Spy shots of a very interesting-looking Mercedes-Benz C-Class were released this week. Is Mercedes-Benz targeting the Subaru Outbackand Volvo V60 Cross Country with a C-Class All-Terrain?

Picture credit:S. Baldauf/SB-Medien. We have paid for these photos and at the photographer’s request, have watermarked them.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain looks set to enter production if these spy shots are anything to go by. The All-Terrain is essentially an estate with a raised ground clearance, some plastic cladding to protect the bodywork, and an offroad theme in the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz already offers the E-Class All-Terrain for select markets in Europe and North America, but given its premium positioning, its only real opposition are the Audi A6 AllRoad andthe Volvo V90 Cross Country. The latter is available in South Africa and is a very stylish yet capable alternative to the SUV range.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain is expected to be revealed at the Munich Auto Show, which takes place in early September 2021. As you can see, the vehicle is still camouflaged, but we’ve been tracking its gestation and this is the first time we’re actually seeing production elements.

Expect 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard, with a dedicated offroad mode which will cleverly send power to the axle which needs it the most. It’ll probably feature hill-descent control too and the additional ride height and specific bumpers will increase the approach/departure angles,but don’t expect offroad ability like a Mercedes-Benz G-Class

The new range of Mercedes-Benz C-Class engines all feature electrification and while just the C200 and C220d have been confirmed for the SA market, the overseas engine portfolio is substantial.Every engine features an integrated starter generator and 48Volt tech.

No more 6-cylinder or 8-cylinder engines and the manual gearbox option for some markets has been removed. Every Mercedes-Benz C-Class will now feature a 9-speed automatic. We reckon the punchiness and economy of a diesel engine would be a brilliant setup.

While the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain is unlikely to sell in great numbers in comparison to its comprehensive SUV range, it will offer a distinct alternative for a customer who loves the great outdoors and doesn’t want a crossover/SUV. With the C-Class All-Terrain, Mercedes-Benz forges ahead with its strategy of offering a product in every conceivable category.

We’ll see the covers come off in just under a month’s time.

Further Reading

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Price and Specs in SA

Meet the all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class International Launch Review

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Production starts in SA