Mercedes-Benz will launch its new C-Class in the UK in spring 2014 and the new model will be key to helping the premium brand compete with Audi and BMW.

The C-Class is a high volume model for Mercedes in its line-up of cars and will be competing against fleet favourites like the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.

The C-Class is the biggest-selling model series from Mercedes-Benz globally. Sales of the preceding model, which was launched in 2007, total over 2.4 million (165,194 units in the UK).

The new model has the longest wheelbase in its class – 2840mm, an increase of 80mm – to be 95mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor.

While UK specifications and prices have not been confirmed, Mercedes will be offering self-levelling air suspension with four settings, comfort, sport and sport plus, plus a custom ‘individual’ mode.

At launch, three models will be available with the C180 as the entry model. It’s powered by a new 156bhp 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder, which sits below the 1.9-litre in the C220 BlueTECH with its 184bhp. The third will be the C220, with its 170bhp 2.1-litre turbodiesel and 295lb ft of torque.

The C-Class will come with a host of advanced driver aid technology options, including Collision Prevention Assist Plus which can auto brake the Merc at speed of up to 125mph, Distronic Plus, Steering Assist and Stop Go Pilot.

The C-class currently starts at £26,585, however with the smaller diesel engine joining the range, it should be a closer fight with the BMW 3-series, which starts at around £23,000. Expect little change from £56K when the C63 arrives in 2015.