New vs old Mercedes-Benz C-Class: what are the top 5 differences?

By Martin Pretorius

As one of the most popular compact executive saloons in the world, it’s quite satisfying to know that many of those exported C-Class cars are built right here in South Africa. But, having been introduced in 2014, the C-Class was facing increasingly appealing competition, which meant that the 2018 update could not have happened a moment too soon. We look at some of the most significant changes to the facelifted C-Class.

 

1. New styling

The basic body shell remains unchanged, but its appearance is sharpened at both ends, courtesy of reshaped bumpers and new light clusters, as well as fresh alloy wheel designs. More significantly, the front grille of AMG Line-equipped sedans now features the “diamond studded” grille, first seen only on the most-sporting of Mercedeses in the past. 

 

2. LED headlights

Until the facelifted C-Class arrived, Mercedes still offered old-fashioned halogen headlights as standard equipment on basic-trim variants – and that in a segment where most opponents already offered at least Xenon lights as standard, while some had even transitioned to LED units. This oversight has now been rectified, and very effectively, too: standard specification now includes LED headlights, with adaptive Multibeam LED units available as an option.

 

3. Tech upgrades

The pre-facelift C-Class already had a number of impressive driver aids and high-tech toys at its disposal, but the facelift elevates this to S-Class levels. Semi-autonomous driving abilities have been expanded, there’s a new 12.3-inch digital dashboard on the option sheet, and the steering wheel features the same touch-pad/button combination interface as you’d find in the new A-Class. 

 

4. New 1.5-litre hybrid in the C200

Mercedes-Benz continues their drive towards electrification, with a new 1.5-litre mild hybrid powertrain in the latest C200. Of course, this petrol engine is turbocharged, with 135 kW and 280 Nm on tap even without electric assistance. Battery power (using a new 48-volt architecture) adds 10 kW (for a system total of 145 kW) and an additional 160 Nm for short periods, such as during hard acceleration. More power and lower consumption? That’s a win-win situation!

 

5. Power tweaks across the range

The entry-level C180 retains the older 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine with 115 kW and 250 Nm, but all the other variants receive power upgrades – either through new engines, or thanks to some re-tuning. The C300 receives a new-generation 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 190 kW and 370 Nm, and the C220d gets the latest 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder with 143 kW and 400 Nm. The latter is probably the sweet spot in the range, with a great blend between fuel-efficiency and useable performance.

At the top of the range (until the updated C63’s imminent arrival), the Mercedes-AMG C43 4Matic keeps its 3.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, but gets a power boost to 287 kW, with 520 Nm available from 2 500 to 5 000 r/min.

 

With this mid-lifecycle refresh addressing some shortcomings in the pre-facelift range, as well as adding new technology and a fresher appearance, it seems as though the C-Class is once again ready for battle. There’s a fresh (and excellent) new BMW 3 Series on the block, and the Jaguar XE is also due to arrive with a host of improvements very soon. And that’s not even talking about the hugely competent Audi A4, Lexus IS, and sporty Alfa Romeo Giulia fighting for the same customers. One thing is certain: compact executive buyers have never had it this good!