The facelifted 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid will soon find its way onto the public roads. We’ve spotted a number of prototypes which reveal that the update wears an all-new fascia and a refreshed grille for the 2018 model year. The new hybrid sedan gives us minor tweaks in the interior and exterior, not to mention the new bumpers and alterations made to the internals of the lights.
Apparently, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid keeps the same footprint but its platform changes to adopt the sec-gen Mercedes Rear-wheel Architecture (MRA2). This platform marks a further improvement to the rear drive architecture featured on the E-Class. The MRA2 platform is lighter and shares some components with Electric Vehicle Architecture used for the upcoming Mercedes EQ models.
2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid – External and Internal Cosmetics
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid highlights a much smaller mouth air dam than what we saw on the previous mules. On a closer look, you will notice a small indent on each side, exposing almost 3.5 inches of air dam covered on either side. Besides, this prototype gets aerodynamically sound styling around the edges, which account for smooth air flow.
When it comes to dimensions, the new C-Class Hybrid measures about 184 inches in length, 74 inches high and 56.8 inches wide. Its wheelbase extends up to 111.8 inches. The headlights on this mule resemble that of the previous prototypes. However, they will present a new layout when Mercedes fires up the production line. A refreshed LED strip layout goes with revamped LED headlights.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid has a redesigned grille with somewhat thicker surround and highlights numerous small holes. This grille is largely chrome with three horizontal slats crisscrossed by one in the middle. It lacks a Mercedes emblem this time around. Inside, you will find a refurbished touchpad controller that substitutes the rotary dial presently showcased in most Mercedes editions.
The steering wheel is likewise redesigned and has several controls. An analog instrument cluster likely remains untouched, albeit we’ve earlier witnessed a C-Class model equipped with the digital instrument cluster from the S-Class and F-Class versions.
Engine and (KERS) System
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid gets a Plug-In-Hybrid version that integrates a turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric unit, generating up to 208 horsepower. This time around, the electric range improves dramatically to about 20 miles. The Mercedes C-Class also borrows from the Formula 1 racing program.
Hence, it is going to feature a 48-Volt Kinetic Energy Regeneration System (KERS). Regarding operation, the KERS captures kinetic energy that is normally lost to heat while braking. It then sends this energy to a spinning flywheel located behind the front disc brakes. As soon as this energy is recovered, it is stored in the flywheel for later use. It has a great impact on the overall fuel economy.
Debut Date and MSRP of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid
According to a reliable source, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Hybrid makes debut later next year. It is likely to grace the dealership in December of 2018, implying that Mercedes has plenty of time to swap out parts and change various elements of the new car. As of this writing, the pricing of the updated C-Class Hybrid remains a mystery.
However, the facelifted C-Class Hybrid is likely to sell at $65,200. Note that this price is before such things as taxes and destination fees.
