Recently, spy photographers captured the first prototypes of the facelifted version of the German sedan, giving us an initial glimpse of what the car might look like. The C-Class model traces its history back to 1993, when the first generation with the W202 designation debuted, replacing the 190 (W201) compact sedan in the German brand’s lineup. Since then, the car has undergone several generational changes, with the fifth generation currently in production, having premiered in February 2021. Now, the time has come for a planned facelift, and just recently, the first photos of camouflaged test prototypes of the upcoming model appeared online.
Mercedes C-Class – New Model, first look!
After 4 years, Mercedes will operate a facelift to the Mercedes C-Class (W206), which will be unveiled in the spring of 2025 and will be available from the summer of 2025.
Launched in March 2021, the fifth-generation Mercedes C-Class (W206) has been on the market for 4 years, so it’s about time for a facelift. The first spy photos are already circulating on the internet, and the YouTube channel #carbizzy has made some computer-retouched images based on the pictures of the masked car.
The main change is that the new Mercedes C-Class will take the front end with the radiator grille and headlights from the Mercedes E-Class, while the daytime running lights with the Mercedes logo are inspired by the Mercedes CLA Concept. The Mercedes logo will also be found on the new C-Class’s taillights. The exterior mirrors have been redesigned with slim LED lights and cameras for the 360-degree camera system.
So far, there is little information about the interior but it seems that the facelifted Mercedes C-Class will get better materials and the MBUX multimedia system will be upgraded. Although there are rumors of changing the center display, which is similar to the S-Class, we don’t think Mercedes will go for something else as it wants to maintain the differentiation from the E-Class with its Superscreen display.
The current-generation C-Class has no fewer than 17 versions. All diesel and gasoline engines feature 48V mild hybrid and no less than three plug-in hybrid versions are available including a diesel PHEV (C 300e/C 300 e 4Matic, C 300 de/ C 300 de 4Matic, C 400 e 4Matic), available with rear- or all-wheel drive. The plug-in hybrid versions have large batteries that give them electric ranges of 100 km or more. That’s why we think the PHEV versions will remain on offer in the same form.
Instead, Mercedes is working on a new generation of modular engines with Geely, with the first powertrains already announced for the new CLA. The new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engines develop 120, 163, or 190 PS and will likely replace the current 1.5-liter engines in the C 180 and C 200.
Mercedes and Geely are also working on a 2.0-liter version of the new engines that could debut in the facelifted C-Class, replacing the 2.0-liter engine in the C 300.
Things are more complicated at the top end of the range, where customers are unhappy with the top-of-the-range AMG C 63 S E Performance model which has an engine with just four cylinders. There are rumors that the 4-cylinder engine will be replaced by a V8 or inline-6, both with 48V mild-hybrid.
The Mercedes-AMG CLE 53 4Matic coupe that is built on the same platform as the C-Class features the 449 PS, 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine mated to a 48V mild hybrid system, while the upcoming AMG CLE 63 4Matic+ will have a V8 engine with a mild hybrid system.
For the first time, the Mercedes C-Class will also be available as an electric model. The body will be similar to the conventional model but under the body will be hidden the dedicated MB.EA electric platform. The electric C-Class will debut in 2026. Until then, Mercedes will present the facelifted C-Class with conventional engines in the spring of 2025, which will be available in showrooms in the summer of 2025.
