SPY SHOTS: 2008 Mercedes-Benz W204 C-class

Seen here for the first time testing with less disguise than we’d snapped it ever before is the new 2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Expect official unveiling at Geneva 2007 with sales starting shortly after. Also expect the etstate version to arrive 6 months later in the autumn. Our sources state a coupe is also planned which we can only interpret as being the new C-class Sportcoupé which is also based on the same platform.

Although it will share more of its components than before with the larger E-Class, the next C will be much sharper to drive and more distinctive as a range in its own right: Mercedes-Benz is to position it as a true small sports saloon, rather than simply a smaller answer to the E. Air suspension or active body control have been ruled out due to cost restraints. Base engine will be a direct injection 4-cylinder 1.8-litre with varying horsepower from 150 to 190. Horsepower for the 2.5- and 3.5-litre V6 will be 210 to 270 respectively. AMG's 5.4-litre will be revised with new horsepower rating up from today's 360 to 400-410bhp to compete with the Audi RS4 and future BMW M3. Also a 3.0-litre diesel is planned as well as the new iDrive-like operating concept found in the new S-Class. 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system will also remain available as well.

Source: AutoExpress

S4cabriofox - 10/30/2006 9:49:45 PM

+2 Boost

The trend seems to be that only the S-Class and E-Class will get hood stars, while Mercedes-Benz's sportier models get stars on the grille (and one on top of the hood, an odd redundancy on many of their models).

Looks cool, though. A mini S-Class.

EvoAudi - 10/30/2006 10:02:43 PM

0 Boost

direct shift system SUCKS so does IDRIVE LIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SYSTEM COMMAND SYSTEM RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BMW530i - 10/30/2006 10:57:56 PM

0 Boost

Well, over on Germancarzone, they have better pictures.

Check here: http://www.germancarzone.com/showthread.php?t=7079

Autoegr525 - 10/30/2006 11:56:50 PM

+1 Boost

Hopefully the artist was wrong about the BMW headlights, makes the benz look like all the aftermarket civics with ripoff halo lights

JUGNU - 10/31/2006 5:32:19 AM

+1 Boost

Why some red stripes on the body parts.Is MB differentiating it from other mules as this may be the AMG variant.

JUGNU

S4cabriofox - 10/31/2006 10:05:10 PM

+1 Boost

It's a red C-Class with grey camouflage.

You thought that was the paint job?

Wow.

Carboy - 10/31/2006 8:25:52 PM

0 Boost

They never put logos on prototypes. Unless its for showing.

S4cabriofox - 10/31/2006 10:05:53 PM

+1 Boost

But what is even the point of camouflage here? It's very revealing of the shape of the car- almost useless. Like Paris Hilton wearing spandex, which I'm sure she does often.