The chief engineer of the car also explained why the six- and eighth-cylinder engines were removed.
Rumours of a four-door coupe taking on the C-Class first surfaced in May 2014. However, they never materialized. Mercedes announced that the CLC with rear doors will not be produced during the W206 generation.
Interview with Automotive News Europe Christian Fruh, the vehicle chief engineer, admitted that a new slimmer sedan to fit between the CLS and CLA was originally conceived in the early stages. The three-pointed star decided against the Audi A5 Sportback competitor. “As you all know, not every concept makes it to the series.”
Fruh also admitted that the C63 is losing its V8 because of stricter emission regulations. But what about the six-cylinder engine? All versions of the new C-Class will be powered by hybridized four-cylinder engines, as previously reported. Engineering constraints are the reason that not even the latest inline-six 3.0-liter is available.
The front end would have been extended by 50 millimeters (1.97 inch) and the load would have increased at the front axle. Fruh claims this would have had a negative effect on “driving dynamics.” Fruh said that the plug-in hybrid powertrain built around four-pot engines more than compensates for the performance difference. The PHEVs also have smoother running and better fuel economy.
It was also impossible to switch to a transverse engine arrangement. Mercedes claims that a longitudinal engine has “indisputable benefits.” Fruh stated that it provides “superiortraction”, steering that is completely free from driving influences and a premium chassis with a complex rear axle design. It delivers comfort, handling, stability, and driving characteristics that are clearly better than a front-wheel drive car.
A fully electric C-Class derivative will not be launched, due to the absence of planned powertrains and versions. Fruh believes it will be possible in the long-term, but the MRA platform that powers the W206 is not easily adaptable for a zero emission vehicle. The new EVA architecture, which debuts with the EQS / EQS UAV and EQE / EQE UAV is designed for larger and more expensive cars.
The next-generation model will not include the new rear-wheel steering system of the S Class. The RWS version is less extreme, with a turning circle of 10.6 meters instead of 0.4 meters. The C-Class doesn’t have enough space to accommodate the more advanced setup. This would have made it too costly.
Next Tuesday, February 23, will see the debut of the new C-Class W206 sedan/S206 wagon.