British buyers get a narrower choice than before. The diesels are gone, leaving the C250 and C300 petrols alongside the C300e plug-in hybrid, which scores up to 67 miles of WLTP electric range. Saloon prices start at £46,995, with the C300 tested here from £49,145, while the estate carries a £1750 premium, opening at £48,745.
The most visible of the changes is a new grille, which now carries a chrome surround with integrated illumination, a hundred or so subtle three-pointed stars and, depending on the market, an illuminated central star emblem. The lights too have been altered, getting a new headlight shape and a star-shaped daytime-running light signature, while the saloon’s tail-lights adopt the same motif.
Combined with reshaped bumpers front and rear, this makes for a bolder-looking and more expressive car than before, although whether it constitutes an improvement will depend on your tolerance for illuminated jewellery.
Elsewhere the changes are subtler. Above the standard 17in wheels, a new 18in design arrives, as do two new 19in AMG options. An AMG Line Plus spec appears for the first time on the ICE C-Class, bringing black tailpipe trim, a small boot spoiler, sports seats, red stitching and red seatbelts.
