The updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class was unveiled in Singapore, at Infinite Studios, on 7 December 2018. Currently in its fifth year of production, the W205 C-Class is the most successful model series from Mercedes-Benz. The brand sold a combined total of over 415,000 Saloon and Estate models worldwide in 2017.

Thus, having the C-Class receive some long-overdue updates, both inside and out, will only seem natural. In terms of looks, the focus of the redesign work was on the front of the vehicle as well as the design of the headlamps and tail lamps.

It also has a completely new electronic architecture, a fully-digital instrument display and multimedia systems with tailor-made information and music providing an improved user experience.

Additionally, the C-Class assistance systems are now on par with that of the S-Class, offering driver cooperative support, and therefore providing a higher level of active safety than its predecessor.

With the model facelift, the Saloon features the diamond grille as standard in combination with AMG Line and the front bumpers have been redesigned for all lines. These new designs render the Exclusive trim's exterior of the Saloon in an even more expressive manner, and lend the Avantgarde trim's exterior a yet more dynamic character.

The front bumper features a chrome-plated trim strip (Avantgarde) or a three-part chrome trim strip (Exclusive). In conjunction with AMG Line exterior, the C-Class sports an AMG front apron with a new geometry and at the rear the insert in diffuser-look comes in a new design.

The rear bumper of these models has a new lower section where the geometry, trim and tailpipe trim vary according to the selected equipment and engine variant.

It also comes with LED High Performance headlamps featuring a particularly striking interior design. For the first time in this model series, Multibeam LED headlamps with Ultra Range high beam are available additionally. Inside, the sporty interior exudes class, featuring flowing forms in a new interpretation of modern luxury.

The centre console is characterised by an elegant flowing trim element available optionally with new materials such as open-pore brown walnut or open-pore anthracite oak to choose from. The 3D real wood veneer in the centre console combines a hand-crafted character with a modern feel. There is also a new display concept, which includes a fully-digital instrument cluster with the three visually distinguishable styles 'Classic', 'Sport' and 'Progressive'.

The Multicontour Seat package is the latest addition for the Saloon and Estate. With this package, the side bolsters and lumbar support can be individually adjusted by means of an electrically driven pneumatic pump. A massage effect in the lumbar area is provided by air chambers, which are inflated and deflated in a pulsing or wave-like motion when the function is activated.

At launch, the C180 model, which comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is available in saloon, coupe and cabriolet body type, it is coupled to a 9G-TRONIC transmission and has an output of 156bhp and 250Nm of torque. The AMG C43 Saloon equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 engine making 390bhp and 520Nm of torque is also available.

Prices as of press time (inclusive of COE)

Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 Avantgarde (A) - $182,888
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 Exclusive (A) - $185,888
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 Coupe (A) - $192,888
Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 180 Cabriolet (A) - $222,888
Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMG C43 Saloon (A) - $339,888