Mercedes-Benz is currently developing its next-generation C-Class and the new forthcoming AMG C63 has been spied undergoing testing.
The C-Class is a hugely important model for the Stuttgart-based firm and the current generation is also produced on local soil in East London. With BMW introducing it’s hugely impressive G20 3 Series and Audi launching its revised A4, Mercedes-Benz has its work cut out to make the new C-Class better in every way.
We saw spy shots of the new C-Class undergoing testing earlier this year but this is the first time that range-topping AMG C63 has been captured in the wild. It’s clear that this is a full-fat AMG C63 thanks to the presence of a quad-exhaust system, performance brakes and a more aggressively-distinguished front-end. It also looks like the AMG C63 will wear the Panamericana grille design to differentiate it from its lesser C-Class siblings. Also, note the new round rear taillight design.
However, the big question regarding the new AMG C63 is what will power it? Previous reports have suggested that the familiar V6 and V8 engines will be discontinued in the C63 application and it’s now likely that the V8 sledgehammer will be replaced with a hybrid powertrain comprising the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine from the AMG A45 S (with 310 kW and 500 Nm) and coupled with an electric motor which is expected to take outputs well above the 375 kW / 700 Nm currently on offer from the V8-powered AMG C63.
Mercedes-Benz is currently developing its next-generation C-Class and the new forthcoming AMG C63 has been spied undergoing testing. Picture credit: S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer's request, have watermarked them.? The C-Class is a hugely important...
Next C63 AMG to offer similar power, more torque with half the cylinders - report
It’s long been rumoured that the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 performance flagship will be switching over to a four-cylinder engine, and now those rumours appear to be gaining traction.
According to Autocar’s Greg Kable, Mercedes-AMG insiders have suggested that the new four-cylinder hybridised unit fitted to the next C63 will match the 375kW output of the current 4-litre twin-turbo engine. While the most powerful version of AMG’s 2-litre engine currently produces 310kW in the A45 S - which already makes it the most powerful four-pot in the world - the C63’s version of that engine will owe its extra urge to electrical boost. This hybrid assistance will also result in the powertrain offering more torque than the current V8, with Autocar suggesting that the system has been designed to provide up to 750Nm, which would be a 50Nm improvement.
The UK publication admits that details surrounding the new hybrid powertrain remain scarce, but that the overall package will be lighter than today’s V8 motor, even with the extra weight of the batteries. The engine is half the size, after all, which makes its ability to match the current V8’s outputs all the more impressive. The C43’s replacement will also reportedly receive a version of the new four-cylinder motor, albeit in detuned form.
This is where it gets interesting. On a pure numbers basis buyers would see the considerable economy advantage of the diesel C300de (and, without back-to-back testing, we reckon our 60-70mpg of the petrol would be quite easily beaten).
But we must acknowledge changing public attitudes towards diesel fuel, and its plummeting popularity. That might not bother you, but with the expectation that the residual values of newer diesels will start to suffer the increased cost in depreciation might make the economy benefit less valuable. The C300e is more enjoyable to drive and more refined, too.
It wouldn’t be our first choice of plug-in compact executive, with the 330e providing a broader range of dynamic talents and a more modern feel inside and out. But don’t discount the Mercedes - and on that note, with the new generation C-Class arriving on the scene next year, you might find some favourable bargains out there on this one.
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class drops disguise in new images
3 Series rival has been comprehensively re-engineered to feature self-driving tech and electrified drivetrains
A prototype of the next-gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been spotted testing with minimal disguise, dropping more hints as to the model's final production design ahead of a launch in 2021.
The C-Class has been redesigned from the ground up, with highly efficient new hybrid drivetrains and advanced autonomous driving technology set to be some of its key draws.
Having experienced a sharp drop in C-Class sales in recent years because of the universal gravitation of buyers towards SUVs, the German maker is providing the fifth-generation model with many of the developments exhibited by the new S-Class. The new C-Class, codenamed W206, will challenge the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series when it arrives in UK showrooms in 2021.
As evidenced by the latest prototypes, the design of the new C-Class is a clear evolution of the styling seen on today’s model. Although its exterior features a new-look front end with more angular headlights, the new car’s proportions, dimensions and overall silhouette remain very close to those of the model it replaces.
