Mercedes Benz has pulled back the covers of the facelifted C-Class to give the vehicle a heavy mid-cycle update. The facelift doesn't reinvent the C-Class visually, but Mercedes has used the opportunity to significantly expand its technology and electrified powertrain offering.
Baby S-Class exterior
Mercedes hasn't gone overboard with the redesign, but there are enough changes up front to distinguish the facelift from its predecessor. We start up front where the car gains a new radiator grille design which will feature the option of illumination for the first time ever on the C-Class range, this lighting sequence will be accompanied by new headlamps that have the three pointed star signature integrated.
As you look closely at the front you can also find the new contrasting high-gloss black panel that connects the chrome grille with the headlamps which was first seen on the S-Class and seems to have trickled down to this C-Class.
The side profile is largely unchanged, and frankly, that's not a bad thing. The present changes you can spot with you eyes would have to be the newly developed 18-inch wheel designs that will available exclusively for the facelift which go up from 17 to 18 inches, and the fact that one can choose between a saloon body style or an estate but not in our market unfortunately.
Changes at the rear are even more restrained, with the most obvious update being the new three-pointed-star lighting signature on the saloon. Mercedes Benz have also added two more colors to choose from in the form of lavender silver metallic and characterful moody sky grey metallic.
The interior is a familiar affair with subtle touches
Inside, you dashboard will still be host to two large screens, one 12.3-inch instrument cluster for the driver and the floating 11.9-inch portrait style infotainment screen that welcomes ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini functionality thanks to running the fourth generation of MBUX powered by MB.OS. The steering wheel also gets a redesign, replacing some of the haptic controls with rocker switches for functions such as cruise control and volume. That's a welcome change, particularly because Mercedes' haptic controls haven't always been the easiest to use on the move.
It doesn't end there because even seat comfort has also been improved, when opting for the optional multi-contour seats you are opened up to a range of massage functions as well as added inflatable active cushions in the side bolsters. Occupants will also enjoy four-way lumbar support which will allow one to adjust the seat backrest individually to the spine. Music lovers should also be sorted as the optional Burmester® 3D Surround Sound System with Dolby Atmos packs 15 loudspeakers and a 710-watt amplifier within the cabin.
New equipment colours and trim elements
Two new upholstery colours and three new trim elements will be availale in the new C-Class. Owners will have the luxury of choosing a specific kind of leather to dress the interior in which are ARTICO man-made leather, leather and Nappa leather. These can be had in a variety of color combinations which are accompanied by contrast stitching as well as surface trims like cherry red accents and moccasin stitching on the side bolsters exclusive to AMG line apparel. For more individuality you are open to choosing trims like light open-pore birch wood, anthracite birch wood and high-gloss silver metal on your surfaces.
The cherry on top is the presence of 64 freely selectable ambient lighting which illuminates the cabin from the sides of the centre console across the instrument panel to the front and rear door handles, creating a warm enveloping lighting atmosphere.
Powertains gain some electric fiddling
From ithe launch, Mercedes confirms that there will be a choice of a state-of-the-art high-tech four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines in various output levels. All engines are equipped with the second-generation integrated starter-generator which provides up to 17 kW of additional output and 205 Nm of additional torque.
In no particular order, the first engine announced to be on board is a M 254 EVO petrol which is available in three output levels. In the most powerful model C 300, it delivers 190 kW and rated torque of 400 Nm. In the C 250, it develops 160 kW and maximum torque of 320 Nm, while the C 200 offers 130 kW and 270 Nm.
Next up on offer is a plug-in models which will be available in rear-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive. The C 400 e 4MATIC will deliver a combined system output of 290 kW and system torque of up to 650 Nm thanks to the coupling of the engine and an 19.53 kWh high-voltage battery. The battery offers up a EV driving range of 100 kilometres and can be charged up to 11 kW at AC charging points, with up to 55 kW at public DC fast-charging stations.
For those who want low-end torque and long-distance efficiency, you can choose from a OM 654 EVO four-cylinder diesel engine that outputs either 120 kW or 147 kW. Both petrol and diesel units are paired with the firm’s 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission.
Changes go beyond the skin as well
Mercedes-Benz have also conducted fine tuning towards the vehicles suspension and chassis setup for more of a enthusiastic and agile experience that is certain to produce "more driving pleasure", which sounds a lot like that other German company's theme and philosophy.
Mercedes‑Benz has specifically optimised the suspension for greater dynamism while maintaining a high level of long-distance comfort. This tweaking makes way for newly tuned adjustable damping which should reduce body movements, rear-axle steering for an improved turning circles and moneuvrability.
The C Class ushers in improved parking assistance systems with MB.DRIVE
The new C‑Class is equipped with up to 10 cameras in the exterior that all work together alongside five radar sensors and 12 ultrasonic sensors to provide drivers assistance in terms of lane keeping, maintaining distance, braking and accelerating. Abilities are extended to Lane Change Assist, which performs a lane change after a simple tap on the indicator stalk. If you feel this isn't safe enough than you always have the option of ramping attributes by ticking the MB.DRIVE ASSIST PLUS and MB.DRIVE ASSIST PRO which further unlocks abilities.
When are we expecting this to wash up on our shores
Mercedes-Benz South Africa has confirmed that the new C-Class is set to make local introduction in 2027 with specifics to be announced closer to launch timing.