The updated W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sees stars and has new powertrains

Despite Mercedes-Benz going all-in with the full electric W520 C-Class that was unveiled earlier this year, it left the traditional W206 intact with a substantial facelift that combines the controversial aspects of newer Mercs with most of the older models’ base features. However, the significant upgrades come in with the powertrains for this round of updates for the C-Class.

This starts with a new family of internal combustion engine powertrains. These are now ready for the upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards, and all are electrified. Most of these come with 48V mild-hybrid tech, with a second-generation starter-generator providing up to 23 horsepower and 205Nm of additional torque, reduced turbo lag, and improved smoothness when coming from an engine start-stop cycle.

You can either get it with biofuel-compatible 2.0-liter turbodiesels with up to 200 horsepower, or new 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engines that make up to 258 horsepower and 400Nm of torque, depending on trim. It’s also available as a plug-in hybrid that mates the same gasoline engine to a more powerful electric motor and offers all-wheel drive with up to 395 horsepower and 650Nm of torque. Said PHEV can also drive up to 100km (WLTP) on pure electric range thanks to a 19.53kWh lithium-ion battery.

The updated C-Class family also benefits from chassis and handling improvements for sportier, more agile driving, alongside available rear-wheel steering, which is a rarity in the compact luxury sedan/wagon segment. This also benefits comfort, with improved insulation that improves noise and vibration performance.

Apart from these major changes, the looks of the updated C-Class draw heavily from its newer offerings, complete with Mercedes’ current obsession with stars. With the same general body shape, it now gets a larger illuminated front grille that’s absolutely loaded with stars, larger air intakes, and the new LED headlights and taillights now get the same controversial star DRL motif. Thankfully, the wagon still retains a more traditional LED taillight setup.

Surprisingly, Mercedes-Benz didn’t put in a Hyperscreen in this model, carrying over the same interior layout complete with its 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch portrait infotainment screen, just with an updated MB.OS system — now with artificial intelligence. Of course, luxurious materials, optional 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system, an air purification system, and lighting elements are present.

Considering that this is on the tamer side of Mercedes-Benz’s updates for its lineup, what do you think of the updated C-Class and its new range of powertrains? Or should Mercedes-Benz have released the new generation of the C-Class based on the W520 model?

^{Photos from Mercedes-Benz}