Mercedes-Benz C-Class photos leaked

German magazine Autobild put out pictures that offer the first view of the new version without any kind of camouflage. The 2011 version of Merc's mainstay has a new front fascia, with LED daytime running lights, LED indicators, a new front grille, and a slightly re-designed rear section. There will certainly be interior upgrades too.

As ever, it's a case of visual evolution, not revolution, the main changes being mechanical, not least in the iconic C 63 AMG. The 6.2-litre V8 is likely to be superseded by Merc's 5.5-litre biturbo unit whose possible power of 380kW exceeds even the output of the one-off Jaffa special made for the Australian International Motor Show.

Petrol and diesel V6s are also up for power increases, to some 225kW and 195kW respectively. Elsewhere, the ever pressing need to lower the fleet consumption and emission average will see new BluTec diesel powertrains and engine stop-start systems, as well as more direct-injected models and the possible end of the five speed auto in those models that retain it for seven-speed transmissions. Rumours persist of the first C-Class hybrid. The 2011 C-Class is expected to have its global premiere in January, going on sale later in the year.

Though it starts just south of $60,000 here, last month the C-Class was Australia's best-selling midsize import, leaving behind not only obvious prestige rivals such as BMW's 3 Series and Audi's A4, but quality offerings from Japan and elsewhere in Europe that start as much as 50 per cent under the tristar car.