After launching the C-Class Electric in April, Mercedes-Benz offered the gas-powered C-Class (W206) a comprehensive upgrade. This includes a fresh look to match the battery-powered sibling, reworked engines to meet the Euro 7 standard, as well as technology upgrades that blend SDV capabilities into the old ICE model.
Mercedes-Benz launched the C-Class Electric in April amid concerns related to poor sales performance in China and the US. The electric-powered C-Class is a genuinely impressive EV, going neck and neck with the BMW i3, thanks to its advanced 800-volt MB.EA architecture. While the news is still fresh, the German carmaker is now applying the C-Class Electric’s design theme to the ICE-powered C-Class.
The most obvious changes are the star-studded headlights and taillights, as well as the humongous grille that has become universal not only at Mercedes-Benz, but also at its archrival BMW. There’s not much change in terms of design or the chassis. Still, there are upgrades under the hood important enough for Mercedes-Benz to claim “the most comprehensive technological upgrade in the history of the model series.”
Mercedes-Benz aims to bring the wonders of software-defined vehicles (SDV) to the combustion engine lineup, and the refreshed C-Class ICE doesn’t disappoint. It features a similar zonal architecture as the electric C-Class, with the MB.OS controlling everything. The operating system combines AI from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing, and Google Gemini, allowing owners to control most functions with natural language.
MB.OS enables over-the-air updates of the entire vehicle software, not just the infotainment system. An app store allows adding new functions from entertainment to navigation to safety. Intelligent navigation is based on Google Maps, while state-of-the-art driving and parking assistance is offered by the MB.DRIVE assistance package.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
The engine lineup is carried over from the W206, including the diesel options. However, each powerplant has seen improvements and optimizations to meet the upcoming Euro 7 emission standard in Europe. The most important change is an electric compressor for the turbocharger powered by the 48-volt mild-hybrid system, which can reduce turbo lag.
Power and torque are up across the engine lineup, with the mild-hybrid options being C 200 (174 hp), C 250 (215 hp), and C 300 (255 hp). Only the latter will be available to US clients, which will also miss the estate variant that will be available in Europe.
The plug-in hybrid C 400 e develops 389 hp and can go as far as 62 mi (100 km) on a charge before the gas engine kicks in. Two diesel options will remain in the lineup for the C 200 d (161 hp) and C 220 d (197 hp). These will also be compatible with the biofuels HVO100, B10, and B20.
Although the chassis remains largely the same, Mercedes-Benz says that it has refined the ride for more driving pleasure on winding roads. Firmer bushings and newly tuned adaptive dampers reduce body roll and improve control. The rear axle steering (up to 2.5 degrees) is also carried over, increasing agility and maneuverability.