Mercedes-Benz reveals refreshed fuel-burning C-Class

When Mercedes-Benz launched its first-ever electric C-Class in April, it did not mention if a new gasoline model was coming. Well, here’s the latest gas model.

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class front and side — *A new fuel-burning Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been revealed. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Mercedes-Benz will sell an updated fuel-burning C-Class alongside an electric version in the coming year.

The automaker revealed a refreshed C-Class with an internal combustion engine on Aug. 17.

This comes after Mercedes-Benz unveiled its first-ever electric C-Class in April. At the time, the company did not mention if a new gas-powered C-Class was on the way, but here it is.

The C-Class has existed since 1982. It is the company’s top-selling sedan.

Here in North America, it is considered the company’s compact sedan, competing against the BMW 3 Series and Audi A4/A5. In other markets, it’s considered a midsize model.

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class rear and side — *The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact sedan. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

The company did not provide Canadian market details but we can expect the updated sedan to go on sale here sometime in the first half of 2027, which is the car’s planned launch timeline in the United States.

What’s surprising is the latest gas-burning C-Class – unlike its electric sibling and so many other new Mercedes-Benz vehicles – does not have a massive pillar-to-pillar screen taking up what would normally be a dashboard.

Instead, the new C-Class has a traditional dashboard with a driver display and a centre touchscreen.

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class driver area — *The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class skips the pillar-to-pillar screen. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Plenty of tech to go around

Despite the lack of the giant front screen, to the chagrin or relief of potential buyers depending on each person’s opinion, the car is still loaded with plenty of the company’s latest technological innovations.

The car’s electronics are powered by the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) with the latest MBUX human-machine interface featuring an AI-powered virtual assistant.

The virtual assistant can engage in complex conversation and offer well-informed responses, Mercedes-Benz said. It can also suggest music and podcasts based on those conversations and hit play for the driver.

The operating system can also handle over-the-air updates to keep the car’s software always up to date.

Other features powered by the MB.OS include Google’s intelligent navigation technology, which includes MBUX Surround Navigation, as well as driver assist features such as MB.Drive, MB.Drive Park Assist 360 and more.

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class front — *The car has the new Mercedes-Benz signature star-shaped headlights, as well as taillights. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Updated styling

The car’s appearance doesn’t change drastically.

There is a new grille, which is now illuminated, plus new headlights and taillights with the distinct Mercedes star design.

Other new styling elements include redesigned bumpers.

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class cabin front — *The updated Mercedes-Benz C-Class has a more refined interior with reduced NVH. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Interior becomes more refined

Mercedes-Benz set out to make the interior more refined than before, creating what it called a serene personal retreat that blends elegance, comfort and intelligent technology.

The driver gets a 12.3-inch display and the centre screen is a portrait-oriented 11.9-inch multimedia display.

An optional Burmester 3D surround sound system with Dolby Atmos gives the car 15 speakers with a 710-watt amplifier.

Ambient lighting offers 64 colours and what Mercedes-Benz calls 10 colour worlds as well as various ambient styles. For example, owners can customize the atmosphere of the cabin, which gives the instrument cluster, controls and ambient lighting complementary colours.

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class rear seats — *Beech Brown is a new interior upholstery colour option on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

New upholstery colours available

Mercedes-Benz is giving the C-Class two new upholstery colours and three new trim elements to choose from.

Buyers can get the Beech Brown upholstery available in MB-Tex, leather and Nappa leather, or Cherry Red in MB-Tex.

Powertrain

The new fuel-burning C-Class is powered by an internal combustion engine supported by a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.

The car is powered by the M 254 EVO engine, a 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, paired with the company’s second-generation integrated starter-generator that provides up to 23 hp and 151 lb.-ft. of torque at low engine speeds.

The powertrain produces 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, while an overboost function can add another 27 hp for about 20 seconds at a time.

Improved ride

Mercedes-Benz said the C-Class is more agile than the outgoing model with a suspension tuned for more dynamic handling, while still offering long-distance comfort.

The company also set out to reduce the noise, vibrations and harshness through a variety of means.

And, the car’s low drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd helps reduce wind noise.

2027 Mercedes-Benz C-Class wagon — *Europeans can buy the Mercedes-Benz C-Class in wagon form. – Mercedes-Benz photo*

Some markets get a wagon

Some markets, such as Europe, will get the new C-Class in sedan and wagon body styles.

We can expect the sedan only here in North America.

For updates on the Canadian market launch, visit the Mercedes-Benz Canada website.