SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Limousine (W 205) caught bare skin near Arctic Circle

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The new C-Class Limousine is slated for world premiere in January next year at NAIAS Detroit. Although there's more than half a year left till we see the final product, spy photographers deployed in Northern Scandinavia caught a totally uncamouflaged W 205 pre-series prototype doing some development on a frozen, snow-covered test track.

Even though photographed from distance, the white-coloured limousine showcase an elegant and rather simple silhouette, with a visibly longer wheelbase and several elements that remind of the new S-Class. In fact, the mini-S design was shaping as a certainty for the new C-Class starting with FEP, when the test vehicles for the W 205 generation have lost the heavy cladding.

While to most it may not look impressive enough, the pictured C-Class pre-series car is most likely the standard low-entry model, given the traditional headlight technology and the lack of LED projectors, that has received the Avantgarde treatment in the form of the Star grille with two louvres. We are sure the finished vehicle will look outstanding when unveiled.

Start of sales will happen during spring 2014, with the main production headquartered at the Bremen plant in Germany and additional volumes for emerging markets to be assembled at the facilities from Tuscaloosa (USA), East London (South Africa) and Beijing (China).

Image Source: WorldCarFans

Copyright © 2013, mercedesgla. All rights reserved.

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) snagged in the wintry Sweden

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The future generation of the C-Class reveals more and more details from underneath the thinner cladding as new spy pics captured in Northern Scandinavia emerge on the internet.

The prototype spotted by photographers is a C 205 in Avantgarde trim line, given the big Mercedes-Benz star placed on the radiator grille. The double-slat design reinforces the genuine values of the brand and is also set to deliver a mindblowing visual effect.

The new generation also adds more centimeters to the overall length of the C-Class as it makes plenty of room for the newly added CLA-Class. Thus, the medium-sized premium sedan will measure 4.70 meters, so the space inside will become even more generous for passengers. New storage compartments will also improve usability and practicality compared to the W 204 model series.

The new progressive design language will deliver a dynamic look to the C-Class, while also retaining the hallmark Mercedes-Benz values which mean elegance above all. The long engine bonnet is inspired by supercars and creates a visual effect of speed and power; at the same time, the rear end seems to have been evolved right from the new S-Class.

Although the new MRA powertrain will deliver a truly sensational ride as engineers promise, it will not sacrifice the superior comfort level of any model produced by the Stuttgart-based constructor. Steering response will be more direct and predictable, so the connection with the road will be firmer and safer. The multiple assistance technologies will also lend a helping hand to ensure an enjoyable driving experience.

The 2014 C-Class will make extensive use of LEDs instead of conventional bulbs, like the soon-to-be-revealed S-Class. Moreso, the mid-class model will also be capable to do a 360-degree surveillance with the help of the Stereo Multi Purpose Camera (SMPC). A decent number of airbags, including knee bags (for the front seats) and belt bags (for the back seats) as well as the complex PRE-SAFE system take care of passengers and diminish the effects of accidents, in case they eventually happen.

The range of diesel and gasoline engines will be quite rich, right from the start of sales. All units come equipped with BlueEFFICIENCY package and ECO start/stop technology. Ranging from 156 hp up to 333 hp, there is always the right choice to suit every taste. Clean BlueTEC powerplants will also be available - 211 hp for the C 250 BlueTEC and 252 hp for the C 300 BlueTEC. A hybrid version is still under consideration, but it could greenlighted for production towards 2015. The forthcoming C 63 AMG will be powered by a new twin-turbo V8 engine featuring a 4.0-litre displacement and near 470 hp. From 2016, the new straight-six engines Mercedes-Benz plans to reveal on the W 213 generation of the E-Class will also be offered on the C-Class as replacement for the outgoing V6 units running on both petrol and diesel.

Image Credits: Automedia / GermanCarForum

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) - fresh shots from Germany

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After the first bunch of FEP spy shots which looked somewhat intriguing, the latest series of scoops with the forthcoming C-Class generation, captured in Stuttgart outside the Mercedes-Benz R&D Center, are again reheating the situation and building up enthusiasm in the fans' souls.

The new C-Class, slated to debut in spring 2014 at the Geneva Motor Show, will boast a new design identity for Mercedes-Benz. If the new S-Class coming this summer will be evolutionary in terms of design and will herald the advent of the real revolution. The mid-sized premium sedan sports a sporty, dramatic and unprecedented styling for Mercedes-Benz, judging by the shapes hidden underneath the thinner camouflage.

