2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: The original Baby Benz has updated styling, more technology and simplified trim levels

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will become the first "classic" Mercedes-Benz equipped with an electric mild hybrid system in the automotive industry. The latest W206 C-Class still uses the brand's Modular Rear Architecture (MRA) platform, but it is now longer and wider than the upcoming model.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class features a cab-backward exterior design with more dynamic proportions and a longer hood. It also has new headlights, two-piece horizontal taillights, a sleeker side profile, and a higher beltline to deliver a more athletic yet progressive stance.

Innovative 48-Volt Mild-Hybrid Powertrain

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels

C-Class Premium

C-Class Exclusive

C-Class Pinnacle

AMG Line With Night Package

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Pricing & Availability

Innovative 48-Volt Mild-Hybrid Powertrain

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class will initially arrive with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine pumping out 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. It also has a 48-volt EQ Boost mild-hybrid system contributing an additional 20 horsepower and 148 lb-ft. of torque for short bursts of rapid acceleration. The hybrid system can also turn off the gas engine when coasting to save fuel. Power goes to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic gearbox. Of course, the Mercedes-Benz 4MATIC AWD system remains optional.

Are you missing the AMG C 63 S model from last year? Don’t fret. Yes, there are plans to introduce more powerful versions of the 2022 C-Class soon, so keep your chin up.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Photo: MBUSA.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Trim Levels

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is arriving in three simplified trim levels: Premium, Exclusive, and Pinnacle. Here’s a brief rundown of each.

C-Class Premium

The 2022 C-Class Premium may be the base model, but it comes loaded with advanced tech features. It has a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, an 11.9-inch center touchscreen display with MBUX, and a biometric finger scanner similar to the flagship S-Class. It also gets heated front seats, a sunroof, 18-inch wheels, LED headlights and taillights with adaptive high beams, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and interior ambient lighting.

There’s more. The C-Cl

C-Class Exclusive

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Exclusive has all the goodies from the Premium trim while adding an enhanced ambient lighting system, wireless charging, illuminated door sills, and a Burmester 3D surround audio system. Parktronic with active parking assist and a 360-degree camera are both standard.

Optional features include ventilated seats, a panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, quick-charge USB ports, and Sirius XM satellite radio.

C-Class Pinnacle

The 2022 Mercedes C-Class Pinnacle builds upon the Exclusive trim and adds MBUX augmented video for navigation, a heads-up display, and an updated navigation system. Optional features include a dashcam, ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and an integrated toll pass, to name a few.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class interior layout. Photo: MBUSA.

AMG Line With Night Package

Mercedes claims its AMG Line with Night Package “represents the sportiest expression of the new C-Class sedan.” The package includes AMG body styling with blacked-out accents, exclusive AMG wheel designs, a new diamond grille with a chrome star design, and an updated front bumper with custom A-wings. Meanwhile, the interior receives a flat-bottom AMG steering wheel, an MB-Tex dashboard, and AMG floor liners.

2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: Pricing & Availability

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will arrive at U.S. dealerships in early 2022. Pricing remains forthcoming, but we’re expecting the base C300 RWD and C300 AWD to start at around $43,500 and $46,000, respectively. This free and easy search tool* will show you which Mercedes-Benz dealers are offering the best incentives when ordering a 2022 C-Class.

Alvin Reyes is an Automoblog feature columnist and an expert in sports and performance cars. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

Photos & Source: MBUSA.

*Although it is always free for you, Automoblog and its partners may be compensated when you visit this link.