W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class facelift to be unveiled in 2025 – What to Expect?

After four years on the market, the fifth-generation (W206) Mercedes-Benz C-Class is set to receive a significant facelift. According to a report from the Mercedes-Benz Blog, the updated model will be unveiled in the spring of 2025 and made available for purchase by summer 2025. This refresh promises to bring updated styling, cutting-edge technology, and improved powertrains to maintain the C-Class’s competitive edge in the luxury sedan market.

The facelifted C-Class will adopt several design cues from its sibling models. Based on early spy photos and computer-rendered images shared by the YouTube channel #carbizzy, the refreshed C-Class will feature a front end resembling the new Mercedes E-Class. Key updates include a revised radiator grille, sleeker headlights, and three point star styled daytime running lights inspired by the futuristic Mercedes CLA Concept. These lights will incorporate the Mercedes logo, which will also appear on the redesigned taillights.

Other exterior changes include updated side mirrors with slim LED lights and integrated cameras for the enhanced 360-degree camera system. These subtle yet modern tweaks aim to maintain the C-Class’s elegant and sporty aesthetic while aligning it with the latest Mercedes design language.

Although details about the interior remain scarce, the facelift is expected to bring improved materials and an upgraded version of the MBUX multimedia system. Rumors suggest a potential redesign of the central display, but it’s unlikely Mercedes will deviate from the current setup. The brand aims to preserve the distinction between the C-Class and the E-Class, which boasts a larger Superscreen display.

The current W206 Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup includes a variety of powertrains, all featuring 48V mild hybrid systems. There are also three plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions, including a diesel option, offering electric ranges of 100 km or more. These PHEV variants are expected to carry over, given their popularity and impressive efficiency.

Mercedes is collaborating with Geely to develop a new generation of modular engines. The facelifted C-Class may adopt these powertrains, including a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine with outputs of 120, 163, or 190 PS, replacing the current engines in the C 180 and C 200. A 2.0-liter version is also in development and could debut in the facelifted C-Class, offering improved performance and efficiency compared to the existing C 300 engine.

The current AMG C 63 S E Performance model, powered by a 4-cylinder hybrid engine, has faced criticism for its lack of traditional performance appeal. To address this, rumours suggest that Mercedes may reintroduce a V8 or inline-6 engine with a 48V mild hybrid system. These engines could align with those in the AMG CLE models, such as the 449 PS, 3.0-liter inline-6 found in the AMG CLE 53 4Matic or the V8 planned for the AMG CLE 63 4Matic+.

For the first time, the Mercedes C-Class will also be offered as a fully electric model, debuting in 2026. Built on the dedicated MB.EA electric platform, the electric C-Class will feature a design similar to its combustion-engine counterpart, ensuring continuity in its visual identity.

The refreshed Mercedes C-Class, featuring conventional powertrains, will be unveiled in spring 2025, with deliveries starting in summer 2025. The electric variant will follow a year later in 2026, marking an exciting new chapter for this iconic model.

With these updates, Mercedes aims to keep the C-Class at the forefront of the luxury sedan market, blending tradition with innovation to meet the demands of modern drivers.