2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Gains Three New Variants Including Plug-In Hybrid And Diesel

Mercedes-Benz’s latest C-Class was all-new for 2015 and for its first year on the market the vehicle was offered in just two variants, a C300 and C400, both of which came standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive. For the 2016 model year, the C400 is replaced by the sporty new C450 AMG, and fuel-efficient C300d diesel and C350e plug-in hybrid variants also join the fold.

The entry-level option remains the C300, but it now comes with rear-wheel drive as standard. All-wheel drive is still available, though. The engine in this model remains a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder good for 241 horsepower.

Next in line is a new C300d diesel. Details are yet to be announced but we can expect it to feature Mercedes’ turbocharged 2.1-liter four-cylinder diesel engine good for 201 hp. This one will have all-wheel drive as standard.

Further up is the C350e plug-in hybrid. It features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine plus an electric motor integrated with the transmission. This variant features rear-wheel drive only, and its peak output is 275 hp. It is being introduced initially in ZEV-states only.