These new Mercedes C-Class pics were in our email box this morning, though the car itself isn’t due until next year’s Geneva motor show. As we’ve written about it before, the new C-Class will share more of its components than before with the larger E-Class, the next C will be more distinctive in its own right: Mercedes-Benz wants to position it as a true small sports sedan, rather than simply a smaller answer to the E.

The base engine will be a direct injection 1.8-liter four with horsepower from 150 to 190. The 2.5-liter V-6 will make 210 hp, while a 3.5-liter V-6 makes 270 hp. An AMG 5.4-liter V-8 will be stuffed into a special C-Class, churning out 400-410 hp to compete with the Audi RS4 and the next BMW M3. A 3.0-liter diesel is planned, as is an iDrive-like operating device similar to that found in the new S-Class. An all-wheel-drive system will be available.

The official launch of the new C-Class is expected for the Geneva Motor Show in 2007, with sales starting shortly thereafter. The wagon version will arrive at least six months after the sedan.

New Mercedes C-Class Sheds Disguise on Autobahn
by Hans G. Lehmann
Copyright by Lehmann Photo-Syndication
03-15-2006

Oops ....

Here are some amateur shots of a rather unintended early preview of the next generation Mercedes C Class.

When a small group of Daimler-Chrysler engineers with two test cars of the new C-Class took a turn on the German Autobahn A1 near Cologne, one of the prototypes ran into technical trouble and stalled in the middle of the emergency lane next to the shoulder. To dig deep into the innards of the top secret car, the engineers had to lift the disguise from the front end before being able to open the hood.

And there it came to light – the all new front end styling, larger headlights and grille and a new hood. All in all the next C-class is adapting styling elements from the S-class.

The model range will officially debut at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show.