2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Globally Unveiled: Features Electrification As Standard!

Speaking about the exterior changes of the new C-Class, the new design is in-line with other recently updated models such as the A-Class and the E-Class. This includes the new front grille, new bonnet design, redesigned light clusters and lesser overhangs at both ends.

The overall silhouette of the car remains the same as the old model of the C-Class. The wheelbase on both the sedan has been increased by 25mm from the older model. The overall length now measures 65mm longer with an increase boot-space of 30 litres over the previous model.

Moving to the interiors of the new C-Class, the new sedan has received a host of changes that are inspired by the brand's flagship S-Class. The primary change on the inside is the new vertically-stacked touchscreen infotainment on the centre console. It is available in two sizes with the lower 10.25-inch unit offered as standard. It can be upgraded to an 11.9-inch unit.

The infotainment supports wireless smartphone connectivity such as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and the brand's latest form of MBUX connected technology. The new infotainment placement is more accessible to the driver for touch operations. As a result, the rotary dial knob has been removed.

It also features a high-definition LCD digital instrument cluster that is also available in two screen sizes: 10.25-inch or 12.3-inch. The cabin features jet-engine style air-con vents, a flat-bottom steering wheel with mounted controls, a dual-tone interior scheme and more.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class is offered in a host of petrol and diesel engine options. For the first time, the C-Class features electrification via a 48V belt-integrated starter generator as standard. The system helps recover energy under deceleration to provide a power boost of up to 20bhp.

Petrol engine options include two 1.5-litre engine in different states of tune. The lower-spec (C180) unit produces a maximum of 169bhp and 263Nm of peak torque. While the top-spec (C200) unit produces 203bhp and 300Nm of torque. The top-spec 1.5-litre unit posts a 0-100kph time of 7.1 seconds, which is 1.5 seconds quicker than the lower-spec unit.

Apart from the two 1.5-litre petrol units, the company is also offering a 2.0-litre unit on the C300 variant. The engine produces a maximum of 259hp and a peak torque of 400Nm. The Indian market is expected to receive the C300 variant of the C-Class Sedan.

Coming to the diesel engine options on the C-Class, the company is offering a 2.0-litre unit in two different states of tune. The lower-spec C220d produces 199bhp and 440Nm of torque, while the top-spec C300d unit produces 264bhp and 550Nm of peak torque.

The 2021 C-Class sedan will also be offered with a plug-in hybrid powertrain variant called the C300e. The sedan features a new 25.4kWh battery pack that enhances the electric-only range of the sedan from 55kms to 100kms. The C300e's powertrain produces a combined power output of 307bhp and 550Nm peak torque.

The company is offering a nine-speed automatic gearbox as standard across all variant of the sedan. However, the C200, C300 and the C220d are offered with an optional 4Matic four-wheel-drive system from Mercedes-Benz.

Other mechanical changes include the new C-Class now featuring air-suspension as standard at the rear for plug-in hybrid models. Additionally, the new sedan is also now offered with optional rear-wheel steering that is again inspired by the new S-Class.

Thoughts About The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Globally Unveiled

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been updated with a host of new features, technology and design. The new changes have trickled down from the brand's flagship model, the S-Class. This will enhance the look, feel and appeal of the already luxurious sedan. Once launched, the new C-Class will rival the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 and the Jaguar XE in the Indian market.