Two in one: Mercedes-Benz also unveils 2021 C-Class Estate
This is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate
We weren't surprised when Mercedes-Benz unveiled the all-new C-Class. After all, they announced its launch date a few days in advance. But what we didn't expect is the launch of the Estate (station wagon) version at the same time as the sedan. Still, it's a pleasant surprise from the folks from Mercedes-Benz.
Normally, we'd have to wait about a year before the wagon version of a German luxury sedan debuts in the market. But Mercedes-Benz bucked that trend, much to the delight of wagon-lovers worldwide. So, what does it have to offer?
For starters, there's heaps more space. According to Mercedes-Benz, the all-new C-Class Estate has 30 liters more cargo room than its predecessor. That means its total cargo volume jumps from 1,510 liters to a commodious 1,540 liters. Its maximum space is even more than some crossovers. The C-Class Estate also comes with a variety of loading bay accessories such as dividers, organizers, and dog nets.
The C-Class Estate also shares many technologies from the sedan. It packs the latest MBUX software, that replaces the previous COMAND system from the past two generations. It also houses most of the vehicle's settings and functions, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The all-new wagon features the “Hey Mercedes” function. It's essentially a voice command system but can also be your onboard concierge. With it, drivers can ask the system to check the weather, look for places to eat, find the nearest gas station, and adjust the car's settings accordingly.
As for the exterior, the front end and middle section are the same as the four-door model. But after that, it's a different vehicle. Mercedes-Benz changed the rear doors to accommodate more upright windows. As for the tailgate, it borrows some elements from the E-Class Estate with its wide opening, horizontal taillights, and a slanted tailgate.
Like the sedan, the Estate's engine line-up consists of four-cylinder turbos and diesel mills. A 1.5-liter turbo powers both the C 180 and C 200. The C 180 model now puts out 170 PS and 250 Nm of torque, while the C 200 has 204 PS and 300 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the C 300 uses a 2.0-liter engine that's good for 258 PS and 400 Nm of torque. As for the turbodiesels, the “slowest” version, the C 220 d, 200 PS, and 440 Nm on tap. Meanwhile, the C 300 d has an impressive output of 265 PS and 550 Nm of torque.
Unlike the sedan, we're not expecting the C-Class Estate to arrive here soon. In a country that prefers anything with more ground clearance, the long-roof C-Class has rather limited appeal. Besides, the station wagon segment is on thin ice in the Philippines. But if you really want one, you can ask CATS Motors nicely. After all, they did that for the previous-generation C-Class.
