What if we told you that the Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class just turned four years old today? That’s right. First unveiled in end-2013, the automaker’s bread and butter model is due for a refresh, and a big one at that, it seems.
Autocar reports that the facelifted C-Class may get a host of upgrades, especially in the powertrain department. As mentioned previously, the model could receive the Stuttgart marque’s latest range of four-cylinder OM654 turbodiesels, taking over from the 2.1 litre OM651 turbodiesel units that has served since 2008.
Depending on the model choice, the engine develops anywhere from 148 hp in the C 200 d, 192 hp in the C 220 d to 241 hp in the C 300 d. That’s up by 13 hp, 24 hp and 40 hp over their respective outgoing models, although these engines are not likely to make it to Malaysia at all.
More relevant to us is the new M264 petrol engine (first introduced in the E350 Coupe with 299 hp), which will kickstart propulsion duties in the new C 200 EQ Boost. According to the new report, this 2.0 litre turbo engine will replace the current M274 unit with a slight improvement in power (expect around 192 hp over today’s 184 hp), while featuring a belt-driven alternator and a 48-volt electrical system that further adds 17 hp for brief and instant electric boost.
The C 250 and C 300 will also be using the same M264 lump, although it’s unclear if the pair will get assistance from the new EQ Boost system. Either way, power will go up – expect the C 300 to go up to around 258 hp, up from 245 hp. All the aforementioned engines will be paired with either a six-speed manual or nine-speed 9G tronic automatic transmission, the latter already introduced as an update to the model in September last year.
Apparently, Mercedes-Benz is also planning for a new petrol-electric C 400 and diesel-electric C 400 d EQ Power plug-in hybrids, each with a pure electric cruising range of 50 km. The company said the new electric motor will be upgraded to pack 41 hp more than the one found in the existing C 350 e, which makes 80 hp and 340 Nm. Expect new charging systems for faster charging times as well.
As for the AMG-tuned models, the C 43 is expected to soldier on with the 3.0 litre twin-turbo V6, possibly tuned to match the E 43‘s 401 hp (+34 hp) and 520 Nm output. The C 63 on the other hand, may get new twin-scroll turbos to facilitate power gains, although the exact figures elude us at the time of writing.
Other potential optional upgrades include a more sophisticated Air Body Control suspension (an upgrade over the current Airmatic system) and a Car-To-X capability for over-the-air software updates. Several driver assist systems such as remote parking pilot and Driving Assistance Package may be offered too.
Visually, the facelifted C-Class should get the usual nip and tuck revision to its head and tail lights, the former featuring a more advanced Multibeam LED headlamps like that found on the new W213 E-Class as opposed to the current LED Intelligent Light System. Expect styling tweaks to the front and rear bumpers, as well as new wheel designs.
The cabin will also get decently upgraded, beginning with the larger 10.25-inch widescreen infotainment display first seen on the GLC F-Cell. It’s should have a higher resolution than the outgoing 8.4-inch display, with the same Generation 5.5 system as the W222 S-Class facelift, with support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink.
Also expected in the update is the new low-profile touchpad that replaces the rotary COMAND controller, along with a sportier steering wheel with touchpad-sensitive controls. One of the most notable change would be the new 12.3-inch digital instrument display, replacing the conventional (and ageing) analogue dials of the regular C-Class.
The W205 C-Class facelift is set for its world premiere at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March. Its coupé and cabriolet siblings will debut a month later in New York. What do you think of the early details so far?
GALLERY: W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift spyshots
GALLERY: Mercedes-Benz GLC F-Cell
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the Best in Class just got Better.
C class is a big seller in Malaysia. People know quality. Power windows also work for next 30 years.
High-income Malaysia population confirm seeing Mercedes C-Class selling like hotcakes again.
Errr dun mention about takata airbags
Iriz said gimme back my rims
Geely Daimler Volvo Lotus > semua
New exterior, new interior, new engine. Wow! Its like a totally diff car!
c.c Proton Iriz facelift2 R&D team
If referring P1, the CPS facelift of Gen2 was oso just as gobsmackingly improved from its predecessor, with new exterior, new interior and new engine (CPS) as well. Looks like Mesidis now taking cues from stablemate P1.
(Like) Audi B9 A4.
(Dislike) Benz W205 C-Class
If you know you want a car that is built specifically for comfort, or you want a premium car that doesn’t have all of the expensive headaches, read up. There is a reason why they are constantly winning awards for reliability. The technology that they use works without fault and, that is all people want from a refined luxury sporty work horse that does its job without complaining. In other words, a Lexus IS.
Lexus chassis department is generations behind the Germans. Heavy body, doesn’t use a lot of aluminium and super high tensile steel. Audi and Merc are leading in this and BMW is also catching up. The Audi B9 is the lightest followed by the W205 class. BMW’s current F30 is also old gen heavy chassis.
With these impressive list of improvements, its high time to get it when it debuts, b4 the next model changes to front wheel drive with torsion beam suspension.
A-keras lowspek, FWD with torsion beam suspension.
no more iPad attached display please…even g-glass get single display like e-glass..