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Mercedes C-Class facelift: how the saloon and estate have changed, now with artificial intelligence on board

The facelifted C-Class, which now offers a new electric version alongside the petrol and diesel models, features updated design, engines and technology. Mb.Os makes its debut with an MBUX system that integrates ChatGPT, Bing and Google Gemini

by Simonluca Pini

25 August 2026

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4' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

Mercedes C-Class facelift: how the exterior has changed
Interni: Mb.Os launches with ChatGPT, Bing and Google Gemini
Engines: petrol, mild hybrid and plug-in diesel models with a range of up to 100 km
Mercedes C-Class: a story that began with the 190

4' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The Mercedes C-Class has been updated without overhauling a formula that has resulted in over 12 million units sold since 1982. Following the launch of the electric version, the German manufacturer is unveiling a facelift for both the saloon and the estate, featuring the most extensive technical update yet for the current generation. The changes mainly concern the electronics, driver-assistance systems and powertrains, whilst the aesthetic updates focus on the front end, lighting units and detailing. Orders are already open in Germany, with prices starting at around 49,000 euros for the C 200 saloon. Prices in Italia have not yet been announced but are expected to start at around 50,000 euros.

Mercedes C-Class facelift: how the exterior has changed

The proportions remain those of the current C-Class, whilst the front end has been redesigned around the new grille. The chrome surround incorporates an LED light strip and, depending on the market, the central star may also be illuminated. The headlights have been updated and are recognisable by their new star-shaped light signature, a motif echoed in the saloon’s rear light clusters. A glossy black element visually links the grille and headlights, whilst new bumpers have significantly altered the lower section of the front end.

The range of wheels includes sizes from 17 to 19 inches, with a new 18-inch design and two additional 19-inch AMG options.

For the first time, the C-Class is also available in the AMG Line Plus version, which adds specific exterior and interior features compared to the AMG Line. In the estate version, boot capacity is 490 litres in the five-seat configuration and up to 1,510 litres when the 40:20:40 split rear seatbacks are folded down.

Mercedes Classe C, tutte le foto del restyling
Photogallery42 foto

Interni: Mb.Os launches with ChatGPT, Bing and Google Gemini

Inside the cabin, the overall layout remains largely unchanged. In front of the driver is the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, flanked by the 11.9-inch vertical central display. The multifunction steering wheel has been updated, reintroducing physical controls for certain functions, including a switch for the speed limiter and Distronic, and a dedicated volume dial. Capacitive surfaces with haptic feedback also remain. The main innovation lies in the electronic architecture. The C-Class adopts Mb.Os, Mercedes’ operating system with an architecture that links infotainment, vehicle functions and driver assistance systems, and enables over-the-air software updates. The fourth generation of MBUX uses an architecture that integrates ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini, selecting which system to use based on the request. The voice assistant retains the context of the conversation thanks to a short-term memory and allows you to ask follow-up questions without having to repeat the previous request each time. Integration with Google Maps also allows users to search for points of interest, car parks and charging stations via voice command. MBUX Surround Navigation combines turn-by-turn directions with a three-dimensional representation of the surroundings and road users detected by the sensors. The system can feature up to ten external cameras, five radar units and twelve ultrasonic sensors, all connected to a control unit capable of performing up to 254 trillion operations per second.

Engine options: petrol, diesel, mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid with a range of up to 100 km

The range continues to comprise petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrid models. All internal combustion engines feature the 48-volt mild hybrid system with a second-generation ISG integrated starter-generator, capable of delivering up to 17 kW – equivalent to approximately 23 cv – and an additional 205 Nm. The petrol engines feature the 2.0 M 254 Evo four-cylinder unit with a new auxiliary electric supercharger. The C 200 develops 177 cv, the C 250 rises to 218 cv and the C 300 reaches 258 cv, to which the electric system provides temporary additional power. The four-cylinder OM 654 Evo diesel engines also remain in the range, in 163 and 200 cv versions. At the top of the electrified range is the C 400 and 4Matic plug-in hybrid, available as both a saloon and an estate. The system delivers 395 cv and 650 Nm, whilst the 19.53 kWh usable battery allows for up to 100 kilometres of electric range (WLTP). Charging is possible at up to 11 kW on an AC charger and 55 kW on a DC charger. The update also affects handling. Different shock absorber settings and stiffer bushings reduce body roll, without altering the suspension layout, which features a four-link front suspension and a five-link multi-link rear suspension. The rear-axle steering remains available, with a maximum angle of 2.5 degrees. Below 100 km/h, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, and the turning circle is reduced to 10.64 metres. Above this speed, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels, increasing stability during lane changes and rapid manoeuvres.

The Mercedes C-Class: a story that began with the 190

The history of the C-Class began in 1982 with the Mercedes 190, internal code W201. Also known as the ‘Baby-Benz’, it marked the Stuttgart-based manufacturer’s entry into a more compact category than the models that would later form the E-Class and S-Class ranges. The C-Class designation was introduced in 1993 with the W202 series, joined in 1996 by the estate version. This was followed by the W203 in 2000, the W204 in 2007, the W205 in 2014 and the current W206, unveiled in 2021. Over the generations, the range has also expanded to include coupés and convertibles, whilst the saloon and estate have remained the core models in the range. Since the 190’s debut, over 12 million units from the range have been sold.