It looks a little lower and wider than before, with a sporty design that's clearly going after the BMW 3 Series. But the general rules by which it's sketched out are typical of the new Mercedes brand. For example, all their new models have longer taillights and narrower headlights. They are also less fussy in the air intake department.
The new C-Class is said to use a new platform that's more reliant on aluminum for the outer components. Rumors state it could shed as much a 100 kg (220 lbs), though smaller engines might have something to do with it as well.
Hopefully, that curved roof doesn't deteriorate rear passenger space. But the design change is understandable since at least one of the sportier C-Class versions will be dropped, and the sedan needs to fill that gap somewhat.
Speaking of which, the C-Class will definitely go down the downsizing route in some markets. You can already buy base models with a 1,445cc gasoline motor or a 1.6-liter diesel from Renault. How low can they go? Probably to the 1.3-liter that-s already in the A-Class. Not many people will get that, but it helps with emissions targets.
PHEVs are going t have the same effect, and there's going to be at least two of them. Currently, the C 300 de is one of the few plug-ins that rely on a diesel engine for power. That's a little strange, but the 13.5 kWh battery and the 57 kilometers of range it provides is respectable. Hopefully, the W206 can use that without having a massive hump in the trunk.
