Mercedes-Benz has disclosed plans to offer a wider variety of ‘tailor-made’ C-Class variants, each designed for different markets.
To help diversify the lineup, the German automaker is expected to build unique variants at each of its four primary C-Class manufacturing facilities located across the globe.
“We can offer tailor-made models for the different markets,” with factories in Germany, the US, South Africa and China, Mercedes-Benz sales chief Ola Kaellenius told Bloomberg. “The trend for further variety continues.”
Mercedes-Benz kicked off C-Class production last month at its Bremen, Germany plant before expanding to the other facilities. The diversified strategy is expected to cost $2.7 billion in dedicated investments, half of which will be focused on the “center of competence” mother factory in the company’s home country.
The fourth-generation C-Class was officially unveiled early this year in Detroit, confirming a larger build but with a reduced curb weight. Body styling is split between an S-Class-inspired Luxury edition and a Sport variant that follows CLA-Class styling, while the interior has been upgraded to help differentiate the series from its entry-level counterparts.
The US-bound offerings will include the C300, outfitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 235 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, and the upgraded C400 with a turbocharged V6 mill that pushes 329 ponies and 354 lb-ft of twist. 4Matic will be standard at first, before the rear-wheel-drive variants arrive at a later date.
The C-Class sedan will be the first to arrive on the market, likely in the first half of the year, while a wagon, convertible, coupe and hatchback are expected to launch later in 2014.