New Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain: ready for the country club

Published: 18 August 2021

► C-Class Estate gets a lift
► New All-Terrain model joins range
► Not destined for the UK, though

Mercedes is opening up its All-Terrain spec to the C-Class for the first time. The new model is designed to take on the Audi A4 Allroad as a raised estate with a whole load of tough cladding for a bit of light off-roading. But it’s not coming to the UK, but will go on sale later in 2021 in the European mainland.

Lame – what do our friends on the Continent get?

A C-Class Estate that’s raised by 40mm, 4mm longer and 21mm wider (those two dimention growths are due to the additional body cladding. It’s not all for show, though – the wheels are a larger size, as Mercedes says that’s better for traction, and the multi-link front suspension has larger steering knuckles for more durability.

c-class all-terrain jump

Mercedes’ all-wheel drive 4Matic system is standard on all engines, which are all four-cylinder mild hybrids. While exact powertrains aren’t explained, the All-Terrain will benefit from the brand’s M254 petrol and OM654M diesel, meaning power variants up to 268bhp for the petrol and diesels with up to 261bhp.

On the tech front, the C-Class All-Terrain has LED lights with a specific ‘off-road light’ setting that changes the beam directed forward to better see the terrain, and an optional electronic tow bar can be fitted with its own ESP program. The main difference, technologically though, is the Offroad and Offroad+ drive modes.

Any details inside?

The new C-Class takes massive inspiration from the new S-Class, with a huge portrait screen that rises up the dashboard from the centre console, with an updated version of the brand’s MBUX infotainment.

c-class all-terrain interior

You can spec massaging seats as an option, as well as Merc’s wacky energising comfort programs. As is increasingly becoming the way with Mercedes, the brand says features can be purchased via over-the-air updates after you’ve bought the car.

Read our Mercedes reviews here

By Jake Groves

CAR's deputy news editor, gamer, serial Lego-ist, lover of hot hatches

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