Tipped to make its official online debut on December 16, the new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been leaked again, twice, in fact. From the Czech Republic and Autoforum, we have a plethora of video shots, while Carscoops’ reader Carson T, got hold of the February 2014 issue of the UK’s “WhatCar?” magazine that details the new sedan and he kindly sent us a print screen.
The article confirms that the new W205-codenamed C-Class has grown considerably over the current W204 to improve its passenger and luggage space offerings over the BMW 3-Series and Audi A4 models, as well as to distance itself from the CLA.
In particular, it has an 80mm (3.14 inches) longer wheelbase at 2,840mm (111.8 inches) while overall, it is 100mm (3.94 inches) longer at 4,690mm (184.6 inches) and 40mm (1.57 inches) wider than the car it replaces. It’s also 60mm (2.36 inches) longer than the rivaling 3-Series sedan.
Based on Merc’s new MRA (Modular Rear-drive Architecture) that will also underpin the next GLK, the new C-Class is up to around 100kg or 220 pounds lighter than the outgoing W204.
The exterior styling is a mix of S-Class elegance and soberness, with a touch of the CLA’s sportier design, while the interior is a welcome upgrade over the previous model with a more modern feel.
In European guise, the car will be released next year with an initial choice of three units, including a 155hp (157PS) 1.6-liter turbo petrol for the C180, a 183hp (186PS) 2.0-liter turbo petrol for the C200 and a 168hp (170PS) 2.2-liter turbo diesel in the C220 CDi.
As pointed out in the magazine article, more engines will be added to the range, including a C300 Hybrid emitting “less than 100g/km of CO2”, while it’s mentioned that a nine-speed automatic transmission is in the works and will be released in mid-2015.
Story References: WhatCar, Autoforum & Worldcarfans
Thanks to Carson for the tip and pics!
PHOTO GALLERY