For more individuality, the three model lines of the new C-Class will be even more distinguishable than today, through dedicated detail customization of the exterior. Like the current series, the 205 generation will too continue to feature three exclusive front fascias as follows: the entry-level version displays a new chrome lamella grille with three grey, contrasting louvres; the Elegance variant boasts a new chrome lamella grille with three high-sheen black, contrasting louvres; the Avantgarde and AMG Sport Package models sport the dynamic Star grille in silver colour.

Although the entire philosophy is a bit unprecedented at Mercedes-Benz and highly controversial from many points of view, we cannot recognize the efforts paid by the designers led by Gorden Wagener to offer a new, distinct styling for the C-Class in addition to the firm desire of attracting new clients towards the Stuttgart-based constructor.

The interior lines, as seen in the scoops we published some long time ago (see HERE), continues the dynamic lines of the exterior. The dashboard will be an evolution of the latest interior designs - you shall find some traces of CLA, as well as new S-Class when you step inside the new C-Class.

The LCD screen for the infotainment system will no longer be integrated into the dashboard, like for the new A-Class and CLA-Class. A new arrangement of the controls on the center console will certainly improve functionality. The big slab that defines the mid section of the dashboard will be used for different, premium trim materials such as wood, metal, carbon fibre or leather.

The main technical highlights will be transferred from the S-Class. A new rear-driven MRA platform with enhanced dynamical capabilities will replace the current powertrain. Moreover, a new set of revised manual and automatic gearbox will further improve ride quality and efficiency levels. The engines that put the W 205 generation into motion will all feature ECO start/stop and direct injection for added economy and low emission levels. The entry-level model, the C 180 BlueEFFICIENCY (BE), starts at 122 hp and is followed by C 200 BE with 156 hp, the C 220 CDI BE with 170 hp, the C 250 BE with 211 hp, the C 250 CDI BE with 204 hp, the C 300 BlueTEC with 252 hp, probably the C 350 CDI BE with 265 hp, and finally the C 400 BE with V6 power and 333 hp. The range-topping C 63 AMG model is expected to debut towards 2015 (with the official premiere slated for the 2014 Paris motor show) and will be equipped with company's newly developed bi-turbocharged, 8-cylinder engine with a total displacement of 4.0 litres and rated at around 460-470 hp.

Image Credits: Gmotors.co.uk

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SPY: The 2014 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) - first FEP prototypes hit streets

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The road development for the future C-Class began in late December 2011. Almost a year after, the test prototypes of the 205 series have finally lost their heavy exterior cladding and are now revealing more details in regard to the final design of the premium mid-class model.

The usual conservativeness of the German brand seems to have been blown away in favour of a striking, deeply scary approach. With the new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz reorientates its core values and targets new customers. But to us, in spite of the fact this strategy nevertheless adds a dose of passion and attitude to the future Star model, it may also make the whole car feel a bit incongruent, disproportionate and pretty unMerc. Why? Follow through the next paragraphs to understand our concern.

Straight away, the first impression that draws after seeing these latest shots emphasizing FEP prototypes is the rather dramatic influence from the upcoming S-Class, in addition to the tad more organic styling philosophy. As its lifecycle began approximately a year - a year and a half after the introduction of the range-topping Mercedes-Benz model, it is logical to have certain similarities, but never such plain identical shapes.

While this is is hardly bad for the C-Class, it could be bad for the S-Class, no matter how you put it. It can affect the prestige and uniqueness of the luxury flagship. This attempt to reduce the gap between the two models in terms of exterior looks is unprecedented at Mercedes-Benz and could have been inspired by the competition - where different class models are quite resembling one another (see the Audi A8, A6 and A4, for example).

Other crucial aspect is that the future C-Class seems to be very curvaceous and sloppy - if you ask us, this could spell a greater number of younger clients turning to choose the W 205 over the competitors, but it could also mean traditional customers may feel disappointed and be tempted to look for a better alternative on the other side of the road.

One good thing is the removal of the irrational surfacing profile lines seen on some of the current Merc models - or, at least, this is what our eyes depict at the moment. Instead, a new upper crease running alongside the car, which thus clearly defines the muscular shoulders and highlights the new door handles, was adopted.

We are left a bit speechless by the third volume of the car - the boot section. The overhang is anything but long, while the entire entity is overly rounded and creates the effect of a hatchback, at least when seen from a 3/4 frontal view. The way the boot lid opens and the tail lamps, still hidden under black tape, scream from all over the place: S-Class, S-Class, S-Class.

