For those who find a conventional estate car less than suitable off-road, and an SUV too high-legged, Mercedes-Benz now offers an all-rounder as an alternative in the C-Class segment: the C-Class All-Terrain. Following the introduction of the successful All-Terrain concept with the E-Class in spring 2017, the C-Class is now also launching as a second multi-talent with a striking look and versatile capabilities.
With around 40 millimetres more ground clearance than the conventional C-Class Estate, 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard and two off-road driving modes, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain makes light work of light terrain such as unmetalled tracks with its larger wheels. The off-road design features include the distinctive radiator grille, the special bumpers, the simulated underride guard at the front and rear and the wheel arch linings in matt dark grey.
In addition, the crossover model features many highlights of the just recently launched new C-Class. These include efficient four-cylinder engines with 48-volt technology, the adaptive and intuitive MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) infotainment system, and the latest generation of driving assistance systems. DIGITAL LIGHT (optional equipment) includes a special off-road light. The C-Class All-Terrain will celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show in Munich in September, and will reach European dealers later this year.
"Over 10.5 million units of the C-Class sold since 1982 show how popular the C-Class is with our customers. And the new generation has also got off to an excellent start, with over 50,000 orders in just three months. With the C-Class All-Terrain, we are adding a new variant to our strong lineup in this successful segment, alongside the Saloon and Estate models," says Britta Seeger, member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, responsible for Sales.
Compared to the conventional C-Class Estate, the All-Terrain has slightly increased dimensions. It is four millimetres longer and measures 4755 millimetres in total. Because of the wheel arch linings, the width is increased by 21 millimetres to 1841 millimetres. The increased ground clearance of around 40 millimetres has also increased the vehicle height to 1494 millimetres.
The capacity and variability of the load compartment remain the same: the sporty rear has a load capacity of 490 to 1510 litres. The rear seat backrest of the Estate model is 40:20:40 split-folding. The EASY-PACK tailgate included as standard can be conveniently opened or closed at the touch of a button, using the button on the ignition key, the switch in the driver's door or the release handle on the tailgate.
Striking looks: design features to emphasise the off-road appearance
The single-louvre radiator grille with chrome-plated trim elements and embedded central star characterises the front. The vertically aligned bars in the radiator grille emphasise the perceived value with their high-gloss black finish. The distinctive front bumper is partly made of dark grey, grained plastic, which emphasises the robust character of this model.
This C-Class variant has wheel arch liners in matt dark grey on the front wing and on the rear side wall. The model-specific trim on the side skirts contrasts visually with the painted body surfaces in this colour and finish. An additional chrome trim strip is integrated into the side member trim. Exclusive wheel designs in sizes from 17 to 19 inches are available for the All-Terrain. At the rear, the newly designed multi-section bumper, the model-specific, chrome-plated load sill guard and the simulated underride guard underline the special nature of this vehicle.
The AVANTGARDE interior is also standard for the All-Terrain. With black, macchiato beige / black and sienna brown / black, there are three colour concepts to choose from. The instrument panel features a silver chrome clasp and matt diamond silkscreen trim element (other finishes are available). The opulent trim area flows without interruption from the centre console into the instrument panel. The instrument panel is slightly inclined towards the driver by six degrees.
The high-resolution LCD screen in the driver's area is free-standing and appears to float in front of the wing profile and trim panel. This sets the driver display apart from traditional cockpits with classic dial instruments. Customers have a choice between a 10.25-inch (26.0 cm) or a 12.3-inch (31.2 cm) version. A new "Offroad" context was designed for the All-Terrain. This holds specific information such as the incline, decline and steering angle. The geocoordinates and a compass are also displayed.
The seats with an AVANTGARDE-specific seat upholstery layout are another highlight. They ensure a high level of comfort and lateral support. The multifunction sports steering wheel in black leather with silver trim is visually attractive and allows a comfortable grip. The AVANTGARDE interior also includes ambient lighting.
For more demanding tasks: comfort suspension with around 40 mm more ground clearance
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain has around 40 millimetres more ground clearance than the conventional C-Class Estate, and the wheels are larger in diameter: this makes the All-Terrain suitable for poor road surfaces. The four-link front suspension has slightly larger steering knuckles. A multi-link suspension mounted on a rear axle carrier is installed at the rear.
For balanced ride comfort and high driving stability, the comfort suspension with a passive damping system is standard for this model variant: the damping effect is adapted to the road surface, depending on the amplitude. In this case ride comfort is improved by reducing the damping effect, and when the shocks are more severe, the full damping action ensures more stability.
A question of character: DYNAMIC SELECT with off-road modes
In addition to ECO, COMFORT, SPORT and INDIVIDUAL, the All-Terrain has two further DYNAMIC SELECT modes for off-road driving: OFFROAD is designed for easy terrain such as dirt roads, gravel or sand; OFFROAD+ with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is recommended for somewhat heavier and steeper terrain. DYNAMIC SELECT adapts the characteristics of the engine, transmission, steering, ESP® and 4MATIC. The driver can switch between the driving modes by touch input in the switch panel below the central display.
A broad impact: DIGITAL LIGHT including off-road light
The C-Class has LED High Performance headlamps as standard. The DIGITAL LIGHT system familiar from the new S-Class can be chosen as an optional extra. For the All-Terrain it includes a special off-road light. When driving on light terrain, wide illumination ensures that the driver can see obstacles sooner, even when cornering. As soon as the off-road driving mode is activated, the off-road light switches on. The function is active up to 50 km/h, and switches off automatically above this threshold.
DIGITAL LIGHT has a light module with three extremely powerful LEDs in each headlamp, whose light is refracted and directed by 1.3 million micro-mirrors. The resolution is therefore more than 2.6 million pixels per vehicle.
Updates over the air (OTA) can be used to keep various software components up to date. As soon as a new update from Mercedes-Benz is available, a message appears in MBUX. The update is downloaded and installed in the background. The user then has to agree explicitly to its activation again. To transfer the data, Mercedes-Benz relies on mobile communications technology and the communication module installed in the vehicle due to the high security standard.
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