2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class to debut in Geneva with new engine

The C-Class, Mercedes-Benz's 2017 top-selling nameplate worldwide is getting a facelift for 2019. Packed with enhanced power and extended driver assistance features, the C-Class Sedan boasts next-level driving experience as it makes its official world premiere. 

Starting on the outside, a closer look will give you an observation of the subtle exterior changes. Up front, the bumper's side air vents receive a bit of reshaping that kind of made it look like the ones on the 2018 S-Class Coupe. In addition, it features a chrome-plated trim on its fascia, while a new tailpipe trim is found at the rear.

Inside, the center console comes with either a Natural Grain Walnut Wood trim or a Natural Grain Grey Oak Wood trim to accentuate it. You can also find a hand-crafted real wood veneer on the center console that adds more cabin elegance. Overall interior is upholstered with Magma Grey or Black materials for the standard variant, while the AMG-Line has options of Saddle Brown and Silk Beige/Black upholsteries.

There are more interesting upgrades on the interiors, including the Touch Control Buttons on the steering wheel. With this, the driver can control functions with swipe and touch gestures, just like how smartphones are operated. Another thing is that the driver can now access the Distronic and Cruise Control functions directly from the steering wheel – something that you can’t find in the outgoing C-Class Sedan. 

Among the fleet of upgrades is the extended suite of Intelligent Drive Features, which you can also find in the E-Class. This driver assistance system gives the C-Class a semi-autonomous capability that can be applied in certain situations, thanks to the improved camera and radar systems. The updated cameras grant the car with a view of up to 1,640 feet ahead and a 295-feet 3D view. Meanwhile, the new radars can scan a distance of up to 820 feet on the front, 130 feet on the sides, and 260 feet on the rear. 

Another feature is the Active Distance Assist Distronic that uses map information and alters vehicle speed depending on it, whether you’re approaching a curve or driving on the highway. Additional features include Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist.

All information is projected on a seven-inch display screen with three display styles that you could choose from: Classic, Sport, and Progressive. Meanwhile, a 10.25-inch COMAND Online system is available as option. What's good about it is it has a 3D of everything; 3D hard-disc navigation with topographic map, 3D photo-realistic view of buildings, and 3D map rotations. Also, the C-Class comes with five speakers to blast your audio entertainment needs.

The 2019 C-Class will be powered by a more powerful engine as compared to its predecessor. It will carry the new 2.0 inline-4 turbo mill that can generate 255 hp and 370 Nm of torque – that’s 14 hp more than the old engine which has an output of 241 hp. This unit is then paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission for a more dynamic driving experience. 

The 2019 C-Class will debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. It is expected to go on sale in the US by the latter part of 2018.