2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class spied

IT'S revamp time for the W205 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, which will receive a number of updates inspired both by its bigger siblings.

Wheels’ spy photographers captured the facelifted sedan testing in Europe, ahead of a release on that continent later this year before an expected early-2018 arrival here.

There will be updates for the model launched in 2014 borrowed from the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and upcoming S-Class facelift.

With minimal disguise, it’s easy to spot a new headlight set-up inspired by the single round LED projector lamp of the E-Class. The LED tail-lights indicate there will be a switch from a dual-C-shape design to single C shape.

Other exterior revisions will include new treatments for the front and rear bumpers.

Our spy images don’t include the interior, but intel points strongly to the new C following the upcoming Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan facelift with a COMAND touchpad controller that replaces the existing (and not entirely successful) rotary controller with palm rest arrangement.

The steering wheel is expected to adopt more buttons, while higher-spec variants could potentially feature the E-Class’s dual-screen dash layout.

Most of the current C-Class engines are likely to carry over, though one change that would be a huge surprise if it weren’t to happen is the replacement of the 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with Benz’s far more refined new 2.0-litre version that debuted in the E-Class.

It’s unknown whether Mercedes engineers are tweaking the C-Class’s suspension, where ride quality can vary depending on wheel size and whether the luxury car is on steel or air springs.

Sales of the C-Class sedan and wagon slipped 27 per cent in 2016, yet the Mercedes pair still out-sold every medium car in Australia except for the Toyota Camry.