Mercedes-Benz has unveiled a rather large update for its C-Class saloon and estate range, bringing revised styling, new infotainment technology and an overhauled range of petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid engines.
This updated C-Class is a major update of the current-generation model, rather than an entirely new car. Mercedes says that order books open in Europe this month, although UK specifications, pricing and availability have yet to be announced.
The most obvious changes are at the front, where the C-Class gains a redesigned grille surrounded by an LED light strip, reshaped bumpers and new headlights featuring Mercedes’ increasingly familiar three-pointed-star daytime-running light signature. The saloon gets similarly styled star-shaped graphics for its rear lights.
There are also new alloy wheel designs and two additional paint colours, while an ‘AMG Line Plus’ specification joins the range for the first time. This adds sportier exterior detailing, the cosmetic ‘Night Package’, sports seats, red stitching and red seatbelts.
New software, familiar dashboard
Inside, the dashboard architecture hasn’t changed dramatically, retaining a 12-inch digital instrument cluster and a portrait-oriented 12-inch central touchscreen. Mercedes has, however, replaced the software running these screens.
The latest C-Class now uses the manufacturer’s ‘MB.OS’ operating system and fourth-generation ‘MBUX’ infotainment software, allowing more vehicle functions to be updated remotely. Its voice assistant also incorporates technology from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini, while the navigation system is now based on Google Maps.
Mercedes has also revised the steering-wheel controls, notably reinstating a physical roller for adjusting the volume and a rocker switch for the cruise control and speed limiter. The remaining capacitive controls now provide haptic feedback.
Other available equipment includes an upgraded 15-speaker Burmester sound system, massage front seats and augmented-reality navigation technology previously offered on the larger S-Class and EQS.
The C-Class Estate retains its 490-litre boot, expanding to 1,510 litres with its 40:20:40-split rear seats folded.
Petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid power
Unlike the latest CLA, the updated C-Class isn’t making the switch to electric power- there’s a separate unrelated battery-powered C-Class model for that. Instead, Mercedes has extensively revised its combustion engines, with petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid options continuing.
The regular petrol range uses an updated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine combined with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology. European specifications range from the 177hp ‘C 200’, through a 218hp ‘C 250’, to the 258hp ‘C 300’. The mild-hybrid system can provide up to another 23hp for short periods.
Two four-cylinder diesels are also planned, producing either 163hp or 200hp, although Mercedes hasn’t yet confirmed which of these engines will be offered to British customers.
At the top of the regular range is the ‘C 400 e’ plug-in hybrid, which combines a petrol engine and electric motor for a total output of 395hp. Its 20kWh usable battery provides up to 62 miles of electric driving while charging is supported at up to 11kW AC or 55kW DC. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid configurations are planned for the wider European range.
Chassis and assistance tech updated
Mercedes has retuned the C-Class suspension with the aim of reducing body movement without compromising long-distance comfort. Rear-wheel steering remains available, turning the rear wheels by up to 2.5 degrees and reducing the turning circle to under 11 metres.
The driver assistance tech suite has been upgraded as well. Depending on specification, the C-Class can automatically assist with lane changes, while more advanced versions can respond to stop signs and red traffic lights. Mercedes’ more sophisticated point-to-point assisted-driving system will initially be restricted to China, however.
Optional ‘Digital Light’ headlights have also been upgraded with micro-LED technology. Mercedes says they provide a 40% larger high-resolution illumination area while using up to 50% less energy than the previous system.
UK pricing and availability
Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced UK pricing or a British launch date for the updated C-Class. European ordering begins this month, so further details of the UK range should follow.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class holds a New Car Expert Rating of B, with a score of 69%. It scores top marks for its excellent media review scores, and low CO2 emissions, while its safety rating is still good. However, Its reliability record and Mercedes’ new car warranty offering are only average, while its running costs are high.
