Avantgarde-spec cars get a coupe-like grille. (Mercedes-Benz photo)

Under the hood

The engine range in Europe is a mix of in-line four and V6 units diesel and gasoline units, though the U.S. lineup remains undefined (a supercharged four and a BlueTec diesel being possibilities). As before, engine capacity doesn't always match the badge on the trunk. The range starts with a turbocharged 1.8-liter four developing 156hp in the C180 Kompressor and is currently topped by the 3.5-liter, 272hp V6 in the C320. A C63 AMG V8 is sure to follow.

With the exception of the C350, which gets a seven-speed automatic, all new C-classes come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. The seven-speed auto is optional on V6 models, while four-cylinder models get an optional five-speed unit.

A C-class wagon is due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Also on the way is a follow up to the C-class Sport Coupe.

The C-class sedan goes on sale later this year. Prices are expected to rise by around three per cent over those of the outgoing model.

Greg Kable/Autocar magazine.