Mercedes-Benz has revised the C-Class range Down Under, while also launching the new C300e plug-in hybrid and C200 Sport Edition. Available as a Sedan only, the C300e packs a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder petrol engine, making 211 PS and 350 Nm of torque, and a 122 PS and 440 Nm electric motor. The total system output is 319 PS and 700 Nm, channeled to the rear axle via a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The automaker claims that the 13.5 kWh battery gives it an electric driving range of up to 52 km, almost double than what the model it replaces, the C350e Sedan, could accomplish. As for its combined fuel economy rating, that would be an impressive 2.1 l/100 km (112 mpg US / 134.5 mpg UK). Carbon dioxide emissions have also been improved by more than 15 percent, to 46 g/km, and the 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 5.4 seconds. With the optional Wallbox Home, the battery can be charged in 2 hours, whereas using a conventional socket will lift the time to 7 hours.

Features equipping the 2020 C300e are the pre-climatized interior, leather upholstery, keyless go, AirBody Control Suspension and Driver Assistance Package. Models equipped with the COMAND system can adjust to the specific speed/route profile by using the data from the navigation system and information from the camera and radar sensor, thus negotiating different events on the way to the destination, improving the energy usage and recuperation.


Offered in Sedan, Estate and Coupe body styles, the new C200 Sport Edition is available for a limited time. It gets additional equipment such as a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats with memory function, adaptive high beams, 19-inch alloy wheels, AMG Line package (standard on Coupe) and rear privacy glass.

Mercedes has also upgraded the C200 models, making the 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine a tad more powerful. The unit delivers 204 PS and 300 Nm of torque, directed to the rear wheels through the 9-speed automatic gearbox. The 0-100 km/h sprint is completed in 7.1 seconds by the Sedan (a 0.6-sec improvement), while fuel economy is rated at 7 l/100 km (33.6 mpg US / 40.4 mpg UK). Meanwhile, the entire C-Class range also benefits from standard Live Traffic information.

The 2020 C200 Sedan starts at AUD 64,500 (US$ 43,435), whereas the C300e Sedan can be had from AUD 79,200 (US$ 53,334). The Sport Edition package will cost you an extra AUD 7,700 (US$ 5,185) for the Sedan and Estate, and AUD 7,200 (US$ 4,849) for the Coupe.