Mercedes to Add Coupe-Like C-Class Sedan?

Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz unit is developing a sedan with coupe-like styling that could be introduced by 2020, reports Auto Bild. Tentatively called the CLC, the new model will ride on the long-wheelbase version of the C-Class and be positioned between the CLA and CLS in the Mercedes lineup, according to the German enthusiast magazine.

The stretched proportions will substantially increase rear-seat room and enable a flatter roof line, other reports note. Mercedes currently builds the long-wheelbase C-Class in China exclusively for the local market. Using that car's rear-wheel-drive platform also will help differentiate the CLC from the CLA, which shares a modular front-wheel-drive architecture with its smaller A-Class sibling.

The CLC name previously was briefly used in Europe on the final iteration of the C-Class SportCoupe. That vehicle, which was marketed from 2008 to 2011, was aimed at young buyers. The new CLC is expected to compete against the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe.