2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Unveiled

TopSpeed

By Jonathan Lopez

Published Feb 14, 2018

A few nips and tucks for the Teutonic standard

As if it weren't already obvious from the vast quantity of examples seen on the road, the current generation of the C-Class compact four-door is officially the German brand's best-selling model, moving as many as 417,000 units worldwide last year. Now, there's a new model on the horizon, and it's promising refreshed goods inside and out.

Let's start with the stuff outside, where the high-powered AMG-spec'd models make their presence known thanks to a diamond grille fitted in front as standard, plus a new front apron and a rear diffuser for the 2019 model year. The rest of the line includes a bevy of silver and chrome trim, as well as halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights. Options include full-LED headlights, which also include goodies like “High Performance” elements with an “Ultra Range” high beam. The exterior paint options now throw in shades like Mojave silver metallic and emerald green metallic, while standard 17-inch wheels are found in the corners.

Step inside, and you'll find an interior layout that looks more or less identical to the outgoing model, but Merc swears it's updated for 2019, and includes a redesign for the center console. Optional interior materials include open-pore brown walnut trim and open-pore anthracite oak, while new interior color schemes include magma grey and black, plus saddle brown for the AMG line. There's also a new multi-contour seat package which allows for individually adjustable side bolsters and lumbar support, as well as a massaging effect.

In terms of tech, the new C-Class is offered with a fully digital instrument display taken from the S-Class, and complete with three individual viewing modes. Standard spec throws a 5.5-inch display in between the gauges, but with the full digital option, you get a 12.3-inch screen instead. The center screen on the dash measures in at 7.0 inches as standard, but there's also a high-resolution 10.25-inch screen if you're willing to pay a bit more. Further features include touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, a Qi wireless phone charging system, and the optional Comand Online navigation system.

Mercedes says the C-Class can “drive semi-autonomously in certain situations,” and includes optional features like Active Distance Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Steering Assist, and Active Emergency Stop Assist. Active Brake Assist is standard.

Motivation is once again derived from a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which gets up-rated in the latest 2019 model year to produce as much as 255 horsepower. A 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission routes the power aft as standard, with AWD offered as an available option.

Pricing will be announced in March when the C-Class makes its formal debut at the Geneva International Motor Show. Look for the first batch to arrive hot off the presses in August.