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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C180 Exclusive (A) Facelift Review
29 Jan 2019|30,334 views
Facelift (What's New)
Full-LED headlamps and tail lamps
Fully digital instrument display
10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
New steering wheel with Touch Control buttons
9G-TRONIC automatic transmission
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been an ever-popular model in the compact executive sedan segment. The current fourth generation model, the W205 C-Class, was first launched in 2014. Now, it receives a facelift that brings refreshed aesthetics, new equipment and new engine options.
It doesn't look that different...
The aesthetic changes to the facelifted model are subtle, and we're thankful for this. After all, the C-Class is an already handsome and good-looking car, so there's no need for any radical aesthetic transformation.
The facelifted C-Class retains its handsome and understated looks
This particular Exclusive trim sports a more 'old-school' front fascia similar to the S-Class, with its 3D framed radiator grille and standing Mercedes start on the bonnet. The car comes equipped with LED High Performance headlamps and LED taillights, which have a sharper interior design from before.
Ultimately, the subtle changes to the car's exterior retain the C-Class' overall understated good looks.
The Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel lets you operate the infotainment system without taking your hands off the wheel
So there's new technology?
Inside, you can spot the changes more easily. There's the fully digital instrument display with three different display styles, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a new steering wheel with Touch Control buttons.
The most significant improvement, in our opinion, is the new 10.25-inch central media display offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Beyond just a bigger screen, the new infotainment interface is significantly better organised and accessible to use than the previous one, which was clunky, poorly organised and thoroughly confusing. Smartphone integration also means that you can use your phone's navigation functionality.
The C-Class comes equipped with a fully digital intrument display
Our test car was modestly equipped as far as safety systems are concerned, but you can have the C-Class with the fully gamut of safety and driver assistance equipment on par with the S-Class, including Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist. All cost options, of course.
It doesn't look that different...
The aesthetic changes to the facelifted model are subtle, and we're thankful for this. After all, the C-Class is an already handsome and good-looking car, so there's no need for any radical aesthetic transformation.
This particular Exclusive trim sports a more 'old-school' front fascia similar to the S-Class, with its 3D framed radiator grille and standing Mercedes start on the bonnet. The car comes equipped with LED High Performance headlamps and LED taillights, which have a sharper interior design from before.
Ultimately, the subtle changes to the car's exterior retain the C-Class' overall understated good looks.
So there's new technology?
Inside, you can spot the changes more easily. There's the fully digital instrument display with three different display styles, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a new steering wheel with Touch Control buttons.
The most significant improvement, in our opinion, is the new 10.25-inch central media display offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Beyond just a bigger screen, the new infotainment interface is significantly better organised and accessible to use than the previous one, which was clunky, poorly organised and thoroughly confusing. Smartphone integration also means that you can use your phone's navigation functionality.
Our test car was modestly equipped as far as safety systems are concerned, but you can have the C-Class with the fully gamut of safety and driver assistance equipment on par with the S-Class, including Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist. All cost options, of course.
New engine options?
The facelifted C-Class offers two new engine options on top of this one - the C200 has a 1.5-litre engine coupled with an EQ Boost electric motor, while the C300 has a new 2.0-litre engine. This particular C180 model is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, unchanged from before, but is now paired to a 9G-TRONIC transmission (up two gears from the 7G-TRONIC from before).
The updated infotainment interface is significant better organised and more intuitive to use than before
Driven sensibly, this C180 gets the job done. The engine is unintrusive, and the extra gears make for smooth cruising on highways. We managed to achieve 10.4 km/L over three days of driving the C180, so it is reasonably economical.
As far as the ride goes, anyone expecting E-Class comfort is going to be disappointed. The C-Class definitely veers on the side of sportiness, with a somewhat firm suspension setup. It's not overly harsh, but don't expect the suppleness of an E-Class. Somewhat surprisingly, the chassis has a tautness to it that allows you to drive rather enthusiastically without losing confidence.
