After four years of the current generation, the Mercedes C-Class sedan and wagon are getting some updates. That includes some styling changes inside and out, with a new display concept taken from the S-Class and upgraded driver assistance features.
The new look starts with new front bumpers wearing a new chrome strip. Mercedes says that the new lower lip gives the car a more dynamic character. The headlights and taillights are new with clear-lined contours. The new headlights offer new Mercedes-Benz Multibeam LED lamps that have 84 individually controlled LED lights that can be continuously adjusted for optimal light output. Sport package models add an AMG front apron and an AMG diamond grille. All trims get a new rear bumper, and sport package cars add a rear diffuser.
Inside, the changes are less obvious. The trim has been revised and includes new open-pore walnut and anthracite oak trims. New colours include Magma grey and saddle brown.
The standard instrument display has a 5.5-inch colour display flanked by twin analogue gauges. The big change is a new 12.3-inch all-digital display now available. Like in the C's big brothers, the screen can be set to classic, sport, or progressive look gauges. For the Comand infotainment system, a 7.0-inch screen is standard with a 10.25-inch screen available in the Premium Package.
A new steering wheel for the C-Class adds touch-sensitive controls that let the driver swipe to control the instrument cluster and infotainment system without taking their hands off of the wheel. In a big move for Benz, the cruise control switches have been moved from a stalk behind the wheel to on the steering wheel. The digital dash and touch-sensitive wheel are adopted from the same features of the S-Class.
Mercedes has added their latest driving assistance features to the C-Class. That includes semi-autonomous driving tech that monitors the road up to 500 m ahead, 40 m to each side, and 80 m behind. The new Active Distance Assist Distronic can automatically adjust speed when approaching bends, or intersections. It also adds lane change assist and emergency stop assist.
The new C-Class sedan and wagon will be on display at the Geneva Motor Show next month before going on sale later this year.
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