If you want to buy a German mid-sized sedan, you have three choices: Audi A4, BMW 3 Series or Mercedes C-Class. Still, the C-Class has lost lots of ground in the past few years and it was about time for Mercedes to do something about it.
The next-generation Mercedes C-Class has been caught testing in many times, but until now we had no details on the engines to be featured in the new model. However, in a recent interview Mercedes-Benz->ke187 USA CEO Steve Cannon revealed that the next C-Class will be offered with a series of firsts: the first diesel and hybrid powertrains, first time with an all-wheel-drive system will and the first time the next C-Class->ke1593 will have an engine built in the United States: a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder developed in cooperation with Nissan.
Also, next to the current sedan and coupe variants, the next C-Class will also add a convertible and station wagon versions. All these changes were required to make the C-Class more competitive with the BMW 3 Series.
Mercedes will unveil the next-generation C-Class at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show; the coupe and convertible will arrive in 2015. The hybrid version will also arrive in 2015.
Competition
The new-generation BMW 3 Series arrived on the market in 2011 and since then, it managed to set new benchmarks in terms of sporting prowess, elegance and comfort. The model has grown in sizes, looks better than ever and offers a lineup of four engines - two gasoline engines and two diesel engines.
The base 328i version is powered by a brand-new 2.0 liter four-cylinder that delivers a total of 245 horsepower, while the 335i gets an optimized 3.0 liter six-in-line unit that delivers a total of 306 horsepower.
At the 2013 New York Auto Show, BMW also added a new 328d version. It gets a TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 180 horsepower and a peak torque of 280 pound-feet.
By the time Mercedes drops the new C-Class on the market, Audi is also going to unveil the new A4. Rumors suggest it will be offered with a more dynamic design and improved technology. Audi will also offer a new 1.4-liter TSI engine with an output of either 122 horsepower or 180 horsepower. A hybrid version will also make its way into the lineup.