The Mercedes entered its third generation when it made its official debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show as a 2015 model. The most important aspect of the third-gen model is by far the new Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform that – by the use of aluminum and high-strength steel – let to a pretty serious weight decrease of 220 pounds over its predecessor. After just a couple of years on the market, Mercedes has been devising a facelift for its resident compact luxury car, and we’ve finally caught it in sedan and wagon form doing some real-world testing. The facelifted model is expected to bring a revised grille, new headlight and taillight units, revised fascias, and some minor updates to the interior that includes a refinement of the infotainment system controls, an S-Class inspired steering wheel, and a revision to the instrument cluster, among other little things.
Don’t get too excited to see everything the facelifted model will have to offer just yet, though. See, Mercedes is playing the same game it did with the S-Class and is testing parts individually instead of all at once. That means that most of the car is uncamouflaged because it’s still sporting the current design cues. We do have a couple of good interior shots, so we can see what’s going on inside, but as far as the outside goes, there isn’t much new quite yet.
The facelifted model is expected to make its debut late next year as a 2018 model, so there’s still plenty of time for Mercedes to swap out parts and change things up on us. With that said, let’s take a good look at the shots we have now and talk a little more about the facelifted C-Class.
Continue reading to learn more about the Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Exterior
The first round of spy shots haven’t exposed us to too much change to the exterior. To be more specific, this mule is rocking the facelifted bumper, but it has also been covered with a plastic play to conceal any design cues that really matter. As it turns out, Mercedes is getting pretty good at covering up its intentions – almost as good as VW covered up its emissions scandal for so long – but, the impressions in the corners and the mesh covering the air dam provides us with some idea of what is to come. Looking at the current C-Class, this model, and the dents in the plastic overlay of this mule, it appears as if the corner vents in the fascia will grow a bit, and will actually be a little bit taller. They won’t be taller by much, but they should give the front end just an extra pinch of aggression. The air dam will also grow a bit to match the corners and should help accent the more aggressive look. Other changes to the front should include a slightly revised grille with new louvers and mesh, as well as redesigned headlight lenses.
The impressions in the corners and the mesh covering the air dam provides us with some idea of what is to come.
Nothing will change on the side profile, which is the usual case with facelifts, but the C-Class could get a new wheel design or two. The back of both test mules (wagon and sedan) have complete uncamouflaged, so there are no changes to speak of here yet. Expect to see the insert on the rear fascia change a bit to coincide with the changes to the front fascia. The exhaust outlets could be revised to be slightly larger and should feature chrome tips. The other major change in the rear will be the introduction of revised taillight lenses. The lens layout on the current model is somewhat bland for a luxury model, so it’s quite likely that the lenses will get a more modern design.
Competing Appearances
On the competition front, the C-Class fights against some beautiful and aggressive models. It wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t compare it against the BMW 3 Series (left) and to throw a ringer in there, we’ll also compare it to the Cadillac ATS (Right.) The BMW 3 Series went through its mid-cycle facelift for the 2016 model year, so it should still be relevant when the facelifted C-Class hits dealers. Up front, it’s quite aggressive with thin but wide corner air intakes that also house the foglamps. The air damn in the middle is a little wider on top, giving the 3 Series a mouth while accenting the signature kidney grilles just above. The hood and side profile are fairly standard and are far from extraordinary, but that doesn’t take away from the car’s overall sport nature. The rear end is fairly simple and features a distinct body line on each corner of the fascia that accents the long and thin reflectors. A single, chrome exhaust outlet graces each corner of the fascia’s rear insert. Compared to the C-Class, the 3 Series is equally aggressive and has a similar presence on the street.
Then you’ve got the Cadillac ATS. Featuring GM’s latest design cues, this baby of the part has tall, sculpted headlight units and a progressive nose that yields two small corner intakes and a connected air dam up front. The side profile is more muscular than the C-Class and 3 Series but is far from being too aggressive. The rear end of the ATS is a mix of boring GM design and a few nice touches. The rear fascia comes to a sharp edge right in the middle. A diffuser-like element is installed down below and adds a bit of sporty ambiance. The tall, red tail lights stick out like a sore thumb, and from a distance, the rear deck looks a little awkward. Up front, the ATS is quite nice, but the rear could benefit from a nice facelift.
Decisions of which model to go with based on looks will really boil down to one thing: Do you like American or German designs? Both German vehicles have more of a sports car look, while the ATS 
looks a little more like your grandpa’s next car. But, that’s not to say the ATS can’t be sporty – after all, there is the ATS-V that is very aggressive and is an easy sell over the standard 3 Series and C-Class any day.
