Mercedes reveals lifted bush-bashing C-Class wagon

In yet another sign of defiance showing that you don’t necessarily need an SUV to explore gravel trails, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled its latest iteration of C-Class Estate; the All-Terrain.

Based on the recently updated C-Class wagon, it most notably adds in another 40mm of ground clearance, paired to a set of wheel-arch extensions and new bash plates front and rear.

Inevitably the model is exclusively available in all-wheel drive, coming fitted with Mercedes’ 4Matic system. This can send up to 45 per cent of power to the front wheels and 55 per cent to the rear wheels, placing it at the more vanilla end of the Mercedes 4Matic spectrum.

That aforementioned ride-height tweak is further complemented by the use of larger knuckles in the front-end suspension, and some new off-road-centric drive modes. These are called Offroad, Offroad+, and Downhill Speed Regulation (the three-pointed star’s version of hill descent).

It’s clear Mercedes has been somewhat judicious when it comes to making the All-Terrain more than a vanity pack for those wanting a semi-SUV to laud over others.

On top of these changes, the new model also gets an electric retractable trailer hitch as an option. It can also be optioned with trailer stabilisation, a special calibration of the car’s ESP system. Towing is rated at 1800kg (braked, presumably).

What’s under the bonnet? Well, nothing too spicy I’m afraid. The All-Terrain comes either with a 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol or a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel paired to a 48-volt hybrid system and integrated starter generator.

Power figures from the respective options haven’t been quoted, but the petrol option is tipped to be the 190kW/400Nm unit from the C 300. An AMG All-Terrain would be four-wheeled hilarity, but is unlikely

With the All-Terrain already confirmed as a non-starter in Australia, it’s also not expected to head to Kiwi shores, either.