Mercedes-Benz C-Class platform and positioning
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s best-selling model line, and this is the combustion version of it: the W206 generation, launched in 2021 and updated in August 2026. It sells as a rear-drive saloon and an estate, with all-wheel drive available on the more powerful versions. An electric C-Class now sells alongside it as a separate model on its own platform, so the two cars share a name and nothing structural.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class powertrain
Every engine in the range is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, and every one of them is electrified to some degree. The petrol versions use an updated M254 Evo engine at 177 PS (174 hp) in the C 200, 218 PS (215 hp) in the C 250 and 258 PS (255 hp) in the C 300. Naming shifted a step upward in the update: the old entry-level C 180 is gone, and the C 200 badge now sits on what was previously the mid-range output. The 1.5-litre engine was dropped entirely. Diesels continue as the C 200 d at 163 PS (161 hp) and the C 250 d at 200 PS (197 hp), using the OM654 Evo and approved for HVO100 and biodiesel blends.
Non-plug-in versions run a second-generation 48-volt starter-generator that adds up to 17 kW and 205 Nm on acceleration and allows the engine to shut off while coasting. The petrols also gained an electric auxiliary compressor, which spins up independently of exhaust flow and fills the gap before the turbocharger takes over. Above them sit two plug-in hybrids: the C 300 e, and the C 400 e 4MATIC at 395 PS (389 hp) and 650 Nm. Both use a 19.5 kWh usable battery for up to 100 km of WLTP electric range. The C 300 de diesel plug-in hybrid was not carried over.
Inside the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Inside, the dashboard architecture is unchanged, with a 12.3-inch instrument display and an 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen, but the fourth-generation MBUX system behind it is new, adds AI assistants and runs Google Maps as the built-in navigation. The steering wheel is the visible reversal: some of the capacitive touch pads have been replaced by physical rockers and rollers. Outside, the changes are a larger grille with an illuminated surround, star-pattern light signatures front and rear, new bumpers and Micro-LED headlights.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class price and trims
Orders opened in Germany on 18 August 2026, from €48,844 for the C 200 saloon and €50,391 for the estate, rising to €75,095 for the C 400 e 4MATIC estate.