Interior
It’s pretty rare for us to get a look at the interior of a mule this early one, but we’re lucky enough to see what the facelifted C-Class is working with – well, in a limited capacity, anyway. If you compare the current C-Class interior (left) to the one of the facelifted model (right,) there are just a couple of differences, but at least one of them address something that was bugging some. The most notable difference is that weird mouse-like control for the infotainment system is gone and has been replaced by a touch pad. This should make controlling the infotainment system a little easier. Furthermore, it will make the control knob just ahead simpler to reach and use. It also appears as if the instrument cluster has been updated. From our limited view, it looks as if the gauges remain the same, but the TFT display screen between the two primary gauges appears to be larger. There’s also a comfortable-looking steering wheel that is similar to that of the S-Class. Outside of these few things, expect the interior to continue on largely unchanged. The dash pad may change a bit and actually looks a bit taller in this mule and the door trim panels have been altered a bit, with the door handle sitting a little farther back and lower. There could be some new materials and interior colors offered as well.
Competing Interiors
Comparing the interiors of the BMW 3 Series (left) and Cadillac ATS (right) to the C-Class (center)will probably leave you with a tough decision to make. To put it simply, all three are sporty and inviting while still maintaining their own unique styling cues. The thing that really sets the 3 Series apart from the rest is the aggressive and sculpted design of the dash and center console. Both feature unique styling the make subtle use of angles and curves to create a pleasing centerpiece inside the vehicle. Like the C-Class, the 3 Series features a floating display atop the dash, however, it looks a little awkward as its positioning makes it look like the bottom of the screen is cut off. In comparison, the display in the C-Class looks more tablet-like, with clever mounting from the rear. The 3 Series makes use of rectangular HVAC vents, while the center console is a two-tier unit that also features a control knob. The C-class provides more storage than the 3 Series, but the 3 Series is definitely more aggressive. A two-tone interior is pretty standard on the 3 series with the bottom of the dash matching the seats and the inserts on the door trim.
Taking a trip over to your local Cadillac dealer will have you looking at an interior with a completely different approach. Like most GM models, the infotainment display is built into and recessed into the center stack. The button controls down below it are backlit and feature a chrome trim line while still looking smooth and unadulterated. The center console at the ATS is thinner than that of its German counterparts which provide more hip and legroom for passengers. The instrument cluster is stylish and recessed into the dash with a thick pad on top. The ATS uses rectangular vents just like the 3 Series, but the center vents are arranged vertically instead of horizontally. The ATS can be had with a two-tone interior as well, however, it’s not the same layout that you find in the competition. The inner part of the A-pillars, roof liner and inserts are of contrasting color, but the seats, dash, door trim, and carpeting are all one color. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you like a lot of contrast, you’re best bet is to probably buy German.
Drivetrain
While the C-Class is due for a facelift, chances are nothing will change much in the drivetrain department. Some models could get a tiny bump in power through massaged tuning, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. The current model can be had with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-banger, a 3.0-liter, Biturbo, V-6, or a 4.0-liter, Biturbo, V-8. On a model this size, however, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the V-6 and V-8 engines are reserved for those willing to pay for that AMG badge. In entry-level form (currently the C300 here in the States,) that 2.0-liter four-banger delivers a cool 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That power is delivered to the rear wheels via a seven-speed auto, but for a few extra thousand, you can get the 4Matic model that includes all-wheel drive.
The current model can be had with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-banger, a 3.0-liter, Biturbo, V-6, or a 4.0-liter, Biturbo, V-8. On a model this size, however, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the V-6 and V-8 engines are reserved for those willing to pay for that AMG badge.
In either form, the C300 can hit 60 mph in six seconds flat and tops out at 155 mph. Fuel economy sits comfortably at 24 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Moving up to the C43 will get you the 3.0-liter V-6 with 362 horsepower and 384 pound-feet of torque. 60 mph comes in as quick as 4.6 seconds while top speed is still limited to 155 mph. The C43 gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 mph on the highway. Opting for the C63 will get you a 4.0-liter V-8 that delivers an abrupt 469 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. It can hit 60 mph in four seconds flat and averages 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Finally, there’s the bonkers C63 S that has the same 4.0-liter, but it’s tuned to deliver 503 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. This model can get to 60 mph 0.1 seconds quicker while maintaining the same fuel economy figures.
