Mercedes-Benz updates the C-Class with minor visual changes and hybrid options
Sedan, estate, coupe and cabriolet derivatives receive subtle design tweaks, plus new hybrid options for select models.
changes appear very minor …
As this is only a mid-life update, the visual changes in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model range are on the subtle side of things. Aside from new details defining the faces of the sedan, estate, coupe and cabriolet, Mercedes has tried to give various grades their own distinctive appearance. Seen in official pictures is the four-door body style.
The C43 AMG model is clearly identifiable with the twin-blade grille, while the cosmetic-only AMG Line (also known as AMG Dynamic in Thailand) gets the diamond-style version.
The regular C-Class, meanwhile, maintains the classic chrome grille with the protruding three-pointedstar logo.
Inside, Mercedes has added an upgraded infotainment screen, plus a digital instrument panel offered as an option alongside the analogue type.
I heard there’s a plug-in diesel hybrid?
With the visual alterations quite minor, the headlines for the revised C-Class are all under the bonnet.
The C43’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 now develops 390hp, up from 367hp in the pre-facelift C-Class. Despite the 23hp increase, the 0-100kph time of 4.7 seconds remains the same.
New to the C-Class is a mild hybrid using 48V technology for the so-called C200 EQ Boost, boasting a basic 184hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-turbo engine. And when combined with electricity, power can rise by a further 14hp.
And, yes, there’s a new plug-in hybrid using the brand’s latest 2.0-litre diesel-turbo. Mercedes hasn’t gone into detail about how much power this semi-electric diesel is producing, though sources say it will be capable of at least 50km in pure-electric model. It’s set to be called the C300de.
The use of this lithium-ion battery, uprated from 6.4kWh to 13.8kWh, will also be extended to the C350e plug-in petrol hybrid.
What is coming to Thai showrooms, and when?
The chaps at Mercedes-Benz Thailand are still tightlipped about when sales of the facelifted C-Class will take place in the country. Some reasons are managing stocks of locally assembled models and the pending inauguration of Mercedes’s new battery plant in Thailand for its electrified vehicles (be it regular hybrid, plug-in or all-electric).
Although the updated C-Class hits Britain — a major right-hand-drive market — in July, Thai sales could occur at a later date. Should Mercedes want to accelerate the launch, it might opt for the more conventional variants at first. A return of the four-pot diesel model is possible.
The C43 Coupe, on the other hand, was only launched in locally assembled form recently with the previous 367hp motor. There’s a rumour that the sedan version of the C43 may be built in Malaysia and shipped to Thailand under Afta perks.
And since Mercedes-Benz’s new battery factory in Thailand is scheduled to open by 2019, the current C350e may soldier on for the remaining months of the year before being superseded by a facelifted version. As for the C300de, it might be kept out of Thailand because of complexities in fuel quality. While Thailand is still on Euro 4 fuel, Europe is already on Euro 6.