The rear suspension is a complex system.
Mercedes has a history of testing strange and unusual vehicles. We have been left scratching our heads about Mercedes’ latest mule many times. This mysterious and high-riding Mercedes C Class prototype cold weather testing vehicle was captured by our spy photographers.
Because it is so old, the W204 C-Class body stands out on the high-riding chassis. This test vehicle was built for the 2015 model year. The W205 debuts in 2015. The sedan’s strangeness is further accentuated by the mismatched black wheels, riveted wheel arches, mismatched wheels, reworked side skirts and the light bar above its windshield. It almost looks like an aftermarket handmade creation.
Photo taken underneath the car’s rear shows a lot congestion around its rear suspension. It is much heavier than you would expect. Although it’s unclear what the test vehicle is used for, Mercedes offers a range of small crossovers.
According to spy photographers, this could be a prototype for the next-generation GLA- and GLB-Class crossovers or a smaller, more compact G-Class. There have been rumors of such a model for nearly a decade. The big GLC-63e-spy-photos%22%2C%22alias%22%3A%221%22%2C%22mercedes-glc63e -spy photos%22%7D is very popular at the moment. The next generation GLC is in development which only adds to its mystery.
This is not Mercedes’ first strangely proportioned test car. The two-door SL-Class was hidden behind a shorter E-Class sedan. That one was hidden behind a shrunken rear passenger door. Aston was later caught with a DBX mule and an AMG sedan body a year later. This new C-Class has a similar excess dead cat space between the wheel arch and the wheel.
The GLA, HLB and G Class are both popular crossovers for Mercedes-Benz. However, they lack the same toughness as the G class . A smaller, off-road-oriented Mercedes crossover would make a great addition to their lineup, especially since crossovers and off-roading are still very popular.