Estimated Specifications
Competing Power
When it comes to the competition, the 3 Series offers a fair handful of models and engines, but the C-Class certainly takes the cake at first. Then entry-level, 320i makes use of a 2.0-liter that delivers 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. 0-to-60 mph takes 7.1 seconds with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, while top speed is limited to 130 mph. This model gets 23 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway and can be had in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Next on the list it the 330i which uses the same 2.0-liter but is massaged to deliver 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. It can hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds with the manual transmission or 5.5 seconds with the automatic. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, while fuel economy sits at 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
Then there’s the 340i that makes use of a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo, V-6 that delivers a decent 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. 60 mph comes in as quick as 4.6 seconds with the automatic or 4.7 seconds with the manual transmission. Top speed is limited to 149 mph while fuel economy sits at 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Finally, built to compete with the more extreme AMG variants of the C-Class., there’s the BMW M3. The M3 makes use of the 3.0-liter unit but delivers a cold 425 horsepower and 406 pound-feet. This kind of power pushes the M3 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds with the manual or 3.9 seconds with the automatic. Top speed is limited to 155 and fuel economy sits at 17 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Unlike its German rivals, the Cadillac ATS is actually quite simple as far as powertrains go. The entry-level models get a 2.0-liter that delivers 272 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive models with the 2.0-liter can be optioned with a six-speed manual, but if you go with the all-wheel drive variant, you’re stuck with the eight-speed automatic. If you desire more oomph, you can go with the 3.6-liter V-6 that pumps out 335 horsepower and 285 pound-feet of torque. This model
Comes standard as rear-wheel drive and can only be had with the eight-speed automatic. As of the time of this writing, Cadillac has yet to release any other performance or fuel economy numbers, so mpg ratings, top speed, and 60 mph sprint times are a complete mystery.
BMW 3 Series
Cadillac ATS
Pricing
Pricing for the facelifted C-class is still a mystery as of this writing, but the current C-Class starts out at $39,500 for the C300 and $41,500 for the C300 4Matic. Moving up to the C43 sets you back by at least $52,000 while the C63 commands a whopping $65,200. Then there’s the wild C63 S that calls for $72,800. Of course, all of these prices are before options, taxes, and destination charges. As for the facelifted version, I wouldn’t expect pricing to increase too much. Perhaps $1,000 at most.
Competition
Acura TLX
The Acura TLS is a relatively new entry to the long list of compact luxury sedans on the market. It was a spiritual successor to the Acura TL and was revealed to the public at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. On the outside, it has a fairly sporty look and the side profile provides wavy body lines that give the car a lot of character. Under the hood, it comes standard with a 2.4-liter that delivers 209 horsepower and 182 pound-feet of torque while an optional 3.5-liter V-6 can be had with 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque. The four-banger comes paired with an eight-speed dual clutch unit while the brawnier 3.5-liter is stuck with a nine-speed automatic. The TLX starts out at $31,900 with pricing increasing to as much as $45,000 for the range topping model with all-wheel drive and all available packages. It’s not necessarily a competitor for the higher end versions of the C-Class, but it will give the C300 a good run for its money.
Read more about the Acura TLX here.
Infiniti Q50
The Q50 is also a fairly new contender in this market as it replaced the Infiniti G sedan for the 2014 model year. For 2017, the Q50 got a minor refresh that brought about new paint options, a new interior package, and a decent upgrade to the infotainment system. Inside, it reminds a little bit of something you might expect from Cadillac , but on the outside, it’s stylish and sport like some of the German models it competes with. The Q50, much like the C-Class is available in a number of trim levels. To be more specific, there are six versions of the Q50 2.0t, four versions of the Q50 3.0t, and then there are the Red Sport 400 and Q50 Hybrid models. Power output ranges anywhere between 208 horsepower and 258 pound-feet all the way up to 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet in the Red Sport 400. Pricing starts out at $33,950 for the Q50 2.0t all the way up to $50,700 for the Red Sport 400 AWD.
Find out more about the Infiniti Q50 here.
Conclusion
With this being the first round of spy shots we’ve seen, there will surely be more to come. More than likely, we’ll see the rear fascia sporting some camo while the front fascia sticks with its current camo or is replaced with that of the current model to keep us guessing. Either way, with competition like the 3 Series, the Cadillac ATS , the Infiniti Q50, and the Acura TLX, Mercedes needs to keep the C-Class as fresh as possible if it wants to remain relevant in such a crowded and demanding segment. It’s great to see that the weird mouse control inside is being replaced by a touch pad, and we can’t wait to see what options are available when this model makes its debut. Stay tuned for updates!