Familiar Cabin, Smarter Tech: 2027 Mercedes Class Follows Formula, Sticks the Landing, Jalopnik

A measured exterior update

Mercedes positions itself as a technology and luxury brand, and the C-Class reflects that approach in a more affordable model. The W206 generation first went on sale for the 2022 model year, making this its first mid-cycle refresh.

The exterior changes are restrained. The grille is larger, and the headlights and taillights now use star designs first seen on the CLA, while most of the styling remains familiar.

Familiar cabin, updated software

The cabin largely carries over, including a 12.3-inch driver display and an 11.9-inch infotainment touchscreen. Drivers of the previous C-Class should recognize the layout. The new MB.OS system includes several AI assistants, including ChatGPT, Gemini and Bing. The review says the updated voice controls understand natural language better, though the AI features add little to the overall experience.

More computing and assistance

Mercedes increased the car’s processing power, which enables a more advanced augmented-reality head-up display. The added computing capacity also supports MB.Drive Assist Pro, described as a “Level 2++” driver-assistance system.

The system is intended to rival Tesla’s Full Self-Driving, while the review characterizes Mercedes as a company that cares about safety. Drivers familiar with the previous infotainment system should still find the menus recognizable and need not rely on voice controls.