Super sedan! Mercedes-AMG C63 S boosted to a whopping 629 kW
The Mercedes-AMG C63 S sedan has been handed a hefty power increase and some mild visual enhancements by the folks over at Auto-Dynamics.
Dubbed the "Charon", this package provides peak outputs of 629 kW and 972 N.m of torque from Affalterbach's twin-turbo 4,0-litre V8, which delivers 375 kW and 700 N.m in standard form. How did the Polish tuner reach these lofty figures? Well, it added a pair of TTE turbochargers, a sports catalyst, Supersprint downpipes and a cat-back exhaust system from Remus Innovation, while also obviously doing some ECU tuning.
For improved air flow, an Eventuri carbon-fibre intake has been fitted, along with upgraded air filters. This is joined by an ASV/BOV blow-off adapter from Weistec. In order to cope with the extra power, Auto-Dynamics has added a Weistec sump to the AMG Speedshift transmission, carbon air injectors from Wagner Tuning and yet more upgraded filters.
2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: undisguised estate body seen
Unfinished estate bodyshell previews evolutionary design of BMW 3 Series rival ahead of debut next year
After prototypes of Mercedes-Benz's new C-Class started dropping their disguise, an unfinished bodyshell for the estate variant has now been snapped and posted online.
The image, posted onto a Youtube community forum and from an unknown spyshot source, shows the BMW 3 Series Touring rival in a disassembled state. Even so, we can make out familiar proportions and a new tail-lamp design, while a small glimpse of the dashboard appears to show influence from the recently launched 2020 S-Class.
The C-Class has been redesigned from the ground up, with highly efficient new hybrid drivetrains and advanced autonomous driving technology set to be some of its key draws.
Having experienced a sharp drop in C-Class sales in recent years because of the universal gravitation of buyers towards SUVs, the German maker is providing the fifth-generation model with many of the developments exhibited by the new S-Class. The new C-Class, codenamed W206, will challenge the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series when it arrives in UK showrooms in 2021.
Mercedes-Benz is readying one of the most important models in its lineup, the 2021 C-Class. Here are the latest spy shots.
As the northern hemisphere enters winter, the cold-weather testing season is in full swing. Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on arguably still its main bread-and-butter model, the C-Class. Given the 2-year headstart of the all-new generation of BMW 3 Series and substantially revised Audi A4, the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is going to have to be good, and then some.
Despite the meteoric rise of the SUV bodystyle, many would still back a traditional sedan shape and Mercedes-Benz knows its client base will want something that's essentially a shrunken S-Class. As you can see in the photos, there's definitely some visual elements from the flagship limousine at the front.
Mercedes-Benz is readying one of the most important models in its lineup, the 2021 C-Class. Here are the latest spy shots. As the northern hemisphere enters winter, the cold-weather testing season is in full swing. Mercedes-Benz is putting the finishing touches on arguably still its main...
Mercedes-Benz confirms new SA-built C-Class will lead 2021 charge
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed the locally produced next-generation C-Class sedan will lead its product assault in 2021.
Johannes Fritz, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz SA and executive director for Mercedes-Benz Cars, said local production of the as-yet-unrevealed new C-Class saloon would follow the latest R10-billion investment in the East London plant, contributing “valuably to the South African economy”.
While official details of the W206-generation C-Class sedan have yet to be announced, we expect the newcomer to ride on an updated version of the outgoing model’s rear-wheel-drive architecture, perhaps with slightly more space between its axles.
The styling updates are likely to be fairly conservative with this fifth-generation model, although the cabin looks set for a major overhaul, gaining all sorts of “baby S-Class” technology (i.e., a variety of large displays and extra driver assistance functions).
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed the locally produced next-generation C-Class sedan will lead its product assault in 2021. Johannes Fritz, co-CEO of Mercedes-Benz SA and executive director... Read more →
New Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan rendered based on latest spy shots
Wondering what the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan will look like? Well, these renders from Auto Bild give us a fair idea.
Based on the latest spy shots, the renderings suggest the upcoming W206-generation C-Class will wear a front-end design inspired by its larger saloon siblings, the E-Class and S-Class. Round back, the German publication’s digital artist has added a flatter, two-part taillamp design.
Inside, Auto Bild says we can expect an almost entirely digital cockpit (again following in the footsteps of the S-Class), with many controls set to be relocated to a large touchscreen.
