Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift to be launched in India tomorrow

-    The global reveal of the updated C-Class took place in June.

-    The executive sedan gets new 48V mild-hybrid with revised petrol and diesel engines

-    Might be priced similar to the older model.

Mercedes-Benz India will reveal 2018 C-Class facelift in the country tomorrow. The updated C-Class gets a refreshed design, tweaked interior and a new range of powertrain. The Three-Pointed star is bringing the entry-level executive sedan to India just three months after its global premiere. 

The most prominent design changes on the new C-Class includes a revised front bumper, a slightly larger front grille and the new headlamp layout. Since it is just a mid-life update, the overall layout remains unchanged. The tail lights get reworked internals with new LED signatures. On the inside, the entry-level C-Class will continue to have the current dashboard layout of an instrument cluster and an infotainment screen albeit with slight updates. However, the forthcoming AMG variants might get the twin-screen setup akin to the one seen on expensive Mercs.

The C-Class will also debut the new 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine in India. After Audi ditched the 1.8-litre petrol in the Audi A4 for the 1.4-litre mill, now Mercedes will be seen downsizing from its 2.0-litre mill to the 1.5-litre one. In spite of downsizing, the power output remains the same at 184bhp with the torque just a little lower than before. The 2.2-litre diesel will be replaced by the new 2.0-litre mill which is more efficient, has cleaner emissions and is equally powerful. Following the new C-Class, the C43 AMG and the C63 AMGs will be launched at a later date. The flagship C63 is powered by 4.0-litre V8 which also powers the E63 and S63. The C43 AMG might see the debut of the C-Class coupe in India probably in 2019.

Pricing for the new C-Class will be similar to the older model. We expect the price range to be between Rs 40 lakhs to 45 lakhs for the regular petrol and diesel variants. It will continue to rival the BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4 along with the Jaguar XE and the Volvo S60.