[Scorcher]

2014 Merc C-Class has been caught testing for the first time.

Source

Starting with the exterior, the model gains an A-Class inspired front fascia with a prominent grille, sweptback headlights and a sporty lower intake. Additional details are hard to make out but the rear end appears to have an evolutionary design with rounded surfaces.

The car's dashboard is partially covered, but we can see the cabin will adopt higher quality materials and more curved surfaces. Notable highlights include circular air vents, metallic accents and a new COMAND controller. There's also an S-Class inspired center stack which resides under a large infotainment display.

Engine options remain unconfirmed, but we wouldn't be surprised if the model adopts several of the four-cylinder units that are offered in the A- and B-Class. There have also been rumors of a three-cylinder variant as well as a hybrid that could use an electric motor which produces approximately 27 PS (20 kW / 27 hp).

[Scorcher]

2014 C-class spied undisguised!

Source

[karan561]

Somehow from some angles it looks like a re-sized version of the next generation S-Class.

Whats with the headlamp design of the new E ? IMHO it is a love it or hate it kinda design attempt.

Lets wait & watch for the official launch at the Detroit Auto Show (Jan 2014)

[Maky]

I would have been satisfied with this facelift if they had simply removed the skoda laura front end and kept the rest intact and called it a 2014 model : P, So I find the list of changes very impressive.
Given my complaint with the current C-Class I especially like the front end in the last picture you have posted Scorcher. Question, 2014 model means it will take upto 2015 to arrive on Indian shores or will we possibly get it during the same year?

[srishiva]

Not surprised since the C has most of times been the baby S in terms of design. I like the C since its airy and comfortable.

[9thsphinx]

I for one wouldn't mind cherry picking design cues of the front of the S class, the SLS steering wheel and the swooping design of the CLS.

Here are a few renderings that I found from Motorauthority and Automotoring blogspot.

[Bluebeem]

Since a very long time, companies seem to be following a single "design philosophy" for all their models across a span of say 5-7 years. for example, hyundai with their FLUIDIC design, Mercedes with the New S class as their benchmark. I don't think this is a great idea. All cars have almost the same interiors, same front grill layout, same door handles, same steering etc. Are automakers too scared of fraying into unknown territory and create something truly radical for the masses? Or are they too greedy in simply ensuring that all their new designs, features are now introduced as a completely new product meaning new customers? Take for example the new CLA. While it is extremely beautiful and seems to have everything going for it, it's coming at the cost of the C CLASS. it's cheaper, has more leg room , is 2 inches longer, more powerful and not to mention absolutely stunning looking especially compared to the the 2014 C Class.

Now if given a choice who among us would really buy the C CLASS if the CLA was available for say 3-4 lacs less than what the C class would cost ?


The C class belongs to the sport sedan category competing with the likes of the 3 series, Cadillac CTS and Audi A4, all of which have become meaner looking sportier sedans with each passing successor. Mercedes on the other hand seems to be going in reverse. Their cars are becoming more and more boring with each passing model. The sharp edges are being replaced by rounder edges. The headlamps and tail lamps are Becoming rounder. The front grill is at its most sober and simplistic yet.

Why not design the car specifically for the desired target market instead of making the S and C look like identical twins. No wonder mercedes has lost it's leadership globally. The C class stands for none of mercedes' mantras. The general consensus is that BMW is driver focused, Merc is comfort focused and audi is a mix of both generally offering the most amount of gadgets. And yet the C class (the present one) is one of the most uncomfortable cars around. It's the noisiest, heaviest among competition. And the least exciting to drive as well.

Always hoped that the next gen C Class would be more on the lines of the present E class, more sportier perhaps.

EXCITING is the last word that comes to mind when u see this car.

That said, I'm really looking fwd to the CLA. the first truly beautiful merc after the first CLS and McLaren SLR. Would be very interesting to see how the C class survives once CLA is launched.

[Ford5]

I see a Suzuki Kizashi at the back and the most un-mercedes design in the front.

The mercedes wreath will look awfully small in the new c, considering that massive "mouth"

[karan561]

Latest render of the new C Class (W205) ;



The next gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to be considerably bigger & lighter (upto 70 Kgs)

Source: http://www.autobild.de/artikel/merce...u-4207216.html

[Akshay1234]

Originally Posted by karan561

Latest render of the new C Class (W205) ;

Attachment 1087620

The next gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class is expected to be considerably bigger & lighter (upto 70 Kgs)

Source: http://www.autobild.de/artikel/merce...u-4207216.html

It has to be larger otherwise the cla would finish it off, considering it is supposed to be the same size as the current c class at a cheaper price point.

[karan561]

Originally Posted by akshay1234

It has to be larger otherwise the cla would finish it off, considering it is supposed to be the same size as the current c class at a cheaper price point.

I have a feeling the next gen C Class will get expensive & the CLA will be offered almost at the same pricepoint of the previous gen C class.

IMO its fair enough

[vb-saan]

Originally Posted by karan561

I have a feeling the next gen C Class will get expensive & the CLA will be offered almost at the same pricepoint of the previous gen C class.

Just checked on the UK pricing on Mercedes Benz website. For comparison, the price difference between the A 180 Sport and CLA 180 Sport is around GBP 2750 (which translates to around INR 2.5 lakhs). Even if they try to cash on our affinity for sedans and price it around 5 lakhs more than the A (similar engine/trim-level), they still have space for the new C-Class (which could start somewhere above 30 lakhs)

The European reviews of the CLA is not very promising, but the fact that it’s a 3-point star sedan at a lower price point may lure people into it (over the RWD C-Class)

[Bluebeem]

Originally Posted by vb-san

Just checked on the UK pricing on Mercedes Benz website. For comparison, the price difference between the A 180 Sport and CLA 180 Sport is around GBP 2750 (which translates to around INR 2.5 lakhs). Even if they try to cash on our affinity for sedans and price it around 5 lakhs more than the A (similar engine/trim-level), they still have space for the new C-Class (which could start somewhere above 30 lakhs)

The European reviews of the CLA is not very promising, but the fact that it’s a 3-point star sedan at a lower price point may lure people into it (over the RWD C-Class)

Mercedes' idea of being the best seems to be having the highest price.

The A costs 22 ex showroom. If the CLA starts at 26-27. The top model will go above 30 and eat into C class. And if C class doesn't have a variant below 30 L then competition will seem better value for money.

For some reason I also feel merc will not bring the CLA to india anytime soon. Not at least at a sharp price point. A CBU will cost nothing less than 29-30

[speedy]

Originally Posted by Bluebeem

For some reason I also feel merc will not bring the CLA to india anytime soon. Not at least at a sharp price point. A CBU will cost nothing less than 29-30

According to Marcedes Dealership here the CLA would be available in the market by september this year. I for one was offered the CLA 45 AMG in september.

[Sahil]

Originally Posted by speedy

I for one was offered the CLA 45 AMG in september.

At what approx pricing?