New C-Class All-Terrain is the thinking driver’s GLC.

Most Mercedes-Benz gravel travel vehicles are classed as SUVs or crossovers. But there is a product niche that makes more sense than either of those for an adventurous family.

Mercedes-Benz has expanded its All-Terrain offering with a new C-Class version. It takes inspiration from the E-Class All-Terrain, and offers that rarest of things: a station wagon with additional ground clearance and all-wheel drive.

Nothing too wild, but entirely adequate forexploring the Karoo backroads.

So, what makes this new All-Terrain different from a regular C-Class? You’ll notice some exterior trim, and there is a range of 17- to 19-inch wheels, with individual spoke designs, unavailable to four- and two-door C-Class derivatives.

The most significant upgrade is ride height. The All-Terrain has 40 mm more ground clearance than aC-Class sedan, which gives it 197 mm of underbody clearance – not too far off many hardcore off-road wagons.

With its raised ride height and skid plates, the All-Terrain is easily as competent off-road as any compact SUV that isn’t low-range equipped.

Traction is delivered via Mercedes-Benz’s 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, which is capable of a 45/55 front-to-rear torque split when required. The C-Class All-terrain features hill-descent control and some other marginal off-road driver assistance systems.

With 1 510-litres of luggage capacity, the C-Class All-Terrain is impressively capacious, with the rear seats folded down. It is also rated to tow 1 800 kg.

Although Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that C-Class All-Terrain will be available with a 2-litre turbopetrol engine, featuring mild hybridization, it has not detailed exact power outputs.

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