We already know that for 2022, the Mercedes C-Class will be offered as an All-Terrain model. Recently, a camouflaged prototype was spotted testing and, while the only thing we see is that the car will sit higher than the standard model, we have it on good authority that it will feature substantial improvements to make it more capable on harsher terrains. .

When the Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain arrives on sale, it will compete with the likes of Audi A4 Allroad and Volvo V60 Cross Country. In terms of aesthetics, we see the obligatory for an All-terrain "Merc" protectors around the wheel arches, which despite looking rugged, elegantly transition to the front and rear bumpers as well as the side sills.

Actually, Mercedes isn’t a stranger to making All-Terrain versions of its light vehicles. They’ve been doing the same thing with the E-Class since 2016. With the current E-Class All-Terrain, the ride height has been increased by 1.53 inches (38.86 mm) compared to the normal version. As expected, the C-Class All-Terrain's ride height has been increased by about 1.53 inches (40 mm), compared to the normal C-Class.}

We were right to expect a new, more rugged front and rear bumper design, in addition to the plastic trim on the side, as the new images (now, without camouflage) clearly show. The market niche for high-riding station wagons is one of the more obscure ones. It definitely cannot compare to the SUV segment, both in terms of competition and demand, but this might change as these lifted station wagons with off-road capabilities, slowly but steadily, becoming more popular.

In normal conditions, most of the power will be sent to the rear axle, but depending on the version and application, it can send up to 100 percent of the torque to the front axle, if needed. Moreover, the 4Matic system offers two off-road modes. The only gearbox option will be Mercedes’ 9G-Tronic.

Inside, it's your typical highly digitalized, C-Class interior, dominated by soft-touch materials and generous amounts of leather. You also get the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system, which you can navigate through via the 10 or, optionally, 12.3-inch touchscreen. Of course, you also get the latest in active and passive safety. With the C-Class All-Terrain, you can also opt for an off-road light.

Compared to the standard C-Class, the All-Terrain is 4.0 mm longer and measures 4,755 mm in length. Because of the beefier wheel arches, the All-Terrain is also 21.0 mm wider than the standard car, at 1,841 mm. As mentioned earlier, the ground clearance is around 40 mm, which translates to 1,494 mm in height. As standard, the C-Class All-Terrain comes with 225/55 R 17 tire size, but 245/45 R 18 and 245/40 R 19, with a 41.0 mm offset, are optional as well.

The 2022 Mercedes C-Class All-terrain will debut at the 2021 IAA International Auto Show in Munich, Germany, this September.