New Mercedes C-class partially revealed

 The new Mercedes C-class has been caught partially uncovered months before its official unveiling at the Geneva motor show next March.

The new C-class’s sides have been captured, revealing sharper creases and a much sportier appearance than on the current model.

Creating a car that appeals to younger buyers has been a key part of the brief for the new C-class, an insider revealed to Autocar earlier this year.

“We want once and for all to discard the idea that the C-class is a car bought by your grandfather, ” said a high-ranking Stuttgart-based official involved in the new car’s conception. “We have gone to extensive lengths to ensure it will meet the expectations of a younger generation of buyers, both visually and technically.”

The spy pictures also show the increase in size for the new C-class, a move that follows the introduction of the smaller CLA saloon in the Mercedes range. It’s about 100mm longer than the current car at an estimated 4700mm in length.

The result is a more elongated look, with a smoother, sportier profile and character lines that are a nod to both the CLA and the new S-class. The increase in size has also enabled larger rear doors to improve access and a longer wheelbase to improve room for the rear passengers.

The front and rear of the car remain shrouded, but it’s clear that the front end of the new C-class will look much more contemporary than the current car’s. It features a more upright grille, larger headlights and a sculpted bonnet.

At the rear, there’s a more defined bumper for an edgier look, and sleek tail-lamps that extend into the body sides to help contribute to an overall low, wide profile.

The new C-class, codenamed W205, is set to be the first Mercedes to use the firm’s new MRA (modular rear-drive architecture). Weight saving and improved dynamics are promised from this modular platform, which will eventually underpin everything up to an S-class in size.