New Mercedes-AMG C63’s electrified four-pot to top 410 kW – report
A fresh report out of the United Kingdom suggests the next-generation Mercedes-AMG C63 will offer in excess of 400 kW from its electrified four-cylinder petrol engine.
Talk of Affalterbach’s next-gen C63 range ditching the 375 kW/700 N.m 4,0-litre V8 for an electrified 2,0-litre four-pot is nothing new. But this latest report, published in the February 2021 issue of the UK’s CAR magazine and cited by CarAdvice.com.au, provides fresh detail.
According to the report, the next-gen C63 will boast peak outputs of 410 kW and 800 N.m, generated thanks to the M139 2,0-litre engine (as used in the 310 kW A45 S, CLA45 S and GLA45 S) plus a 150 kW rear-sited electric motor, a mild-hybrid system and an electrically powered turbocharger.
New Mercedes-Benz C-Class to be unveiled later in February – report
A fresh report out of Spain claims the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will be revealed in the final week of February 2021.
According to AutoBild’s Spanish division, the new W206-generation C-Class will be unwrapped online on 23 February 2021. The report claims both the sedan and the estate body styles will shown off at this streamed event.
The publication furthermore speculates coupé and convertible versions of the new C-Class will break cover later in the year.
Previous reports have suggested the new C-Class will adopt an almost entirely digital cockpit (following in the footsteps of the S-Class), with many controls set to be relocated to a large touchscreen.
First ride: 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class prototype review
Ride alongside development chief hints at a visually appealing and refined saloon
Having sold more than 2.5 million examples of the fourth-generation C-Class, Mercedes-Benz was never going to stray too far from it when developing the new W206.
The similarities between the old and new C-Class are clear even though it’s wearing a light disguise ahead of its premiere later this month. Its cab-backwards shape emphasises its classic rear-wheel-drive mechanical layout, while the design is instantly familiar, even if every panel and detail has been altered. Distinguishing features include new ‘power domes’ on the bonnet (standard across the range), larger wheelhouses and a wider front track.
I had to chuckle, the 3 series, A4 and C class are by no means small cars as it is, then Merc say they've improved the packaging THEN make it EVEN bigger!
Saying that, I like the sound of the 300c de model. Should prove pretty rapid and economical as long as there is some juice in the battery.
Great for daily commutes as it could run on electric for short journeys and then give you long legs on road trips.
New Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan range: engine details released
Mercedes-Benz has effectively released engine details for the cooking versions of its upcoming new C-Class sedan, though has remained mum on Mercedes-AMG variants.
Christian Früh, the head of development for the C-Class, told Auto Express the upcoming new C-Class sedan would be available – in Europe, anyway – with a range of petrol and diesel engines, each featuring 48 V mild-hybrid technology (with plug-in hybrid options to follow at a later stage).
According to the report, the next-gen midsize sedan will be available in base C180 form (likely again powered by a turbocharged 1,5-litre four-fot), though peak power will increase by ten units to 125 kW.
The C200, meanwhile, is expected to offer 150 kW (the same peak output as the current model’s 2,0-litre, four-cylinder unit), with C300 also again generating 190 kW.
Mercedes-Benz has released powertrain details for the cooking versions of the upcoming new C-Class sedan, though has remained mum on Mercedes-AMG variants.
The new W206-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which will be officially unveiled later this month, takes numerous cues from the awe-inspiring S-Class 1st-class sedan. The newcomer is larger (and, therefore more spacious) as well as refined than its predecessor. What's more, it's more engaging to drive – reports say.
As was the case with its predecessor, the upcoming C-Class (W206) is a pivotal model for Mercedes-Benz South Africa, which will build the newcomer for both local and international markets at its East London plant, following a R10-billion investment in the Eastern Cape production facility on the part of the firm's German parent company.
The new C-Class is based on the Three-pointed Star’s Modular Rear Architecture, which also underpins the new S-Class (due here in the 2nd quarter of 2021), but it incorporates a much higher percentage of steel than aluminium compared with its grand-saloon sibling. The new range further utilises a completely new 48V electrical architecture.
The new W206-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which will be officially unveiled later this month, takes numerous cues from the awe-inspiring S-Class 1st-class sedan. The newcomer is larger (therefore more spacious) and refined than its predecessor. What's more, it's more engaging to drive –...