Mercedes-Benz launches C-Class Estate All-Terrain in Europe

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will gain an All-Terrain variant in Europe – bringing with it four-wheel drive, jacked up ground clearance and unique body highlights.

Released as the antidote to crossovers and SUVs, the All-Terrain's ride height is 40mm taller than the standard C-Class Estate and features two additional driving modes, Offroad and Offroad+ – the latter of which includes downhill speed regulation.

A passive damping system keeps the ride under control, while Mercedes-Benz has equipped the car with larger steering knuckles on the front axle to add extra strength to the multi-link suspension system.

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While performance figures haven't been confirmed, the All-Terrain will be available with a choice of two 2.0-litre engines – one petrol and one diesel – and 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance as standard on both units.

Power is sent through a nine-speed torque-converter automatic transmission to all four wheels, via the 4Matic all-wheel drive system, distributing up to 45 per cent of the power to the front axle and up to 55 per cent to the rear.

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Exterior changes from the standard Estate include a unique grille, bumpers and black arch linings on the front and rear – all of which contributes to a 21mm wider stance than the base car, while buyers can either opt for the standard 17-inch wheels or upgrade to 19-inch alloys.

Inside the cabin, Mercedes-Benz's Avantgarde interior is standard – offering a choice of three colour options and either a 10.25-inch or a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, each featuring incline, decline and steering angle data when in the Offroad modes.

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Unfortunately, if you want a C-Class All-Terrain in Australia, Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the variant (as well as the entire Estate range) will not be released locally due to increased SUV sales and declining interest in wagons.

European pricing has also not yet been released, although we imagine the All-Terrain will incur a premium over the car it is based on.

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