Several next-gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class prototypes have been spied in Böblingen (near Stuttgart) multiple times conducting testing ahead of a 2014 launch.
The upcoming C-Class (W205) will be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2014. Riding on the MRA platform, the new C-Class is expected to increase in length by 100mm (80mm in wheelbase) which means it should be about 4700mm long. However in spite of the added length, the base C160 model will be around 70 kg (154 lbs) lighter than the outgoing model and will have overall weight of less than 1,380 kg (3,042 lbs).
The model will go on sale in August 2014 and will be followed by a coupe and a convertible variant in 2015, as well as a plug-in hybrid model which is alleged to have a 27 hp (20 kW) electric motor. The hybrid C-Class will be able to run on gasoline, electric power or a combination of both.
Conventional-powered versions will be offered with a variety of four-cylinder and V6 engines, such as 4-cylinder 1.6-liter rates at 153 hp (114 kW), a 4-cylinder 2.0-liter with outputs of 181 hp (135 kW), 208 hp (155 kW) and 248 hp (185 kW). A 4-cylinder 2.2-liter CDI will probably be offered with outputs of 168 hp (125 kW), 201 hp (150 kW) and 228 hp (170 kW).
