What We’ve Learned About the Future of the C-Class

By Mike Aguilar - September 11, 2014

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is only a small part of the product marketing offensive the company is currently in. However, it’s one of the company’s most popular product lines. Some automotive writers got the chance to drive the 2015 C-Class recently. During their day spent with reps from the company, they were able to glean some information on what’s due to happen for the C-Class product line in the next few years.

The C-Class Will Become More Powerful

Bart Herring, general manager of product management for MBUSA says the company is still a few months away from an AMG version of the C-Class. Bart mentioned the car’s engine will have horsepower and torque numbers that rival “others in the class.” He was basically talking about the 425-horsepower BMW M3 & M4.

It was also announced that although most other AMG cars sold in the U.S., including the CLA45, GLA45, E63, and the S63, all come with 4MATIC, the C63 AMG will once again be a rear-wheel-drive offering for sale in the U.S. Research shows that buyers in the segment that includes the C63 insist on the sportiness and classic driving style/feel (burnouts and powerslides) that only a rear-drive car can deliver. It’s been rumored we’ll see the twin-turbo four-liter V8 set for installation in the new Mercedes-AMG GT that puts out 485 horsepower.

More Body Styles, but no Station Wagon

In the same report that contained the engine rumor, there was also news that we would be seeing a coupe version of the 2015 C-Class soon. Herring told writers that Mercedes-Benz would introduce a C-Class station wagon in Europe, but that as of now, there are no plans to release it in the U.S. When pressed about a four-seater convertible, Herring was cagey, but rumors abound that the convertible was given the green light for production a few months ago.

Better Fuel Economy in the Works

We’re going to see more diesel and plug-in-hybrid offerings in the C-Class in the coming years, and fuel economy is a big issue. Mercedes-Benz officials tell us we can expect the plug-in-hybrid version of the 2015 C-Class early next year. This will combine a 68-horsepower electric motor with a 252-hp turbo four-cylinder gas engine. There will also be a non-hybrid version equipped with a diesel engine coming to American shores soon.