Mercedes-Benz updates its ever popular C-Class

You can't overstate the importance of the C-Class to Mercedes-Benz. For the very fact that the brand sold over 415,000 saloons and estates globally in 2017, the car is clearly a money-making model that sets the benchmark for the carmaker.

Thus, having the C-Class receive some long-overdue updates, both inside and out, will only seem natural. This is the first time the current generation C-Class, which debuted in 2014, undergoes a facelift.

It still looks good, this C-Class, even if changes to its sheet metal are mild. Front and rear bumpers have been tweaked while head and taillights now sport a new look to them. As before, AMG-line vehicles will get the pretty-looking diamond-patterned grille.

Inside, changes are more obvious. There's now a turbine-inspired start/stop button and the driver will be faced with a new multi-function steering wheel with touch sensitive buttons that control the optional high-resolution 10.25-inch infotainment system. A 7.0-inch display will come standard. Also standard is the instrument cluster with a 5.5-inch information display. A 12.3-inch screen cluster will come as an option.

However, unlike the all new Mercedes-Benz A-Class, the new MBUX infotainment system doesn't find its way to the C-Class.

Not a big issue, really, because the infotainment system can now be operated via the touchpad with controller that features a haptic feedback and is equipped with voice comand system that's capable of operating things like the heated seats.

Mercedes-Benz continues to offer the C-Class in several variants, of which powertrain packages will differ accordingly.

At launch, the C180 will come with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder powerplant that's capable of 156bhp and 250Nm of torque. Mated to a nine-speed transmission, it will hit the century mark in 8.3 seconds.

The C200 comes fitted with a four-pot 1.5-litre engine that's mated to a nine-speed auto gearbox. More interestingly, the car is supplemented by the EQ Boost integrated starter generator, which is a mild hybrid system that utilises a small electric motor to boost performance and fuel economy. This helps to produce an additional 14bhp and 160Nm of torque at lower revs. As such, this variant will pump out 184bhp and 280Nm of torque.

The juicer C 43, on the other hand, is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine that's married to the brand's nine-speed AMG Speedshift TCT transmission. The car, both in coupe and sedan form, is capable of 390bhp and 520Nm of twisting force, allowing them to smash the 100km/h mark in just 4.7 seconds.

Fans of the car can expect to receive the C-Class variants in the fourth quarter of this year.