Sedan, estate, coupe and cabriolet derivatives receives subtle design tweaks, plus uprated AMG and new hybrid options for selected models.
The changes appear very minor…
As this is only a mid-life update, the visual changes in Mercedes-Benz C-Class model range are on the subtle side of things.
Aside the new details defining the faces of the sedan, estate, coupe and cabriolet, Mercedes has tried to give various grades their own distinctive appearance.
The C43 AMG model is clearly identifiable with the twin-blade grille, while the cosmetic-only AMG Line (also known as AMG Dynamic in Thailand) gets diamond-style version.
The regular C-Class, meanwhile, maintains the classic chrome grille with the protruding three-pointed star logo.
Inside, Mercedes has brought an upgraded infotainment screen, plus a digital instrument panel being offered as an option alongside the analogue type.
I heard there’s a plug-in diesel hybrid…
Although the visual atonements are very minor, the headlines for the revised C-Class come under the bonnet.
The C43’s 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 now develops 390hp, up from 367hp in the pre-facelift C-Class. Despite the 23hp increase, the 0-100kph time of 4.7sec remains the same.
New to the C-Class is a mild hybrid using 48V technology for the so-called C200 EQ Boost, boasting a basic 184hp 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-turbo engine. And when combined with electricity, power can rise by another 14hp.
And yes, there’s a new plug-in hybrid using the brand’s latest 2.0-litre diesel-turbo. Mercedes hasn’t gone into detail about how much power this semi-electric diesel is producing, although sources say it will be capable of at least 50km in pure-electric model. It’s set to be called C300de.
The use of this lithium-ion battery, uprated from 6.4kWh to 13.8kWh, will also be extended to the C350e plug-in petrol hybrid (and the pending S560e).
When and what is coming to Thai showrooms?
The chaps at Mercedes-Benz Thailand are still tight-lipped about when sales of the facelifted C-Class will take place in the country. Apart from managing stocks of locally assembled models, the sourcing of the new battery pack is another issue.
Although the updated C-Class hits the UK – a major right-hand-drive market – in July, Thais sales could occur at a later date.
The C43 Coupe, for one, has only been launched in locally assembled form last month with the previous 367hp motor. There’s a rumour that the sedan version of the C43 may be built in Malaysia and shipped over to Thailand via Afta perks.
And since Mercedes-Benz’s new battery factory in Thailand is scheduled to open by 2019, the current C350e may soldier on for the remaining months of this year. In the meantime, expect temporary sales of conventional petrol or diesel power for the facelifted C-Class.
As for the C300de, it might not be offered in Thailand due to complexities in fuel quality. While Thailand is still on Euro 4 fuel, Europe is ahead with Euro 6, essential for the latest in diesel tech.