The 1.6-litre engine pumps out a smooth 154bhp and 250Nm of torque
So it's just a good ol' C-Class, eh?
As far as facelifts go, the C-Class isn't trying to rewrite the rulebook. No, Mercedes has pretty much done what you'd expect from any manufacturer - light styling changes, equipment carried over from it's flagship model, and improvements to driving efficiency. The C-Class retains key characteristics that make it such a popular consumer car - it's pleasant to look at, easy to drive, spacious enough for a family, and of course, it's a Mercedes-Benz.
As far as premium compact executive sedans are concerned, it's hard to deny the C-Class' appeal and sensibility
This mid-life facelift to the C-Class, with its range of expected changes, continues to be an appealing choice for buyers looking for a premium compact executive sedan.
The facelifted C-Class offers two new engine options on top of this one - the C200 has a 1.5-litre engine coupled with an EQ Boost electric motor, while the C300 has a new 2.0-litre engine. This particular C180 model is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, unchanged from before, but is now paired to a 9G-TRONIC transmission (up two gears from the 7G-TRONIC from before).
Driven sensibly, this C180 gets the job done. The engine is unintrusive, and the extra gears make for smooth cruising on highways. We managed to achieve 10.4 km/L over three days of driving the C180, so it is reasonably economical.
As far as the ride goes, anyone expecting E-Class comfort is going to be disappointed. The C-Class definitely veers on the side of sportiness, with a somewhat firm suspension setup. It's not overly harsh, but don't expect the suppleness of an E-Class. Somewhat surprisingly, the chassis has a tautness to it that allows you to drive rather enthusiastically without losing confidence.
So it's just a good ol' C-Class, eh?
As far as facelifts go, the C-Class isn't trying to rewrite the rulebook. No, Mercedes has pretty much done what you'd expect from any manufacturer - light styling changes, equipment carried over from it's flagship model, and improvements to driving efficiency. The C-Class retains key characteristics that make it such a popular consumer car - it's pleasant to look at, easy to drive, spacious enough for a family, and of course, it's a Mercedes-Benz.
This mid-life facelift to the C-Class, with its range of expected changes, continues to be an appealing choice for buyers looking for a premium compact executive sedan.
Facelift (What's New)
Full-LED headlamps and tail lamps
Fully digital instrument display
10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
New steering wheel with Touch Control buttons
9G-TRONIC automatic transmission
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been an ever-popular model in the compact executive sedan segment. The current fourth generation model, the W205 C-Class, was first launched in 2014. Now, it receives a facelift that brings refreshed aesthetics, new equipment and new engine options.
It doesn't look that different...
The aesthetic changes to the facelifted model are subtle, and we're thankful for this. After all, the C-Class is an already handsome and good-looking car, so there's no need for any radical aesthetic transformation.
The facelifted C-Class retains its handsome and understated looksThis particular Exclusive trim sports a more 'old-school' front fascia similar to the S-Class, with its 3D framed radiator grille and standing Mercedes start on the bonnet. The car comes equipped with LED High Performance headlamps and LED taillights, which have a sharper interior design from before.
Ultimately, the subtle changes to the car's exterior retain the C-Class' overall understated good looks.
The Touch Control buttons on the steering wheel lets you operate the infotainment system without taking your hands off the wheel
So there's new technology?
Inside, you can spot the changes more easily. There's the fully digital instrument display with three different display styles, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a new steering wheel with Touch Control buttons.
The most significant improvement, in our opinion, is the new 10.25-inch central media display offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Beyond just a bigger screen, the new infotainment interface is significantly better organised and accessible to use than the previous one, which was clunky, poorly organised and thoroughly confusing. Smartphone integration also means that you can use your phone's navigation functionality.
The C-Class comes equipped with a fully digital intrument displayOur test car was modestly equipped as far as safety systems are concerned, but you can have the C-Class with the fully gamut of safety and driver assistance equipment on par with the S-Class, including Active Distance Assist and Active Steering Assist. All cost options, of course.
