2015 Mercedes C-Class wagon revealed

The wagon version -- or 'estate' if you're feeling European -- of the new class-leading Mercedes-Benz C sedan has been revealed, with more room and cargo space.

Echoing the sleek, powerful design of the C-Class sedan, it's identical at the nose but gets a sharply raked rear pillar that adds visual speed to the wagon roofline, plus redesigned rear lights that extend into the tailgate, flanking the chrome grabrail.

A 8cm longer wheelbase and 9.6cm longer body offers more cabin in every direction, with the rear seat passengers winning an extra 4.5cm legroom and the cargo area growing to 490 litres (up 5) with the seats up and 1510 (up 10) with them down.

The rear seats now give more versatility by splitting 40:20:40 instead of 60:40, while the rear backrests unlock and fold electrically with a button-push. Powered operation and automatic opening are on the tailgate options list.

Like the sedan version, the C-Class wagon will get some trickle-down technology from the S-Class flagship, including a heads-up display that puts driver information directly in their field of vision and a 6.5x4.5cm touchpad controlled in smartphone style by finger gestures.

The engine line-up will echo the sedan with highly efficient turbocharged petrol and diesel engines, with a diesel hybrid also planned, all married to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

More details and confirmation of Australian arrival and specification will be revealed closer to the official unveiling in July, but with the new C-Class sedan hitting showrooms in August you can expect the wagon to follow by the end of the year.