Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate goes off-roading with All-Terrain

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Torn between an SUV and an Estate? Why not have both-in-one?

Like me, if you too prefer an estate bodystyle over SUVs, there’s good news. The W206 C-Class Estate is now available in ‘All-Terrain‘ guise, offering the best of both worlds for those who find a conventional estate car not suitable for some light off-roading and an SUV too high-legged.

The All-Terrain gets around 40 mm more ground clearance than the regular C-Class Estate, and as a result, the vehicle height is also up by around 40 mm. And thanks to the wheel arch claddings, the width is up by 21 mm to 1,841 mm. As standard, the car rides on 17-inch wheels wrapped with 225/55-size tyres, while there are 18- and 19-inch options as well, although I don’t understand why anyone would want larger wheels for off-roading.

The front and rear get faux skid plates or underride guards in chrome. Comfort suspension with a passive damping system comes standard for this model with model-specific tuning. The four-link setup at the front has slightly larger steering knuckles.

The Dynamic Select system offers two additional modes: OffRoad for dirt roads, gravel or sand, and OffRoad+ with DSR (Downhill Speed Regulation) for somewhat heavier and steeper terrain. Another highlight of the All-Terrain is a special off-road light, which apparently offers a wider illumination. The light gets activated in the offroad driving mode and will remain active at speeds of up to 50 km/h (31 mph). And, the optional massage function of the front seats has been expanded to cover the rear section as well.

The All-Terrain is available with the regular model‘s petrol or diesel powertrains. 4Matic AWD system comes standard, which distributes 45% of the engine’s output to the front axle and up to 55% to the rear axle. The vehicle’s standard towing capacity is rated at 1,800 kg (3,968 lbs). A partially electric trailer hitch with swiveling ball-head and ESP trailer stabilization is available as an optional extra. Buyers can also add a trailer manoeuvring assistant.