It doesn't look that different...
The aesthetic changes to the facelifted model are subtle, and we're thankful for this. After all, the C-Class is an already handsome and good-looking car, so there's no need for any radical aesthetic transformation.
Ultimately, the subtle changes to the car's exterior retain the C-Class' overall understated good looks.
So there's new technology?
Inside, you can spot the changes more easily. There's the fully digital instrument display with three different display styles, 64-colour ambient lighting, and a new steering wheel with Touch Control buttons.
The most significant improvement, in our opinion, is the new 10.25-inch central media display offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Beyond just a bigger screen, the new infotainment interface is significantly better organised and accessible to use than the previous one, which was clunky, poorly organised and thoroughly confusing. Smartphone integration also means that you can use your phone's navigation functionality.
New engine options?
The facelifted C-Class offers two new engine options on top of this one - the C200 has a 1.5-litre engine coupled with an EQ Boost electric motor, while the C300 has a new 2.0-litre engine. This particular C180 model is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, unchanged from before, but is now paired to a 9G-TRONIC transmission (up two gears from the 7G-TRONIC from before).
The updated infotainment interface is significant better organised and more intuitive to use than beforeDriven sensibly, this C180 gets the job done. The engine is unintrusive, and the extra gears make for smooth cruising on highways. We managed to achieve 10.4 km/L over three days of driving the C180, so it is reasonably economical.
As far as the ride goes, anyone expecting E-Class comfort is going to be disappointed. The C-Class definitely veers on the side of sportiness, with a somewhat firm suspension setup. It's not overly harsh, but don't expect the suppleness of an E-Class. Somewhat surprisingly, the chassis has a tautness to it that allows you to drive rather enthusiastically without losing confidence.
The 1.6-litre engine pumps out a smooth 154bhp and 250Nm of torque
So it's just a good ol' C-Class, eh?
As far as facelifts go, the C-Class isn't trying to rewrite the rulebook. No, Mercedes has pretty much done what you'd expect from any manufacturer - light styling changes, equipment carried over from it's flagship model, and improvements to driving efficiency. The C-Class retains key characteristics that make it such a popular consumer car - it's pleasant to look at, easy to drive, spacious enough for a family, and of course, it's a Mercedes-Benz.
As far as premium compact executive sedans are concerned, it's hard to deny the C-Class' appeal and sensibilityThis mid-life facelift to the C-Class, with its range of expected changes, continues to be an appealing choice for buyers looking for a premium compact executive sedan.
The facelifted C-Class offers two new engine options on top of this one - the C200 has a 1.5-litre engine coupled with an EQ Boost electric motor, while the C300 has a new 2.0-litre engine. This particular C180 model is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, unchanged from before, but is now paired to a 9G-TRONIC transmission (up two gears from the 7G-TRONIC from before).
As far as the ride goes, anyone expecting E-Class comfort is going to be disappointed. The C-Class definitely veers on the side of sportiness, with a somewhat firm suspension setup. It's not overly harsh, but don't expect the suppleness of an E-Class. Somewhat surprisingly, the chassis has a tautness to it that allows you to drive rather enthusiastically without losing confidence.
So it's just a good ol' C-Class, eh?
As far as facelifts go, the C-Class isn't trying to rewrite the rulebook. No, Mercedes has pretty much done what you'd expect from any manufacturer - light styling changes, equipment carried over from it's flagship model, and improvements to driving efficiency. The C-Class retains key characteristics that make it such a popular consumer car - it's pleasant to look at, easy to drive, spacious enough for a family, and of course, it's a Mercedes-Benz.
Also read our comparison article on:
Jaguar XE vs Lexus IS vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Car Information
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon C180 Exclusive (A)
CAT B|Petrol|15.2km/L
Horsepower
115kW (154 bhp)
Torque
250 Nm
Acceleration
8.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon
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