The next-generation Mercedes C-Class is nearing the end of its development cycle before its 2021 reveal. Spy photos have captured the car in various guises and getups, though its design won’t deviate far from the current model. A new batch of photos show that Mercedes is continuing development, this time taking the C-Class Estate to Sweden for some cold-weather testing.

The estate is still covered in camouflage even as the saloon begins to lose some of its coverings. Much of the C-Class Estate is still covered, actually, with the headlights, taillights, and D-pillar covered in the swirly wrap. However, the camo can’t hide everything, and the estate looks to retain much of the design of the current offering. The interior will also get an upgrade, adopting the layout introduced in the new 2021 S-Class – a large, though not S-Class-large, infotainment screen will be integrated into the centre console, paired with touch-sensitive controls. 

Gallery: Next-Gen Mercedes-Benz C-Class Estate Spy Photos

The estate will share its powertrain lineup with the new C-Class saloon, which means it’ll likely see more efficient offerings. The lineup should include four- and six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, and hybrids. A plug-in is possible, though it’s unclear if that’ll come to the estate, too. The updated MRA platform will allow the automaker to better electrify the powertrains it offers, which is something we should be seeing more of from the next-gen C-Class. There’ll also be high-performance AMG models, too. 

The new C-Class is expected to debut sometime in 2021. Mercedes could show the saloon first, with the estate reveal coming a few months later. The high-performance AMG models will likely arrive after that. Spy photos have also shown an All-Terrain C-Class model possibly in development that could surprise next year, too.