanced features that reduce the burden on the driver in everyday situations, providing a more comfortable and safer driving experience. In an emergency, the systems are best able to respond to an impending collision.

Another new feature is the extended front seat massage function (option), which now covers the entire back area: eight air chambers in the back provide an even more relaxing effect. Vibration massage on the driver's side is possible. For its implementation, four engines were integrated into the pillow.

The ENERGIZING system offers special programs that use the work of various comfort systems to create the right atmosphere in the interior - for example, invigorating in case of fatigue or relaxing in case of increased stress levels. The AIR-BALANCE package with an aroma diffuser as well as ionization and air filtration functions also ensures a good mood.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz