2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Facelift : New Vs Old - Major Differences

The C-Class facelift gets updated aesthetics, new tech and much more

Mercedes-Benz showcased the 2018 C-Class facelift at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in March this year. And now the German carmaker is all set to launch the updated sedan in India on 20 September 2018. Let’s see what all has changed in the new model compared to the pre-facelift C-Class.

Should you buy the updated C-Class or wait for other upcoming cars like the Audi A4 facelift, new BMW 3 Series & new Volvo S60? Here's a definitive answer.

Dimensions:

• At 4686mm x 1810mm x 1442mm (LxWxH), the C-Class facelift is identical to its predecessor in size. The wheelbase is also unchanged at 2840mm.
• As the dimensions are identical, the facelifted C-Class should be similar to its predecessor as far as interior space is concerned.

Exterior:

• Upfront, the multi-slat honeycomb detailing grille has been replaced by a new single-slat chrome-studded grille that is flanked by the new, slightly tweaked headlamps. The front bumper is also redesigned.

• At the back, there's isn't any major change in the new model. It looks identical to its predecessor except for the updated tail lamps detailing and a slightly tweaked bumper.

Engine:

This is where the most substantial changes will take place as the C-Class facelift will get BSVI petrol and diesel engines in India.

• Mercedes-Benz will introduce a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol motor with EQ Boost (mild hybrid) for the C 200 and a new 1950cc diesel engine for the C 220 d and C 300 d.
• The C-Class facelift will also be available in C 300 avatar powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that makes 258PS of maximum power and 370Nm of peak torque.
• The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine makes 184PS of maximum power and 280Nm of peak torque. The current C200 is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that makes 184PS/300Nm.
• The 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine (220 d), on the other hand, generates 194PS of maximum power and 400Nm of peak torque, 24PS more than the current C 220 d engine.
• In the 300 d, the same 2.0-litre diesel engine makes 245PS of maximum power and 500Nm of peak torque.
• Both the engines will be mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission like in the pre-facelift model.
• Apart from the standard C-Class, the C 43 AMG might also get a performance boost as the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that powers the current C 43 AMG now produces 390PS, 23PS more than the older model. The torque figure remains unchanged at 520Nm.

Also Read: Next-Gen Mercedes-AMG C 63 To Get Hybrid Power

Interior and Features:

• Like the exterior, the changes on the inside are also pretty easy to miss.
• The basic cabin layout remains unchanged and it will continue to get the two-tube analogue instrument cluster and a 7-inch infotainment screen with Audio 20 multimedia system as standard.

• However, there will be more display options to choose from, be it a 10.25-inch screen for the central infotainment or the 12.3-inch digital display (instrument cluster) for the driver that offers three display styles: Classic, Sport and Progressive.
• The steering is also new and now features touch-sensitive controls instead of physical buttons for interacting with the instrument cluster and the infotainment system.
• Cruise control buttons are on the steering and not on a stalk, like in the pre-facelift model.
• With the facelift, the C-Class also gets  ‘ENERGIZING comfort control’ as optional. It links various comfort systems in the vehicle like the air conditioning system (including fragrancing), seats (heater, ventilation and massage) and music system to offer a tailored ambience for occupants.
• It is also equipped with a new voice control system which allows the user to choose from more than 450 commands to control features like air conditioning, ambient lighting etc.
• The updated C-Class will also get an optional smartphone integration package that will offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging for smartphones.
• A new 225W nine-speaker sound system will also be available with the refreshed C-Class along with the standard sound system and the optional Burmester surround sound system.
• The updated C-Class is equipped with various safety and autonomous driving technology derived from the S-Class. However, it remains to be seen what options will be offered in India.
• Irrespective of that, it will continue to get safety features such as seven airbags, adaptive braking, attention assist and active parking assist with a camera like the current model.
• Other features that we expect to be carried forward as such include a panoramic sunroof, LED headlamps, multiple driving modes, agility control and a two-zone climate control.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz To Launch S-Class-Like Electric Luxury Sedan To Take On Tesla Model S

Price & Competition:

• The updated C-Class is likely to be priced at par with the current C-Class, which is priced from Rs 39.9 lakh to Rs 45.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).
• When launched in October 2018, the C-Class facelift will renew its rivalry against the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the upcoming Volvo S60 sedan. 

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz Studying A-Class Sedan For India, To Be Positioned Over CLA

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