Currently reading: Mercedes-Benz C-class estate enters final testing ahead of summer reveal

New premium wagon is expected to be bigger and wider than outgoing car, offering more space for both loads and passengers; all-wheel drive is likely to be an option, too

The new Mercedes-Benz C-class estate has entered the final stages of testing ahead of its launch later this year. The second variant of the 2014 C-class is expected to be revealed in full this summer.

This late-stage prototype was spotted almost fully undisguised, testing in Southern Europe. Although the remaining camouflage on this model hides some design details, we can see the C-class estate will feature conventional styling for the segment. The model has also eschewed the swooping silhouette of the larger CLS Shooting Brake, but is almost identical to the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class from its B-pillars forward.

The estate is likely to offer even more space than the outgoing car, with insiders suggesting more than 500 litres of room aided by a longer wheelbase than the old model. The new C-class saloon has a 90mm longer wheelbase than before, a move aimed at increasing space in the passenger compartment.

While Mercedes has yet to reveal any technical information about the new C-class estate, its engine lineup is expected to reflect those offered in the saloon range.

That means a base four-cylinder petrol unit in both 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre guises, as well as a lightly revised four-cylinder common-rail diesel unit in both 2.0 and 2.2-litre forms. Both engines will be Euro 6 emissions compliant. A small percentage of UK sales of both models will be taken by a range of Mercedes' six-cylinder engines.

Most models of the estate are likely to be rear-wheel drive, although it's expected that Mercedes will enable customers to upgrade to its 4Matic all-wheel drive system for a cost.

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