2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 Engine Detail

The new C-Class is slated to launch stateside in early 2022, with only one engine initially available. While we expect more models to be introduced in due course, including a plug-in hybrid model, the W206 C-Class will go on sale in Europe in the summer of 2021.
 

In Europe and across the globe, the new C-Class will launch with a broader range of engines. The selection on offer will include a 1.5-liter petrol motor and multiple 4-cylinder diesel models. All engine configurations will be electrified, with Mercedes employing 48V electrical architecture and belt-integrated starter generators to harvest and deploy electric boost.
 
All cars will feature Mercedes’ 9-speed transmission, while all-wheel drive is an option on some models. The 4-Matic system will have the ability to send more power to the front wheels than the outgoing model could.
 

Two Petrol Motors, Three Models
The C180 and C200 models will both feature a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. Combined with the mild-hybrid system, the 170 hp (172 PS) C180 will do 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in 8.6 seconds and has 194 lb-ft (263 Nm) of torque. The C200 features a 204 hp (207 PS) and 221 lb-ft (300 Nm) state of tune, with 0-60 mph (96 km/h) done in a more respectable 7.3 seconds.
 
Europe and other nations will also get the C300 as offered in the US. Until the AMG options are released, the C300 will be the fastest non-PHEV, doing 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in under 6 seconds and outputting 255 hp (259 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.
 
Diesel Gang Gets 2.0 Litre Motors
Fans of coal will be happy to hear that, unlike other marques, there are no plans to ditch diesel for the W206. All three diesel models feature 2-liter engines. The range kicks off with the 163 hp (165 PS), 280 lb-ft (380Nm) C200d. The C200d makes the 0-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint in 7.7 seconds. Next up is the 200 hp (202 PS), 325 lb-ft (440 Nm) C220d that’s just 0.4 seconds faster, reaching 60mph (96 km/h) in 7.3 seconds. The fastest of the lot will be the C300d, with a 0-60mph (96 km/h) time of 5.7 seconds and a power output of 265 hp (269 PS) and 406 lb-ft (550Nm).
 

PHEV Launched Soon After
The plug-in hybrid C300e will feature a 25.4 kWh battery pack, which Mercedes says won’t intrude upon interior space. The C300e’s electric-only range will nearly double that of the outgoing car, from 34 miles (54 km) to 62 miles (99 km) on the WLTP cycle. The C300e will pack a punch, with a combined output of 304 hp (308 PS) and 406 lb-ft (550Nm). The C300e will have the ability to travel electric-only up to 87 mph (139 km/h).
 
Plug-in hybrid models will feature air-suspension in the back as standard (to compensate for the extra weight), but the AirMatic air-suspension option available across most outgoing models of the C-Class has been dropped.
 
The C300e will feature DC fast-charging — unusual for a PHEV. That means that the on-board batteries can be juiced in just 30 minutes via a 55Kwh charger. The PHEV can also self-charge via multiple recharging drive-modes, with up-to 100kW being recoverable when coasting or braking.
 

Faster Models In The Works
As yet, we know very little about the AMG models that Mercedes have no doubt planned. What we do know is that they won’t feature the fire-breathing V8s we’ve become accustomed to. Instead, they’ll be replaced with “heavily electrified” 2.0-liter hybrids.
 
It’s understood that there are two versions in development, which include the top-flight C63 and a halfway-house that could adopt the C53 moniker. The ICE that may feature is understood to be a version of what powers the current Mercedes-AMG “45” range. Expect power to be in the 500-600 hp range.
 
During the launch, we were also made aware of an upcoming “all-terrain” version of the C-Class based on the wagon. There’s also a diesel-hybrid in the works, possibly under the name of C300d e. A plug-in diesel hybrid will likely be one of the fastest models on offer but is unlikely to be available outside of Europe.