SPY: The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) Snagged In Germany

SPY: The 2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W 205) Snagged In Germany

The fifth generation of the C-Class is planned to debut sometime during 2014. Dubbed W 205, the midsized premium limousine is a crucial model in the 2020 growth strategy that has been just recently adopted by Mercedes-Benz. A large volume of the series production for this vehicle will be moved at Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA, with the rest of the assembly facility remaining at the current location in Bremen. Development for the future C-Class began during winter 2011/2012, so the prototypes could endure their first-ever cold weather programme, a vital part in the testing of any forthcoming Mercedes-Benz. Along with the rise in temperatures, the camouflaged cars are returning to the already sunny and pleasant Germany as a test vehicle has been lately spotted near company's R&D Center in Stuttgart. With the new C-Class, Mercedes-Benz targets to deliver the best choice on the market. Styling is essential for any automobile, so the team conducted by reputed designer Prof. Gorden Wagener will take care to deliver an outstanding visual performance.

Influence in sketching the lines of the W 205 comes massively from the F 800 Style Research Vehicle (see 1,2,3) premiered in 2010 at the Geneva Motor Show, so expect to see a self-assured, powerful and organic design. The 2014 C-Class will be slightly lengthier compared to the current generation and a lot more balanced. The large front bonnet, doubled by a short overhang, are contrasting the short tail hood and the long rear overhang and thus enhance the general, aerodynamical appearance by making the car look longer than it actually is. For the cockpit, interior designer have prepared a spectacular, yet user-friendly architecture dominated by organic surfaces such as in the F 800 Style showcar. The powertrain for the new generation will consist of the new Mercedes Rearwheel Architecture (MRA), which shall first make its official debut on the S-Class (W 222) this autumn. This will bring a substantial improvement in the dynamic capability of the car without affecting the well-known comfortable ride of any Mercedes-Benz model. To get the C-Class going, an entire lineup of frugal engines is specifically being developed at the moment. The brand new diesel-powered and gasoline-running units will feature displacements ranging from 1.8 litres up to 3.5 litre and will display I4 and V6 (and/or I6?) cylinder arrangements. Probably, most of the diesel powerplants will boast BlueTEC technology and a potent, high-end diesel engine is also possible. For the high-end C 350 petrol version, peak output should increase a bit from the current 306 hp. The top C-Class model will be the sporty C 63 AMG that is to use a further modified version of the current 5.5-litre biturbo V8, meaning it will also get an important upgrade in performance. For the safety side of things, Mercedes-Benz researchers and engineers are preparing a consistent package of clever assistance systems that will surely make the difference between life and death in the event of a threatening situation.

Fog lamps are combined with wide, black inserts and chrome accents, which grow in width as they near the cabin. In profile, the New Insignia range鈥檚 Hatch and Saloon models are better defined through their unique tailgates and rear spoilers. The crease line on the C-pillar of the Hatch fades out before it reaches the spoiler鈥檚 trailing edge, giving it a classic coupe silhouette. On the Saloon, the crease line continues along the edge of the spoiler to emphasise the body鈥檚 length. At the rear, the New Insignia range models appear wider and lower. The high-gloss chrome logo bar has been positioned lower on the tailgate. It extends into the tail-lights and incorporates the slim-look reversing lamps. The tail and stop functions of the two-piece tail-lights are illuminated by LEDs throughout the range. The Sports Tourer鈥檚 rear styling embodies a similar wider and lower appearance. The main visual enablers are again the stretched chrome brand bar, also framing the reverse functions, and an uninterrupted body-coloured division between the tailgate glass and the longer, slimmer light units. The rear bumper moldings for all models also incorporate several black 鈥榗ut-out鈥?inserts according to the powertrain choice, with or without visible exhaust tailpipes.

The New Insignia range offers a raft of technology, safety and comfort highlights. These include state-of-the-art radar and camera-based assistance systems (including adaptive cruise control and second-generation park assist), premium seats, and 鈥極pen & Start鈥? the keyless entry and start system, to name just a few. Two new exterior colours - Emerald Green and Aurum Green - join the existing 10 colour choices. Vauxhall鈥檚 new Insignia is not only the lowest CO2 emitting car in its sector but now also the most streamlined vehicle in the world in its class. Thanks to clever changes to the body design of the new Insignia, Vauxhall鈥檚 engineers have reduced the vehicle鈥檚 drag coefficient to under 0.25 for the Insignia hatchback and 0.28 for the Sports Tourer. New extended underbody covers, wider front spoiler lips, tail lamp housings designed to enhance airflow separation and an integrated rear deck lid spoiler contribute to the new Insignia鈥檚 slippery shape. Insignia 2.0 CDTi ecoFLEX (120/140PS) models with Start/Stop also feature an additional, ultra-modern aerodynamic element: an active front air shutter.