News: Mercedes unveils larger, roomier and more versatile C-class estate

MERCEDES HAS put the boot in with the launch of the new C-class estate, which boasts a load area larger than the previous model.

The new car, which goes on sale in September at prices around £1,200 higher than the saloon, has a seats-up boot capacity of 490 litres (five litres than before) and a seats-down of 1,510 litres (10 more). These figures put it just about on par with the BMW 3-series Touring whose respective capacities are 495 litres and 1,500 litres.

With the larger boot comes a roomier rear cabin featuring a versatile 40/20/40-split rear seat configuration. Hands-free Access, which allows the driver to open the tailgate by waggling their foot under the rear bumper, will be available as an option.

Three engines will be offered at launch – a 179bhp 2-litre petrol in the C200, and a 2.1-litre diesel producing 168bhp in the C220 Bluetec and 201bhp in the C250 Bluetec.

The estate’s body is all-new beyond the B-pillar. Otherwise, the chassis, which is available with optional self-levelling Airmatic suspension, and the interior are the same as the saloon’s.

Prices for the new C-class estate will start at around £28,000.

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