Mercedes-Benz C-class Estate: the lowdown

Mercedes has as much of a reputation for big, posh estates as Volvo, and it's a reputation it hopes to bolster this autumn when it launches the new C-class estate. Our spies caught Merc's smallest wagon testing in Germany and under that black disguise cladding lies a roomier version of the saloon - with a few surprises up its sleeve.

So how will the C-class Estate differ from the saloon?

Well, the obvious difference is the hulking big boot stuck on the back. Today's C wagon has 470 litres of luggage, expanding to 1384 with the seats folded flat, and the newcomer will best those figures. The saloon is 55mm longer than today's car, and we'd expect the estate to be bigger, too. All the usual suitcase-swallowing gubbins will be offered, with hidden cubbies, a collapsible shopping crate, clever load covers and remote tailgate operation. Exact confirmation of the spec will have to wait until the covers come off the C estate at this autumn's Frankfurt Motor Show.

What'll the C-class Estate look like under the disguise?

Merc showed off its new compact exec last month and the estate will share its unusual front-end styling; Sport models, like the one pictured, get a coupe-style badge treatment, with a huge three-pointed star dominating the grille. Lesser SE and Elegance models get more chrome trim and a conventional Merc star on the bonnet. It's a more grown-up look and one that shares more than just a hint of the latest S-class. Petrol engines range from a C180K with 156bhp 1.8-litre supercharged four-pot to a 231bhp 3.0 V6, and there'll be a new generation of direct-injection petrol engines coming in 2008. Fast estate fans might even want to hold on for the Suitcase Express, the 450bhp C63 AMG. The saloon goes on sale in June 2007, but UK buyers will have to wait until early '08 to buy the new C-class estate. We're driving the new C-class in mid-March, so come back to CAR Online to see if it's good enough to beat the 3-series at last. Words: Tim Pollard