2013 Mercedes Benz C-class rolls out in the UK with a new engine

The Mercedes Benz C-class was recently updated with a facelifted design. However, the German carmaker has updated the line-up yet again with a new engine, reshuffled trims and slight tweaks to the interiors and ergonomics. Visually, the 2013 Mercedes Benz C-class remains similar to the current model that is sold in India and the world over. The new model has been rolled out in the UK and we believe that the updates will filter down to the Indian model too – however, there is no official word yet from the blokes at Mercedes Benz India. 

The most important update is the new C180 BlueEFFICIENCY variant which gets a 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged petrol engine. The engine puts out close to 156 PS or power and 250 Nm of torque. Being a tiny turbo-petrol, the C180 BlueEFFICIENCY claims a combined fuel economy of 16.96 kmpl and CO2 emissions of 138 g/km. 

The ‘SE’, which was so far the base trim for the C-class in Europe (not available in India), is now replaced with the Executive SE trim which gets a sports-grille, 16 alloy wheels that wear a new design and Artico leather (artificial leather). The Executive SE trim can be had with a ‘Luxury Package’ which replaces the Elegance trim (the base trim on the India-spec C-class), which gets the conventional three-slat grille, the star emblem on the bonnet, 17-inch alloys and added equipment to the standard-fitment list. 

The AMG trims (available in India currently as the limited edition AMG Performance Edition) have been split into two new trims – AMG Sport and AMG Sport Plus. These include sportier suspension, engine, exhaust and transmission options, 18-inch wheels, AMG upholstery and paddle shifters. The beasty C63 AMG remains untouched.

Mercedes Benz is offering new colour options on 2013 C-class, while changes to the interiors of the entire line-up include a redesigned cruise control stalk and a new display unit that is easier to read as compared to the current one. We are sure that these two changes will come to the Indian C-class in due course of time – but as for the repackaged trims and the new 1.6-litre petrol engine, we are not yet sure on what Mercedes Benz India is planning.