MB300AMG

The Facelifted C-Class has been spotted again, and it looks like it's wearing quite a bit less camouflage which hopefully means that it will debut sometime in the near future as is the usual case in this process. Here are the photos:

MotorTrend:
http://wot.motortrend.com/6651717/au...ift/index.html

Autoblog:
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/10/s...nz-c-class-up/

Based on the European photos of the facelift and the spy photos, and the fact that I saw S-Classes with the LED treatment at dealerships around here, i'm going to assume that it will look like the European facelift which looks like this:

http://www.mercedes-benz.de/content/...24_12-2009.jpg

Hopefully it comes out soon, and not next year like some speculate...

mac911

A face lift isn't due until the 2012 model year.

Mercedes typically has 4 years, and then 3 years under the face lift, for a total of 7 model years.

We are only in the 3rd model year. The 4th model year will still be more or less the current car.

2012 would be scheduled for the face lift.

QuadBenz

It could go either way. The W221 debuted as a 2007 MY for the US and now the 2010 received the facelift (3 years later). The W211 debuted as a 2003 MY and received a facelift for 2007 (4 years later). The W164 debuted as a 2006 MY and received a facelift in 2009 (3 years later). I'm sure you see where I'm going with this...

MB300AMG

Normally I would agree, however there are two things which contradict that reasoning:

1. The facelift is already out in Europe for the 2010 model year. Considering the C-Class debuted in Europe for the 2007 model year that makes it about 3 years, which could mean that we get the refresh also 3 years later for the 2011 model year.

2. In recent press releases, Mercedes has said that they plan to turbocharge their entire lineup for the 2011 model year. Considering the fact that the S63 AMG is already receiving the new 5.5L BiTurbo V8, that appears to be true.

So right now it could go either way. You could be right or wrong. Either way I certainly hope you're wrong so I can pick up the facelifted car sooner.

DannyAves

I placed an order for a C300 luxury for European delivery in June and I was told it could either be a 2010 or 2011 and I would have to accept any price or specification changes if I receive a 2011.

C300Kid

The European models just got LEDs...I wouldn't call that a facelift. Clearly the car in the spy photos has more extensive changes as it's covered in camo. I doubt it'll be out for the '11 model year.

mac911

Yes, I still say 2012 MY, to be at your dealer in summer 2011.

Glyn M Ruck

The facelift cars under test in SA have a lot more camo than that. Trunk lid is covered & looks as if lights will extend into the lid. Front & interior totally covered.

MB300AMG

So what's your take Glyn? MY2011 or MY2012?

C300Kid

I'd say we'll prob get the LEDs for '11..same way the new side mirrors showed up here a year later than europe. Then we'll see the full facelift in '12.

len56

awww, I like the tail lights the way they are :/

Glyn M Ruck

Talk here is MY2012. But who knows with Benz. US has been late with some model changes in the past. Might not be so in the future. It's a very important market.

timmynabenz

If it does have the LED's that will be sick. If in 2011 the do revamp the 204 a bit and change the engine, i just might have to pick one up

jman350

I'm just hoping they improve the engine!

MB300AMG

I was reminded by the InsideLine Review of the E550 vs. the 550i vs. the XF and I remember the reviewers praising the responsiveness of the steering in the E550 which is part of the reason why it earned First place. Here are some of the important bits:

"The opposite is true from behind the sculpted three-spoke wheel of the Mercedes, where we can quite literally feel our way around any curve or sharp corner and know precisely how much or how little grip is available. Midcorner adjustments can be made with either the throttle position or steering angle or a combination of the two. No drama and no fuss; just obedience and confidence. There seems to have been a major shift in philosophy in the ride-and-handling department in Stuttgart, because the E550 no longer is defined by wooden, disconnected steering and a floaty bargelike chassis.

That's how it feels to drive the new Mercedes-Benz E550 Sport. Like many before it, this Merc feels overbuilt, like it'll go down the road impervious to any exterior influences for the next 250,000 miles. But here's the difference: This time, it doesn't drive like a European taxi.

Whatever Mercedes-Benz has done to the steering of this E-Class, it should do with every car in its portfolio. It's supple, friction-free, informative and predictable."

What do you guys think? Will Mercedes tweak the C-Class steering with the facelift so we get a better and more reponsive steering feel like the E-Class seems to have?

Glyn M Ruck

They tweaked the steering in the W203 at final facelift

MB300AMG

Didn't know that...so i'm gonna assume this will happen this time around aswell. I mean considering what the spy photos show I guess we don't have that alternate facelift exclusive to the U.S. that you mentioned before.

e1000

I think he means the w204 already has the updated steering.

Glyn M Ruck

No - not necessarily. This is what they did at the 203 facelift. The 204 has collected criticism for over assisted dull steering. They might make some changes.

charliele729

What is the stering ratio for our w204?

mr inkredibul

The advanced agility package has updated steering. It's available for 2010 in the states.