2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Australian prices and specification

This has been one of the best selling luxury cars in the country for some time, but an upgraded model comes with a surprising price tag.

Mercedes-Benz has detailed its new C-Class sedan for Australia.

The popular four-door arrives Down Under with handsome looks, a range of new engines, upgraded luxury kit and fresh tech features.

Potential customers keen to get into Benz’s best selling sedan will need to be prepared to pay for the privilege.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class has arrived in Australia,

Prices start at $78,900 (before on-road costs) for the base C200 and rise to $90,400 for the C300. This represents a sharp jump of about $12,000 and $15,000 over the previous versions.

Mercedes-Benz Australia counters this by saying local customers benefit from a higher level of standard specification than the previous iteration of the C-Class. There has been a trend among car makers to offer more expensive but better equipped models in recent years.

The C-Class gets new mild-hybrid engines.

The C200 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 150kW and 300Nm, this is paired with mild 48-volt hybrid technology that powers the starter motor and can add 15kW/200Nm of boost on takeoff.

Benz claims this helps the sedan drink a very respectable 6.9L/100km.

The C300 scores a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine producing 190kW and 400Nm and drinks 7.3L/100km. The C300 can also make the 0-100k/h sprint in just six seconds.

There is an optional rear axle steering feature that helps angle the rear wheels the opposite to the front to help reduce the turning circle, making the C-Class more manoeuvrable in tight spaces.

Ambient lightning adds some character to the C-Class’ cabin.

Mercedes-Benz has packed the C200 with equipment including a big 11.9-inch central tablet-style touch screen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This is complemented by Benz’s MBUX infotainment that responds to voice commands and has satnav with augmented reality directions.

Benz has dialled up the luxury with ambient interior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels and a leather wrapped steering wheel.

Prices have risen sharply.

Safety has been boosted with a new centre airbag to protect against head clashes during an accident, plus it comes with all the necessities such as auto emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep assist and a bird’s eye view camera.

Stepping up into the C300 gets you full leather upholstery, 19-inch alloy wheels and dark tinted privacy glass.

The new C-Class is now available to order in Australia with further variants, including AMG fettled models, to follow.