2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class revealed, Australian launch confirmed

The updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been unveiled ahead of its scheduled arrival in Australia in early 2027, bringing technology and styling upgrades to complement the C-Class electric revealed earlier this year.

While the battery-powered C-Class is based on the German automaker's dedicated new MB.EA electric vehicle (EV) platform, which will also underpin the new GLC electric mid-size SUV due in Australia next year, the combustion-powered C-Class is a significant update of the current W206 generation sold here since 2021.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has advised CarExpert the updated model is scheduled to arrive locally in the first half of next year. It will likely be available locally in sedan form only, with the current C-Class not offered here as a wagon.

There won’t be a C-Class coupe or cabriolet either, with Mercedes-Benz having effectively merged those models with the E-Class coupe and cabriolet to create the CLE.

Pricing and specific details for the Australian C-Class range are yet to be confirmed. The current lineup starts with the C200 at $88,928 before on-road costs and extends to the Mercedes-AMG C63, priced from $195,228 plus on-roads.

In Germany, the updated model will be priced from €48,844 (A$79,656), compared with around €55,000 (A$89,696) for the outgoing version.

The upgraded C-Class sedan brings a revised exterior in the same style as the electric version revealed in April 2026. This includes a new front-end with an illuminated Mercedes-Benz star emblem and a gloss-black panel connecting the redesigned grille to new LED headlights.

The headlights also incorporate illuminated Mercedes-Benz star motifs, which are repeated in the revised tail-light design.

Two new exterior colours – Lavender Silver metallic and Sky Grey metallic – are also available.

While the 2865mm wheelbase is unchanged, the updated entry-level C200 is 25mm shorter than the model it replaces, at 4766mm, with its wheels pushed further towards each corner.

It retains the same 1820mm width but sits 5mm lower at 1438mm, while the 1582mm front track is 7mm narrower and the rear track has been widened by 18mm to 1594mm.

Boot space remains unchanged at 455 litres for mild-hybrid models and 315L for the C300e plug-in hybrid.

The styling changes are designed to give the C-Class a broader stance, with black inserts and chrome detailing in the bumpers, while European versions ride on 17- to 19-inch wheels.

Under the bonnet, the updated C-Class range will bring mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains in Australia, with diesel versions having been absent from the local lineup since late 2020.

The updated C200 is the first of the revised model variants, using a carryover version of the M254 ‘Evo’ turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

All mild-hybrid versions use the same 48V electrical system, incorporating a 17kW/205Nm integrated starter-generator, a nine-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive.

In the C200, the petrol engine produces 130kW and 250Nm, down 20kW and 50Nm on the current model. Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds, making it 1.2 seconds slower than the current C200 sold in Australia.

European fuel consumption is listed at between 6.2 and 6.8L/100km, compared with the current Australian C200’s combined 6.8L/100km.

The current local range steps from the C200 to the C300, priced from $99,428 before on-road costs. Its updated powertrain retains a 190kW/400Nm petrol engine, supplemented by the same 17kW electric motor.

Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100km/h time of 6.1 seconds, 0.1 seconds slower than the current model, while fuel consumption improves to between 6.3 and 7.0L/100km.

The C300e plug-in hybrid gets a 10kW increase for its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which now produces 160kW and an unchanged 320Nm. Its electric motor output also increases by 10kW to 100kW.

Mercedes-Benz claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than the previous C350e PHEV sold in Australia. European fuel consumption is listed at between 2.3 and 2.6L/100km.

All models meet the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, which begin taking effect in Europe from November 2026. Australia, by comparison, only began mandating Euro 6d-equivalent standards for new light-vehicle models from December 2025.

Suspension changes include a firmer overall tune with adjustable damping, along with four-link front and five-link rear suspension setups.

The cabin of the updated C-Class incorporates elements from the larger S-Class, including Mercedes-Benz puddle lights that project the brand’s three-pointed star onto the ground.

Mercedes-Benz says the revised body retains its predecessor’s 0.24Cd drag coefficient, contributing to both fuel-efficiency and interior refinement.

Inside, a welcome sequence adjusts the climate-control temperature and the brightness of the selected 64-colour ambient lighting, which is coordinated with the theme of the 12.3-inch digital instrument display.

It sits behind a multifunction steering wheel featuring physical rocker switches and a roller-style volume controller, alongside an 11.9-inch portrait-oriented central touchscreen.

The system runs the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) and the fourth generation of the Google-based Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX), including an upgraded artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant represented by a ‘living avatar’ in the vehicle.

It can perform functions such as finding nearby parking, while augmented-reality satellite navigation is available in the C-Class for the first time.

Over-the-air software updates also support ‘Digital Extras’, an app store through which owners can access more than 40 apps covering entertainment, navigation and functions including parking assistance systems.

These include a new ‘reverse function’ which, in certain circumstances, allows the vehicle to autonomously retrace a section of road it has previously driven forwards.

It works in conjunction with a new 360-degree camera system and driver-assistance hardware comprising 10 cameras, five radars and 12 ultrasonic sensors.

Depending on model grade, the seats are trimmed in Artico synthetic leather, available in cherry red for the first time, while higher-specification versions are offered with Nappa leather with contrast piping and top stitching.

New trim options include open-pore birch wood, anthracite birch wood and high-gloss metal-mix fabric, while new cabin colour choices include Warm Beech.

Further options include multi-contour seats with inflatable active side bolsters and individual lumbar adjustment, as well as a 15-speaker Burmester 3D Surround Sound System.

The updated C-Class will also be available with an AMG Line package, adding red seatbelts and stitching, along with exterior elements including a gloss-black rear spoiler and black exhaust outlets.

MORE: Explore the Mercedes-Benz C-Class showroom