A formidable competitor jumps into the crowded all-wheel-drive crossover segment; the Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate All-Terrain
It started in the late 1970s with the Matra-Simca Rancho and the AMC Eagle as specialty cars. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that crossover vehicles went mainstream with the Subaru Legacy Outback, Volvo XC70, and Audi All Tour. Over twenty years later, Mercedes Benz jumps finally jumps on the bandwagon with the Mercedes Benz C-Class Estate All-Terrain.
A crossover utility vehicle (CUV) is a type of sport utility vehicle-like vehicle built with a unibody frame construction, often based on a platform shared with a passenger car and a truck. While most crossover vehicles lack a four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive system, a handful of traditional station wagons bring “utility” to crossover utility vehicles. Mercedes Benz jumps into the ring with its C-Class Estate All-Terrain crossover.
What is the Mercedes Benz C-Class All-Terrain?
The Mercedes Benz C-Class All-Terrain is a typical station wagon. However, it has roughly 40 millimeters of higher ground clearance, 4MATIC all-wheel drive as standard, and two off-road driving modes, making mild terrain such as unmetalled tracks a breeze. It also has a distinctive radiator grille, modified bumpers, simulated underride guards at the front and rear, and matt dark grey wheel arch linings to withstand the scratches, dents, and dings associated with off-road travel.
Because of the higher ride height, the All-Terrain has larger proportions than the C-Class station wagon. However, the interior dimensions and capacity of the All-Terrain and the station wagon are the same, 17.3 to 53.3 square feet, depending upon seating configuration. The rear seat backrest is split-folding 40:20:40, and the rear tailgate can be opened or closed at the touch of a button on either the ignition key, the driver’s door switch, or the tailgate release lever.
What are the design differences between the C-Class station wagon and All-Terrain?
A single-louver radiator grille defines the front with chrome-plated trim components and the characteristic Mercedes Benz star. The front bumper of the All-Terrain has vertically aligned bars in the radiator grille and is formed of a dark grey, grainy plastic, emphasizing the model’s toughness. A high-gloss chrome simulated underride guard sits beneath it.
The All-Terrain front fenders and rear quarter panels have matte dark grey wheel arch liners, which create a strong contrast with the painted body surfaces.
The waistline trim, side window surrounds, and roof railings are finished in polished aluminum because the All-Terrain versions are based on the AVANTGARDE exterior. The B-pillar trim and the bars on the rear side windows are finished in a high-gloss black. Additional features (such as the E-line, waistline, and exterior mirrors) and trim components in the front and rear (simulated underride guards at the front and back, as well as the load sill protection) are in high gloss.
For the All-Terrain, wheel diameters range from 17 to 19 inches.
Are there any off-road driving settings unique to the All-Terrain?
The All-Terrain offers two additional DYNAMIC SELECT settings for off-road driving, in addition to ECO, COMFORT, SPORT, and INDIVIDUAL. OFFROAD is for easy terrains like dirt roads, gravel, or sand; OFFROAD+ with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) is for slightly heavier and steeper terrain. DYNAMIC SELECT adjusts the engine, transmission, steering, ESP®, and 4MATIC characteristics. Touch input on the switch panel below the primary display allows the driver to select between driving modes.
4-Matic all-wheel-drive is standard
The 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which comes standard on the All-Terrain, provides more traction and driving stability, especially on challenging surfaces. In addition, the front axle receives up to 45 percent of the engine’s power, while the rear axle receives 55 percent. Power is put to motion with a nine-speed automatic transmission.
What engine will the 2022 Mercedes Benz C-Class All-Terrain offer?
In the United States, a four-cylinder turbocharged engine is rumored to power the 2022 C-Class. In Europe, the All-Terrain will be powered by a four-cylinder gasoline or diesel engine.
When will the Mercedes Benz C-Class All-Terrain be available?
The C-Class All-Terrain is expected to reach US shores shortly after the release of the new Class in the first half of 2022. We will add new information as it becomes available.
