2014 Mercedes C-Class: OFFICIAL – and it looks like a proper baby S-Class

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been officially revealed and it’s bigger, bolder, lighter and cleverer than the C-Class it replaces.

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The 2014 (or 2015 if you’re in the US) Mercedes C-Class has finally been officially revealed ahead of its debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month, and it looks to be a convincing take on a proper scaled-down S-Class.

With Mercedes launching a more credible range of compact cars beneath the C-Class – with the new A-Class and CLA – targeting younger, funkier buyers, Mercedes has taken the C-Class from the ‘entry-‘level’ real Mercedes to become a properly grwon up luxury saloon, just smaller than its E-Class and S-Class siblings.

The new C-Class is wider, longer and has a longer wheelbase – with most of the extra 3 inches in the wheelbase benefiting the rear passengers – yet it’s lighter and more dynamic than the model it replaces, thanks in no small part to an aluminium hybrid body that now has up to 50 per cent aluminium in its panels.

In terms of looks, there’s no question Mercedes have done all they can to make the new C-Class a completely convincin g take on a more compact S-Class, and as far as we can tell they’ve succeeded with shorter overhangs, narrower glass area, long bonnet, flowing lines and a raised beltline all conspiring to make the new C-Class look perfectly proportioned and upmarket.

Under the skin is the new Mercedes lightweight Modular Rear Drive Architecture Platform (MRA) that will be rolled out to underpin much of the Mercedes range from the C-Class upwards and promises a more agile chassis, the option of air suspension and plenty of driver tech inherited from the S-Class.

Inside, the new C-Class has what looks to be an interior that blends the best of Mercedes new A-Class range with the best of the new S-Class, with a wraparound design, much cleaner look with far fewer switches, three central air vents, a floating infotainment screen in the centre and a big jump in fit, finish and materials.

Under the bonnet of the new C-Class will be a range of engines which will all come with stop-start as standard and offer economy up to 20 per cent better than the old C-Class.

The launch engines will include a 2.1 litre diesel with 168bhp in the C220 Bluetec and a 154bhp 1.6 litre petrol for the C180 and 2.0 litre with 181bhp for the C200, with more engines coming on stream after launch including Renault diesels offering sub-100g/km emissions, more powerful diesels and a wider range of four-pot and V6 petrols.

Gearbox options will be a six-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch auto driving the rear wheels, although 4WD variants of the new C-Class will arrive after the new C-Class launches.

We’re expecting the new Mercedes C-Class to debut at the Detroit Auto Show next month and go on sale in the UK by summer 2014. Prices are yet to be announced.