Report: New Mercedes C-Class Gets Mobility Tech

Daimler AG’s next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class midsize car will feature a variety electrified powertrain options and automated driving technologies, Autocar reports.

Due in 2021, the fifth-generation model will share technology with the all-new S-Class fullsize sedan, according to the report. Autocar says the new C-Class will ride on an updated version of Mercedes’ Modular Rear Architecture (MRA). The car also will be fitted with a more advanced electrical system that can support 48-volt mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems teamed with a range of 4-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.

The car’s Drive Pilot technology is expected to enable Level 3 hands-off autonomous driving under some traffic conditions. Featuring an array of lidar, radar and ultrasonic sensors, the system is due to bow next year on the seventh-generation S-Class.

Sources tell Autocar that the C-Class will set new standards in terms of human-to-machine interfaces. Other goodies include remote-control parking capability (developed in conjunction with Bosch) and a more advanced adaptive cruise control system that will allow the car to follow the preceding vehicle at speeds as high as 130 mph and automatically slow down as the speed limit changes, according to the magazine.

An All Terrain version of the C-Class will be added to the carryover sedan, wagon, coupe and convertible variants, Autocar says. The off-roader is expected to get more rugged styling, increased ride height and a beefed-up underbody—similar to that of the E-Class All Terrain model.

Successors to the range-topping AMG C43 and C63 models also are said to be in the works. These vehicles will be powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine and a 4.0-liter V-8, respectively, according to the British magazine.