Mercedes-Benz shows off interior of all-new C-Class sedan

The next-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class isn\'t due to go on sale until the middle of 2014, but that didn\'t stop the German carmaker from sharing with the public a glimpse inside its compact sedan.

The most prominent new cabin feature of the next-generation C-Class is its center console, \"whose progressive lines create an inviting, open sense of space, as well as a free-standing central display.\"

Nestled right at the bottom is a new touchpad developed by Mercedes-Benz. Operating it is supposedly like using a touch-screen smartphone, with all the head-unit functions being easily operated by using finger gestures. In addition, the user also receives clear, haptic feedback when operating the control surface.

The next-generation C-Class also has a heads-up display that shows important information--like speed, speed limits, navigation instructions and messages from the Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control system--as a virtual image in the driver\'s field of vision, ensuring that the driver can focus on the road ahead.

Other details about the next-generation C-Class: It will use an aluminum hybrid body, which makes use of aluminum and high tensile-strength steel, and it will have a newly designed four-link front axle, which provides excellent axle kinematics.

The new C-Class sedan is also fitted as standard with a steel suspension, although it can also be equipped with Airmatic air suspension on both the front and rear axles, which offer \"outstanding road-roar and tire-vibration characteristics and the choice of different damper characteristics.\"