The all-new 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W206) has been officially revealed. Just like its predecessor, the fifth-generation C-Class takes on a “baby S-Class” look.

Exterior of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

All variants of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class no longer feature the traditional hood ornament. Instead, the logo will be placed at the front grille. Speaking of front grille, the AMG Line variant features unique three-pointed star pins across the grille.

Over to the rear, the mini-S-Class theme continues with the slim horizontal taillamps, which is the current design language of Mercedes-Benz.

Interior of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Inside, the W206’s interior uses a huge vertical centre touchscreen, just like its flagship brother. Another change would be the shape of the air-con vents which appear to be more rectangular than circular as seen in the outgoing W205 C-Class.

Like the S-Class, the new C-Class is equipped with the second generation of MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). It features the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant, Smart Home, an integrated music streaming service and augmented reality (AR) technology. Over time, it will receive over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Features on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

There’s an optional rear-axle steering, a system that virtually 'increases' or 'decreases' your wheelbase, depending on the situation. The system switches from counter-direction to same-direction steering at more than 60 km/h. This improves low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.

With rear-axle steering, the turning circle is reduced by 43 cm compared to a model without it. The maximum steering angle is for the rear is 2.5 degrees.

Dimensions of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Dimensions have grown in every aspect (except height) over the preceding model. The W206 C-Class Sedan measures 4,751 mm long (+65 mm), 1,820 mm wide (+10 mm), 1,438 mm tall (-9 mm), with a wheelbase measuring 2,865 mm long (+25 mm). The increased dimensions contribute to more interior space.

Powertrain of the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

As reported earlier, the W206 C-Class gets a 4-cylinder-only engine lineup with varying levels of electrification. The C200 is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with an integrated starter generator (ISG), producing 204 PS/300 Nm of torque.

The C300 gets a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with the ISG as well. It makes 258 PS/400 Nm of torque, which coincidentally, is identical to the BMW 330i’s output.

All engines are paired to a 9-speed automatic transmission, which is said to developed further for adapting the ISG and sends power to the rear wheels. Both the C200 and C300 are available with 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants will follow soon after the regional launch in Europe. The electric motor is said to produce 129 PS/440 Nm, with a claimed all-electric range of up to 100 km in WLTP test cycle, courtesy of the 25.4 kWh battery.

In terms of ride comfort, the suspension features a new four-link axle at the front and a multi-link axle at the rear mounted to a subframe. It is said to provide the basis for a high level of suspension, ride and noise comfort, agile handling and driving fun. Air suspension at the rear is standard for PHEV variants.

Advanced-Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Compared to the previous C-Class series, the latest generation of the Driving Assistance Package has moved the game forwards. Active Distance Assist Distronic system is able to detect stationary objects at speeds of up to 100 km/h (compared to 60 km/h before).

Active Steering Assist now helps the driver to stay in lane at speeds up to 210 km/h. New features include additional lane recognition with the 360-degree camera with improved availability and performance in bends on country roads, as well as improved lane centring on motorways.

So, what do you think of the all-new fifth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class?