Mercedes launches C-Class facelift

Mercedes-Benz Australia has launched its facelifted C-Class in Australia, almost four years after the W204 generation was voted Wheels Car of the Year.

All models score a lighter all-aluminium bonnet, revised interior including centrally-integrated media screen and the availability of new media and active safety tech systems – including Internet connectivity, drowsiness detection, highbeam assist, lane-keeping and blind-spot assist, and pre-safe collision braking.

The entry level $58,900 C200 CGI retains identical pricing to the outgoing model, and the mid-spec $67,900 C250 CGI rises $1K. Both score a new seven-speed auto, replacing the previous five-speed unit, and consumption for both the 135kW C200 and 150kW C250 is 7.2L/100km.

The single C220 CDI variant has been replaced by two diesel variants – C200 CDI and C250 CDI. The $60,900 C200 CDI costs $1270 less than the C220, however its 100kW/330Nm 2.2-litre turbo-diesel is down 25kW/70Nm by comparison.

The C250 CDI is priced at $67,900 with the same-capacity high-boost engine pumping outputs to 150kW and 500Nm – virtually matching the old 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6. Both engines get stop/start technology and the seven-speed auto. The C200 CDI boasts an ADR claim of 5.4L/100km; the C250 CDI even better, at 5.1L/100km.

Two new V6 variants top out the regular C-Class range in Oz, however shipments of the C300 CDI and C350 V6 won’t arrive until September. The $84,900 C300 CDI is down a massive $14K to $84,400. Its upgraded 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 now produces 195kW and 620Nm (up 30kW/110Nm), yet the slurp drops to 6.1L/100km (ADR average, down from 7.4).

Meanwhile the old C300 3.0-litre V6 has been ditched in favour of Merc’s all-new direct-injection 3.5-litre V6, which produces 185kW and 340Nm, and is rated at 8.3L/100km (down from 9.4L). The C350 will be priced at $94,400.

Estate variants are available in all four-cylinder models for $2K extra. The facelifted C63 AMG sedan and Estate will arrive alongside the new coupe in November.