Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2017 pricing and spec confirmed

Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced sweeping price changes for its C-Class Sedan and Estate ranges, with increases of $500 to $1596 before on-road costs affecting all variants as of this month.

Specifically, the C200 and C250d models have risen by $500, while the C350e petrol-electric hybrid has copped a $600 hike. All Estates continue to cost $2500 more than their Sedan equivalents.

However, AMG variants are impacted the most, with C43 having increased by $711 and $712 for its Sedan and Estate versions respectively, while the biggest change is reserved for the flagship C63 S that jumps by $1596.

Mercedes-Benz sits comfortably at the top of the local premium mid-size segment.

Additionally, the C250 and C200d models have now been superseded by C300 and C220d respectively for both body styles, with their replacements costing $500 more.

Along with the change in monikers comes upgraded engines for both variants, with C300 uprating outputs from its predecessor's 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol powerplant to 180kW/370Nm – an increase of 25kW/20Nm.

Meanwhile, C220d welcomes a more significant change, as the 100kW/320Nm 1.6-litre turbo-diesel four-potter from the outgoing C200d has been discontinued along with its seven-speed automatic transmission.

Instead, a 2.1-litre unit that produces 125kW/400Nm sits underneath the bonnet of C220d, while power is sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed auto.

There are no changes to the powertrains or specification levels of any other model.

Furthermore, buyers of four-cylinder variants – excluding C350e – will be offered the no-cost option of an 'Exclusive Line' package, which the German carmaker says has been popular among E-Class customers.

Buyers of four-cylinder variants – excluding C350e – will be offered the no-cost option of an 'Exclusive Line' package.

If optioned, 18-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels, adaptive dampers, 'Artico' man-made leather-stitched dashboard and beltlines, brown ash open-pore wood/silver chrome trim and a Mercedes-Benz bonnet star are added.

As well, 'Artico' man-made leather upholstery and an adaptive closing function for the radiator grille are included for C200 and C220d, while C300 and C250d upgrade to genuine leather upholstery.

Mercedes-Benz sits comfortably at the top of the local premium mid-size segment, with 3449 examples of the C-Class sold to the end of May this year.

This figures sees it edge out the BMW 3 Series (1120), Audi A4 (972), Lexus IS (715), Jaguar XE (419), Alfa Romeo Giulia (209) and Infiniti Q50 (78) during the same period.

What makes the Mercedes-Benz C-Class such a sales success? Tell us what you think in the comments below.