Mercedes-Benz · 2021–present

Mercedes-Benz W206

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206) is the fifth generation of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class which is produced by Mercedes-Benz Group AG since 2021. It replaces the W205 C-Class which had been produced since 2014. The fifth-generation C-Class is available in sedan (W206), station wagon/estate (S206), and long-wheelbase sedan (V206) body styles. The W206 C-Class is based on the Mercedes MRA II rear-wheel drive modular platform also used by the W223 S-Class.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

All Mercedes-Benz W206 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years →

Design

All W206 C-Class models are equipped with four-cylinder engines that have an integrated starter generator (15 kW electric motor) and a 48-volt electrical system. The W206 has independent front and rear suspension. The front axle is a four-link axle, the rear axle is a multi-link axle. Rear axle steering with a steering angle of 2.5 degrees is available as a factory option; the turning circle is reduced by 0.4 m to 10.6 m with the rear axle steering option. The interior styling is related to the S-Class (W223). The C-Class also has a central LCD with a screen diagonal of either 9 in (230 mm) or 11.9 in (300 mm). The C-Class All-Terrain was released as the crossover-styled estate model. Bearing the X206 codename, it received external body cladding, a 40 mm increase in ride height, 4Matic AWD and additional drive modes.

Powertrain

The smallest available petrol engine is the 1.5-litre M264 engine offered in the C 180 model (rated power 125 kW (168 hp; 170 PS)), and in the C 200 model (rated power 150 kW (201 hp; 204 PS)). The C 300 model is powered by a 2.0-litre M254 petrol engine rated 190 kW (255 hp; 258 PS). The M254 is equipped with a twin-scroll "segmented" turbocharger featuring an overboost function that allows it to produce an additional 26 kW for up to 30 seconds, as well as a 48V electric supercharger that provides assist at low engine speeds. Daimler initially offers two Diesel models, the C 220d, and the C 300d. Both models are powered by the same 1992 cm3 OM654 engine, rated 147 kW (197 hp; 200 PS) in the C 220d, and 195 kW (261 hp; 265 PS) in the C 300d. Compared with the preceding Diesel engine, the OM654 has a new crankshaft that increases the stroke to 94.3 millimeters, and a water-cooled, variable turbine geometry turbocharger. In July 2021, the C 200d was introduced with a detuned version of the above engine, now producing 120 kW (163 PS; 161 bhp) of power and 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) of torque. Daimler has announced that it will be offering a plug-in hybrid model with a petrol engine, the C 300e, as well as a plug-in hybrid model with a diesel engine, the C 300de. The mainline C-class 4Matic models and AMG C43 continue to use permanent AWD with an open double-planetary type center differential. The two axles are linked by a pre-loaded two plate clutch with a locking action of 50nM. Two versions of Magna's Trumax open center differential transfer case are used. The non-AMG models use the version geared for a 45/55 front-to-rear torque split. AMG C43 models are offered with the more rear-biased AMG-Performance Permanent AWD, which uses a center differential geared for a 31/69 front-t

2026 facelift

The facelifted W206 C-Class was unveiled on 17 August 2026, with orders opening in Germany the following day. The update introduced a more upright radiator grille with an illuminated surround, redesigned bumpers and headlamps with three-pointed-star-shaped daytime running lights. The sedan also received star-shaped taillight graphics, while the estate retained the rear light design of the pre-facelift model. The interior retained the 12.3-inch instrument display and 11.9-inch touchscreen, but received the fourth generation of MBUX running on the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). The MBUX Virtual Assistant incorporates artificial-intelligence services from ChatGPT, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini, while the navigation system is based on Google Maps. A revised steering wheel also reintroduced physical rocker and roller controls for functions including cruise control and audio volume. The engine range was revised in preparation for Euro 7 emissions regulations. Petrol models use an updated 2.0-litre M254 Evo engine, while diesel models use an updated OM654 Evo four-cylinder. Non-plug-in variants use a second-generation 48-volt integrated starter-generator capable of providing up to 17 kW (23 hp) of additional output. The C 400 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid combines a petrol engine with an electric motor for a system output of 290 kW (389 hp) and 650 N⋅m (479 lb⋅ft) of torque. Its 19.53 kWh usable battery provides an electric range of up to 100 km (62 mi) on the WLTP cycle and supports charging at up to 11 kW AC and 55 kW DC. The suspension was also retuned, while the optional rear-axle steering system retained a maximum steering angle of 2.5 degrees, reducing the turning circle to 10.64 m (34.9 ft).

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206)
Manufacturer: Daimler AG (2021–2022), Mercedes-Benz Group (2022–present)
Production: March 2021–present
Model years: 2022–present
Assembly: Germany: Bremen, South Africa: East London, China: Beijing (Beijing Benz: V206 LWB sedan), India: Pune (MBI), Thailand: Samut Prakan (TAAP), Malaysia: Pekan (HICOM), Indonesia: Bogor (MBDI / Inchcape Indomobil)
Class: Compact executive car (D)
Body style: 4-door sedan, 5-door estate
Platform: MRA2
Related: Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254), Mercedes-Benz CLE (C236/A236)
Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive (4Matic)
Engine: Petrol:, 1.5 L M264 mild hybrid turbo (EQ Boost) I4, 2.0 L M264 mild hybrid turbo (EQ Boost) I4, 2.0 L M139 mild hybrid E-Turbo I4 (EQ Boost; C43), Petrol plug-in hybrid:, 2.0 L M264 PHEV turbo I4 (C300e), 2.0 L M254 PHEV turbo I4 (C350e), 2.0L M139L turbo I4 e-Performance PHEV (C63S E Performance), Diesel:, 2.0 L OM654 mild hybrid turbo (EQ Boost) I4
Transmission: 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic
Battery: 25.4 kWh lithium-ion, 6.1 kWh lithium ion (C63 S AMG E-Performance)
Wheelbase: 2865 mm (sedan/estate), 2950 mm (V206 LWB sedan)
Length: 4751 mm, 4880 mm (V206 LWB sedan)
Width: 1820 mm
Height: 1438 mm (sedan), 1455 mm (estate)
Predecessor: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205)
Designer: Balázs Filczer under Gorden Wagener