W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift first details – new electronics, safety systems from S-Class

W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift first details – new electronics, safety systems from S-Class

After four years in production, the W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is finally receiving a facelift, in time for the Geneva Motor Show next month. Stuttgart has released the first photos and details of the revised compact executive model, which comes with a redesigned exterior and interior, a new electronic architecture from the also-facelifted S-Class and new engines.

From the outside, the C-Class gets a new front bumper that is rather reminiscent of full-on AMG models, with a slim centre air inlet situated underneath a larger full-width intake. Meanwhile, AMG Line models receive a grille with chrome diamond pins as standard, along with a wider centre air intake and vents ahead of the front wheels. Also new is the optional Multibeam LED headlights with 84 diodes and Ultra Range high beam, along with C-shaped light guides in the LED tail lights on the sedan models.

Inside, there’s a new infotainment system from the facelifted S-Class, incorporating a widescreen centre display and a digital instrument cluster with three display modes. Oddly enough, it doesn’t feature the new Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) as seen on the new A-Class, and is still controlled using the familiar COMAND rotary knob instead of a large touchpad as with the smaller model.

W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift first details – new electronics, safety systems from S-Class

However, the steering wheel now features touchpads for controlling both displays, and the optional centre console touchpad now features haptic feedback. Also new is the magma grey/black interior colour scheme, as well as saddle brown for AMG Line models. There’s also the new Energizing comfort control system that links the climate control, air fragrance and seat heating, ventilation and massage functions.

Also borrowed from the facelifted S-Class is a range of new driver assistance systems, including the Distronic adaptive cruise control that can now utilise map information to proactively adjust the speed, such as when approaching bends, junctions or roundabouts. Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist have also been added, allowing the C-Class to drive semi-autonomously in certain situations.

Mercedes is keeping mum on what’s under the bonnet, merely saying that the facelifted C-Class will debut with new-generation petrol and diesel engines. However, it will almost certainly feature the new M264 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine that is already seeing service in the new A-Class in 224 hp/350 Nm A 250 guise.

W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift first details – new electronics, safety systems from S-Class

The engine is also available with an EQ Boost 48-volt mild hybrid system, which in the E 350 Coupé and Cabriolet makes 299 hp and 400 Nm of torque and comes with an extra 14 hp on demand thanks to the electric motor. On the diesel side, the OM654 2.0 litre mill, replacing the OM651 2.2 litre oil burner, can already be found on the E-Class and is available in 150 hp/360 Nm 200 d and 194 hp/400 Nm 220 d tunes.

Also set to power the facelifted C-Class is the M256 3.0 litre straight-six petrol engine, also with EQ Boost – in the latest S 450 and CLS 450, the engine makes 367 hp and 500 Nm and gets an additional 22 hp from the electric motor. Further up the range, the same mill with 435 hp and 520 Nm is expected to be found in the new AMG C 53, which will replace the current 362 hp C 43.

At the top of the range will sit the AMG C 63, which is rumoured to gain new turbochargers on its 4.0 litre biturbo V8 to push outputs beyond the 476 hp and 650 Nm on the outgoing model (510 hp and 700 Nm on the C 63 S). Whatever engine you choose, a nine-speed 9G-Tronic transmission is expected to remain standard on all but the most basic of models.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • MeToo on Feb 14, 2018 at 12:05 pm

    No improved dash ala E Class/A Class?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 4
    • applegreen on Feb 14, 2018 at 2:52 pm

      With Malaysia median monthly household income gone up to RM5,228. Mercs gonna be very common sight on the road here.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 2
      • Another record breaking sales year for luxury cars again.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
      • CarBuyer on Feb 14, 2018 at 6:36 pm

        If, after paying 2/3 of that RM5.2k median monthly houshold income to the finance company to service your 200k/7 year loan, you don’t mind living on rice and kicap.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
    • You should be grateful for that, the new dash, especially integrating the dials and the infotainment altogether on the A Class is ugly af

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
      • Rizki on Feb 15, 2018 at 6:21 am

        Gonna take sometime for Daimler to convert C Class from LHD to RHD. the Boyue RHD effect..

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
        • BowArrow(Mr.SFA) on Feb 15, 2018 at 11:34 am

          you’ll be surprise how soon carwow get their hands on RHD version to review …should not take long

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Ben Yap on Feb 14, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    so if the C-class has some features from the S-class, it is now called the CS-Class?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 12
  • Lotek on Feb 14, 2018 at 12:11 pm

    To wait or not to wait for the facelift…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
  • Dr Zakaria Hj Samad on Feb 14, 2018 at 12:14 pm

    Looks like the C class is again going to wipe out the outdated 3 series and the Audi A4

    Aiyoo, 3 series so old lah. Model change also going to come out anytime.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • thepolygonal on Feb 14, 2018 at 12:32 pm

    Strange… with the reveal of the new face of Merc in the form of CLS and the A-Class, I thought this time around the C-Class would have spot the updated face… hmmm… will people buy this or wait for the new face.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
    • pomen on Feb 14, 2018 at 2:23 pm

      aiyoo…this model is facelift model…not the all new model..

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
    • Those r new models, C keras is facelift. Not so soon. The new face will come in with model change.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • 12yrsold on Feb 14, 2018 at 12:39 pm

    Wow, this W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has alot of DNA from its S-class brother eh. That is good news for people like me who don’t need a Big car like the S-class. It’s time to trade in my W211 E-class that is showing its age.

    Common C&C, let’s make it happen. I’ll just take the C200 194 hp/400 Nm 220 d tunes diesel bcos I’ve never own a diesel B4 this. Hope it’s Euro 5 complaint.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 2
  • Rims from c43 , awesome…. , hopefully the new c250 will get those rims n all d bells n whistles

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • awg1031 on Feb 14, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    finally, the infotainment looks much better (proportion) compared to the current model..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • Pauline Tan on Feb 14, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    The headlights less sharp than pre face-lift model, sadly.

    They should’ve done a better job incorporating the multibeam LED headlights without compromising design.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • W124 the real mans car!!! on Feb 14, 2018 at 7:25 pm

    The only true benz heritage and genes was in the W124 a timeless piece of marvel engineering true to it brand name..designed by a true german..still stands proud today…the ones after that and now are just machines to suit the gadget freaks out thre..its for sissiess..no substance of a proper bred merc..its shit!..no unique indentity for its so call prestige…its just another expensive toy really..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 4
  • Noname on Feb 14, 2018 at 11:06 pm

    Guys, don’t need to be so excited. I guess by the time this facelift release in Malaysia, it will be when a new model gonna be release soon.
    Also it’s gonna be CKD, with most of the active safety features stripped off. Just look at how pathetic is our w213 e350e are.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Better buy current C200 AMG Line way better look than this

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
 

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