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Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain 2022.

European value: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain 2022 has been declassified.

The fifth generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class has finally got a cross-version based on the station wagon.

It differs from the initial model by 40 mm more ground clearance, protective plastic body kit and additional offroad mode of driving electronics.

Why do you need the niche crossover Universal Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain if there is the crossover Mercedes-Benz GLC perfectly selling in all markets?

It is necessary mainly for Europe, where traditional station wagons are still in demand and where many motorists consider full-size crossovers as one of the symbols of overconsumption, i.e. the wrong, non-ecological way of life.

The experience of cross-conversion of the wagon E-class in the company Mercedes-Benz, apparently, considered successful, despite the fact that no significant advantages on off-road All-Terrain version does not give — ground clearance in it is only 156 mm.

In Russia, by the way, Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain sells poorly: only 43 units were sold in the first half of this year, while the crossover GLE has sold 2927 units.

The full value of ground clearance of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain manufacturer does not disclose (probably embarrassed) — the press release only says that it is more than the standard station wagon by about 40 mm.

We understand it so that even with the biggest 19-inch wheels (also 17- and 18-inch are available) ground clearance of the C-Class All-Terrain is not more than 160 mm and it is possible to drive it on more or less dry and smooth ground, as on promo pictures, and to jump in ruts and soft ground is categorically not recommended.

Offroad mode in the menu of Dynamic Select system provides driving on sand and gravel, but not on mud and clay, and for driving on mountains there is Offroad+ mode with speed control on descent.

Meanwhile, the full drive 4Matic with asymmetric inter-axle differential (the power is divided in the proportion 45:55 in favor of the rear axle) is standard in the All-Terrain version, the suspension is passive spring by default, with larger and more enduring knuckles installed in the front.

The optional matrix LED headlights in the All-Terrain version have an «off-road» wide-angle mode, but it is only suitable for leisurely driving and is switched off after 50 km/h.

To the visual features of the All-Terrain version are plastic pads on the wheel arches and sills, imitation underbody protection under the bumpers and a radiator grille with thin vertical bars, crossed by a powerful crossbar with the company logo.

The interior has a special, developed specifically for the All-Terrain version seat trim (gives more comfort and better lateral support in the turns).

On the virtual dashboard (10.25 or 12.3 inches) you can display a special offroad «wallpaper» with compass, satellite coordinates, altimeter and roll angles.

The trunk volume is the same as in a regular station wagon: from 490 to 1510 liters. The base is equipped with a towbar, which allows pulling a trailer weighing up to 1,800 kg.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain will be offered in two versions — petrol C 200 (1.5 liter, 204 hp, 300 Nm) and diesel C 220 d (2.0 liter, 200 hp, 440 Nm).

Both engines are mated to a nine-speed hydromechanical automatic and have a 48-volt hybrid add-on in the form of a starter-generator (20 hp, 200 Nm) which assists the engine during acceleration and stores energy in the buffer battery during braking and coasting.

In Europe sales of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class All-Terrain will start in December, in the U.S. the station wagon will not be delivered, no information about Russia yet.