Since the new C-Class sedan will feature only four-cylinder engines, was Mercedes-Benz tempted to switch to front-wheel drive as well? Apparently not, says the car’s chief engineer.
As reported by Automotive News Europe, chief engineer Christian Früh told Automobilwoche the longitudinal engine layout held “indisputable” advantages over the less expensive and more space-friendly transverse layout.
“The longitudinal engine is the prerequisite for a competitive premium car. Together with the E-Class, the C-Class forms the core of Mercedes’ MRA rear-wheel-drive architecture. The S-Class is also part of this DNA, but its size and weight require standalone configurations.
“In the C-Class segment, the longitudinal engine has indisputable advantages. These include superior traction, steering that’s completely free of driving influences and a premium chassis with a correspondingly complex rear axle design. The result is comfort, handling, stability – driving characteristics that are clearly superior to a front-wheel-drive car,” he explained.
Asked why Mercedes will not include its latest six-cylinder engine in the new sedan range, Früh pointed out “the front end would have grown by 50 mm in length” to accommodate the larger 3,0-litre unit, adding the “higher axle load and its impact on driving dynamics” were factors, too.
“Performance-wise, we have more than made up for the difference between the four- and six-cylinder engines through the plug-in hybrid models. Besides a slight increase in smoothness, these engines have significantly better efficiency,” he said.
The new W206-generation saloon is scheduled to make its digital world premiere on 23 February 2021. Mercedes has confirmed the new-generation C-Class will become its first model series to be “electrified throughout”. The sedan line-up is set to be limited to four-cylinder mills (in both petrol and diesel), some featuring the 48 V mild-hybrid system and some gaining the plug-in hybrid treatment.
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has also confirmed the sedan will again be produced in East London.
