What's all this about?
The fourth-generation of Mercedes-Benz C-Class - codename 'W205' - was introduced in 2014 and so, if you're well into the automotive sector life cycles, you'll know that means it's time for a course of refreshments for the compact executive machine.
Are we talking a radical overhaul?
No, we aren't, for two reasons: one, Mercedes is one of the most conservative of car companies when it comes to midlife model facelifts, having shown before that it is unwilling to throw the baby out with the bathwater, as it were; and two, the C-Class is a fine machine that doesn't need radical surgery.
So, it's new lights, bumpers, interior finishes, that sort of thing?
Absolutely bang on the money. Tweaks to the bumpers of the saloon and estate C-Class models see silver-effect trim strips on the front of the car and a new diffuser/exhaust arrangement at the back. The headlights have been subtly changed in design, if not their physical cluster shape, and there are three levels of illumination offered - starting with halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, and culminating in Multibeam LEDs with Ultra Range High Beam; this is the first time this most advanced system has been offered on the C-Class. Mojave Silver and Emerald Green are two new metallic colours added to the Mercedes' palette.
And how about the cabin?
The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster from the E- and S-Class is now offered as the top option, while the biggest screen for the centre console infotainment display is a 10.25-inch affair; standard equipment would be a pair of tube analogue dials in the instrument cluster and a seven-inch display on the dash. Sundry aesthetic items include open-pore brown walnut or anthracite oak trim for the centre console now being available, while new interior colours include Magma Grey/Black on lower trims and Saddle Brown for the AMG Line cars. Keyless-Go starting is standard and the start/stop button has a fresh, 'turbine'-look effect. There's also a new design of car key, available in three finishes, and there's a Multicontour Seat package with massage function added as an option.
Is that it?
Nope, the steering wheel now sports the twin touch-sensitive control pads as seen on the E-Class, while the cruise control functions are no longer on a column-mounted stalk, the buttons instead also finding their way onto the wheel. Further additions include a wide range of active safety driver assist systems, Energising Comfort Control for interior 'enhanced well-being', Qi wireless smartphone charging and an intermediary 225-watt sound system, fitting between the standard equipment and the optional, powerful Burmester surround sound set-up.
Any changes to the drivetrains?
Not in this instance, so the same array of petrol, diesel and hybrid models will be offered, with the C 43 and C 63/C 63 S high-performance machines at the top of the pile. UK prices and specifications will be announced at the end of March, with the first cars arriving in August 2018.
Matt Robinson - 13 Feb 2018
