It does have a large touchscreen that was used in the S-Class.
Mercedes has not been afraid to go bold with its W206 styling. The C-Class’s previous sales total exceeded 2.5 million. Although hundreds of spy photos have shown that the exterior design is safe, we were unable to get inside the cabin. This new video gives us a better view of the cabin.
YouTuber Mr. Benz received an invitation from Mercedes to take a seat in a pre-production prototype, still camouflaged and painted in Selenite Grey Magno. Although the exterior walkaround does not show anything new, the cabin is what caught our attention. The C-Class will inherit S-Class’ dual-screen layout.
The C is now fully digital with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, 12.8-inch touchscreen and range topper. However, the C does not have the 3D functionality found in the S-Class’s driver’s display. Christian Frueh is the chief engineer of C-Class. The big central screen features all the MBUX goodies from the W223 luxury barge.
It’s worth noting that we have seen earlier prototypes without the huge central. C-Class test cars instead had a smaller screen with touch-sensitive? (physical) controls. Climate controls were also available on the C-Class test cars. The S-Class-esque touchscreen will only be available on the most expensive trims, while the less costly ones will have the layout shown below.
The new prototype’s steering wheel, with its individual side spokes, is also borrowed from higher-end Mercedes models. The new-generation C-Class head-up display will be twice as large as the old-generation HUD. However, it will not use the same setup as the SClass. Christian Frueh talks about the engines that will be available at launch. They will all be mild hybrids or plug-in hybrids.
This video is really entertaining when he drives the C-Class to its maximum speed on an unrestricted section the Autobahn. This is a rare opportunity to see a preproduction car drive close to its maximum speed. The digital dash showed 157 mph (252 km/h). Christian Frueh shared with us that the prototype was quite springy for an AMG model. The new generation will also offer rear-wheel steering.
The world unveiling is set for February 23, when the sedan will shed its last pieces of camouflage. The wagon will likely follow the sedan in the second half, possibly with the AMG C43 or C53? The C63 is likely to be released in 2022. Although the go-faster derivatives may be downsized to hybrid 2.0-liter four cylinder powertrains at the moment, nothing is confirmed.
With the generation switch, the lineup could expand as Mercedes may finally pursue the Audi A4 Allroad with a All-Terrain that serves as a rugged wagon with standard AWD.