Mercedes brought out the C-Class in 1993 as a replacement for the old 190E and since then, it has sprouted three generations and has become the most important model in the company’s line-up. To keep the momentum going, Mercedes is working on the fourth generation C-Class (internally called the BR205), which was recently spotted during its first winter testing. These clear images show off the luxury sedan set to be released in 2014.
The prototype caught testing was donning heavy camouflage which makes it really hard to see any lines of the new design, but at least the roof line is clearly visible. Rumors suggest that the car’s design lines will be inspired by the F800 Concept Car displayed in Geneva two years ago with a more marked front grille. This will obviously change the look of the C-Class, but won’t change it so severely as to present a completely new design. Mercedes is set on keeping the essence of the model, but adding a certain degree of sportiness and dynamic so that it can compete with the Audi A4 and the BMW 3-Series. Power for the future C-Class will come from both petrol and diesel engines, as well as a new hybrid version.
The Mercedes C-Class Sedan will arrive in 2014 and, six months later, it will be followed by a station wagon version. Approximately one year after that, the company will then unveil the coupe and convertible versions as well. For the US market, the C-Class will be built at the Alabama plant alongside the GL-Class and ML-Class.