The interior of the new Mercedes C-class has been shown, months before the car's official reveal at the Geneva motor show next March.
Our spy photographers spotted this mule testing in the same partially disguised form as seen in previous spy shots. This time, however, we were also able to capture the car's interior. A part-digital dashboard, large central infotainment display and the familiar rotary control for Mercedes' Comand system can be seen.
Outside, sharper creases and a much sportier appearance than the current model is intended to create a car that appeals to younger buyers, something that is a key part of the brief for the new C-class, an insider revealed to Autocar earlier this year.
“We want once and for all to discard the idea that the C-class is a car bought by your grandfather, ” said a high-ranking Stuttgart-based official involved in the new car’s conception. “We have gone to extensive lengths to ensure it will meet the expectations of a younger generation of buyers, both visually and technically.”
The spy pictures also show the increase in size for the new C-class, a move that follows the introduction of the smaller Mercedes-Benz CLA saloon in the Mercedes range. It’s about 100mm longer than the current car at an estimated 4700mm in length.
The result is a more elongated look, with a smoother, sportier profile and character lines that are a nod to both the CLA and the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The increase in size has also enabled larger rear doors to improve access and a longer wheelbase to improve room for the rear passengers.
It’s clear that the front end of the new C-class will look much more contemporary than the current car’s. It features a more upright grille, larger headlights and a sculpted bonnet.
At the rear, there’s a more defined bumper for an edgier look, and sleek tail-lamps that extend into the body sides to help contribute to an overall low, wide profile.
The new C-class, codenamed W205, is set to be the first Mercedes to use the firm’s new MRA (modular rear-drive architecture). Weight saving and improved dynamics are promised from this modular platform, which will eventually underpin everything up to an S-class in size.
