What is this?
People who think a break is too low and an SUV too high; we didn’t actually know they existed. A brand like Audi has been convinced of this since 1999, while Mercedes only tapped into the niche in 2017 with the E-Class All-Terrain. Now it is the turn of the C-Class for the first time, equipped with 4Matic all-wheel drive and 4 centimeters extra ground clearance.
You can recognize the Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain by its black plastic parts around the wheel arches and the redesigned bumpers with underbody protection. That so-called skid plates are standard silver, but can also be supplied in black via the Night Pack. The radiator grille does it for the occasion with one horizontal slat, the rest of the decoration relies on the Luxury Line version.
And the prices? They start at 55,297 euros for the C 200 Break All-Terrain, which is about 1,500 euros more than a comparably equipped version without adventurous frills. For the C 220 d we tested, you should have at least 56,507 euros. There is no question of engine versions other than the C 200 and the C 220 d for the time being, although Stuttgart does acknowledge that it will be difficult without a plug-in option in 2021. We would therefore not be surprised if the engine range is quickly expanded with a more tax-friendly one. PHEV variant, which could increase the appeal of the All-Terrain version.
What is changing?
The 2-litre diesel engine that fills the front of the Mercedes C 220 d All-Terrain develops 200 hp and 420 Nm and is assisted by an integrated starter generator on a 48-volt network, which can briefly add 20 hp and 200 Nm. On the road you feel very little of that torque boost, which on the one hand shows good integration, but on the other hand makes us question the promised sprint time of 7.8 seconds. With extra equipment and a full tank, this All-Terrain flirts with the 2 tons, which makes it smooth rather than sharp with its 200 hp. You can’t call the handling really dynamic, any more than the gear changes of the nine-speed automatic transmission are decisive.
Off the beaten track, the increased ground clearance and softer shock absorption of the C-Class All-Terrain come in handy. Mercedes is expanding the driving modes for the occasion with the modes Offroad and Offroad+. The first is intended for mud, gravel and sand roads, the second switches on the descent aid for more demanding work. In both modes, an off-road display with various parameters appears on the central screen, showing the percentage ascent or descent, steering angle, geocoordinates and a compass. At the same time, throttle response gets tamer, ESP loosens up and power is redistributed between the axles, reaching a maximum of 45 percent at the front and 55 percent at the rear.
Remarkably more off-road skills than the regular 4Matic, the All-Terrain version does not unlock, but because of the less vulnerable decoration and the extra ground clearance, you dare a little more. This is a plus, in particular for trailer owners, as they more often drive on unpaved roads and, incidentally, can still pull 1,800 kilograms with the diesel version.
Conclusion?
The All-Terrain version of the Mercedes C-Class does not offer much more than a slightly increased ground clearance and a tougher decoration, although that will suffice for certain buyers not to go for an SUV. After all, with conventional engines (even if these are mild hybrids at Mercedes), a real high-performance engine still consumes more than a lower estate version, which is reflected in a lower CO2emissions for the All-Terrain.
On the other hand, most Mercedes models with a G in their type name are already available with a plug option, so that this Mercedes C-Class All-Terrain will remain something for lovers of the Allroad look for the time being.
Also watch our video about the Mercedes C-Class
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