We saved the best for last, however. The front fascia looks promising, with its larger radiator grille and the headlights moved towards the extremities in order to create an outstanding impression. Inspiration was taken from the S-Class (quite obviously), but there is also a sensible influence from the F 800 Style research vehicle as well. This creates a sense of individuality which perfectly meets the progressive design philosophy the new C-Class will display.

All in all, the future 205 series will add a few important centimeters (we guess up to 4.70 m) to its overall length compared to the present model (4.591 m), as to further accomodate the new CLA (4.63 m) in the lower range. The longer front overhang and the generous surface of the bonnet help deliver a solid attitude but also take their massive toll on the rear end by painfully counterbalancing its short-run proportions.

To summarize, we shall save more impressions for later on, when we are approaching the moment of premiere and more camouflage is shed away. But for now, our point is that the new C-Class is indeed sporting rather strange clothes. While the general feel is that the W 205 C-Class will continue to be an elegant mid-sized saloon for the wealthy ones, the overall roundness of the body could end up offering the car an inconsistent expression that might not be appreciated by some.

Sticking to technical side of things, the new C-Class will abund in state-of-the-art technology. The revolution going on underneath the sheet metal of the body shall match the revolution on the outside. A new rear-driven powertrain called MRA should improve both comfort and, more importantly, driving dynamics - one department Mercedes-Benz has never been the leader, but is now paying consistent efforts to make up for the lost time. Intelligent sensors that can detect the imminence of an accident, that can read road signs or tell the driver when it is time for a coffee break will also equip the new C-Class.

Enhanced efficiency and added performance were the main targets for the new petrol and diesel engines to be found under the hood. The entire lineup will feature ECO start/stop technology and clever BlueEFFICIENCY solutions that reduce fuel consumption and the CO2 level. Together with the otherwise streamlined, aerodynamic silhouette, it shall further decrease those values, while also creating an enjoyable, soundproof atmosphere inside the car.

The new powerplants range from the entry-level C 180 petrol-burning version with 120 hp up to the high-end C 400 model sporting company's brand new 3.0-litre direct-injection V6 unit rated at 333 hp. From the end of 2014, the new high performance C 63 AMG will enter the stage. Power will come from an all new 4.0-litre BITURBO 8-cylinder engine developing a peak output over 450 hp and more than 600 Nm of maximum torque.

Look for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) to be unveiled early next year, with the official world premiere scheduled for Geneva in March. In the mean time, surf through the gallery and don't forget to stay tuned to www.mercedesgla.blogspot.com to be the first to find out the hottest news on this subject! Enjoy! :)

Image Credits: GermanCarForum / Autowereld

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SPY: The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG makes first appearance in new "clothes"

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No Mercedes-Benz model would be a true Star without a proper AMG variant. The 205 generation of the C-Class is slated for the official debut during spring 2014; the future C 63 AMG is expected to come towards the end of that year. The mid-class rocket will reportedly use a brand 5.5-litre V8 BITURBO powerplant and several new assistance technologies that were specifically designed by the engineers at Affalterbach to deliver a sensational performance.

The 2015 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG will display a more aggressive styling than the current model. The reverse-wedge shape of body, together with progressive philosophy, means designers have plenty of room to explore new opportunities. The highlights of the frontal mask will be the large air inlets and the twin-blade radiator grille, a visual feature that made its premiere this year on the new SL 63 and SL 65 AMG roadsters. A fresh set of sport alloy wheel options sporting the unmistakable AMG design will also complete the general look of the C 63 AMG, together with the traditional bootlid-mounted spoiler, the aerodynamic diffuser and the quad exhaust pipes at the rear.

The outgoing 6.2-litre V8 engine, currently equipping the C 63 AMG, will eventually be put to sleep to make room for the entrance of the 5.5-litre biturbocharged 8-cylinder powerplant. The peak output could be increased to 470 hp, while the updated value for maximum torque might indicate 700 Nm, which means an outrageous performance level even for a vehicle located in the medium-class segemtn. With the special Performance Package, things will certainly get insanely close to 500 hp.

AMG will not neglect the way all that impressive amount power will be handled from the cockpit. A sophisticated electronic management system has been developed in order to monitor every function of the car. The 3-stage ESP, the AMG RIDE CONTROL all-rounder and the AMG high-performance braking system will be part of the menu. While still retaining the rear-wheel-drive, stability and continuous power transfer will be ensured through the new modified Mercedes-Benz Rearwheel Architecture platform and an ingenious 7-speed, dual clutch AMG SPEEDSHIFT transmission.

Image Credits: Motor Authority / Gmotors.co.uk / Autoevolution

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