奔驰计划于2020年发布下一代C级车。CEOJasonHoff在一次汽车研究管理研讨会也暗示新一代奔驰C级将采用更多的铝合金材质,以此达到减重的目的。新一代奔驰C级的车身结构将采用更加先进的焊接工艺，包括铝及铝合金激光焊接技术、铆接工艺以及压焊技术。Hoff进一步指出这些焊接技术将由位于亚拉巴马州Vance的供应商提供。得益于大量铝合金材质以及先进的焊接工艺的应用，新一代奔驰C级车型的减重效果将非常理想，同时其车身强度也得到相应提升。其燃油经济性也将更加出色，二氧化碳排放量也会更加环保。目前尚不清楚新一代奔驰C级减少具体重量，但显然新车的进一步减重令人鼓舞。作为参考，现款C级中重量最轻的当属入门级C160车型，在不含有任何选配件的情况下其重量为1395公斤。

 

Next-gen Mercedes C-Class to incorporate more aluminum to reduce weight

Spy photos from April have shown the C-Class (W205) is getting ready to receive a mid-cycle facelift, but it seems Mercedes is already planning the next generation which is expected to come out in 2020. Details are murky at this point, but Mercedes-Benz U.S. International CEO Jason Hoff did hint in a recent presentation at the Center for Automotive Research's Management Briefing Seminars the new C-Class will make more extensive use of aluminum.

 

In addition, the next-gen model will benefit from advanced joining technologies in its construction, including steel welded to aluminum, along with an increased use of laser welding, riveting, and bonding. Hoff went on to specify some of these joining technologies are going to be provided by C-Class suppliers in Vance, Alabama.

 

By utilizing more aluminum and advanced joining processes, Mercedes will be able to shave off weight from the C-Class and at the same time improve its body strength. Making the car lighter will pay dividends in terms of fuel economy and will lower carbon dioxide emissions, thus helping the automaker meet more stringent regulations.

 

It’s too soon to say how much weight the next C-Class will be able to lose over the current model, but obviously the diet will be more than welcomed. The lightest version of the current generation is the entry-level C160 model that tips the scales at 1,395 kilograms (3,075 pounds) without any optional equipment.