5 May the fours be with you

All the engines in the new C-Class have turbochargers and four cylinders. There will be diesel and petrol plug-in hybrids, but first a selection of mild hybrids. This assistance takes the form of a new evolution of Merc’s integrated starter-generator system, where a 48-volt battery fed by surplus energy from the engine and braking can provide smooth stop/start running and coasting, and boost the engine. Lighter and more compact than before, the ISG can’t be used for electriconly running.

There are two 1.5-litre petrols. The C180 (not destined for the UK) makes 168bhp and 184lb ft, with (like all the mild hybrids) 20bhp and 148lb ft available as an electronic boost. The C200 has the same unit but tuned for 201bhp and 221lb ft. The 2.0-litre four, badged C300, makes 255bhp and 295lb ft.

The diesels are all 2.0-litre fours. The C200d (not heading this way) makes 161bhp and 280lb ft. The C220d extracts 197bhp and 325lb ft. The C300d makes 262bhp and 406lb ft. It’s the quickest of the mild hybrids: 5.7sec 0-62mph and 155mph, or 5.8sec for the estate; the C300 is 6.0sec.

All the engines are paired to nine-speed autos (and some with 4Matic all-wheel drive). The first UK cars are due in the autumn, with the C300e PHEV not far behind: a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four, plus a 25.4kWh battery, for a system output of 308bhp and 406lb ft and an electric range around 60 miles. With a 55kW DC charger, it can go from empty to full in 30 minutes.