Generation history
Mercedes-Benz C-Class generations and next redesign.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has been through 5 generations, starting in 1993, 2000, 2007, 2014 and 2021. The gaps were 7, 7, 7, 7 years, an average of 7.0. The pace has been steady. The current generation began in 2021. On that cadence the next full redesign points to 2027 through 2029, centered on 2028. This is a projection. It comes from the model's own past redesign years, not from the manufacturer. A mid-cycle refresh usually lands in between. Public records describe the current generation this way: The W206 C-Class was unveiled on 23 February 2021. Specifications, trims and the NHTSA safety record are on the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model page.
Every generation
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class, generation by generation.
| Generation | Code | Years | What changed |
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| First generation | W202 | 1993–2000 | In May 1993, the first generation W202 C-Class was introduced as a replacement for the 190. |
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| Second generation | W203 | 2000–2007 | The second generation C-Class was introduced in March 2000 while production began in March 1999. |
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| Third generation | W204 | 2007–2014 | DaimlerChrysler introduced the W204 C-Class on 18 January 2007 and displayed it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. |
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| Fourth generation | W205 | 2014–2021 | The W205 C-Class was launched at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. |
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| Fifth generation | W206 | 2021–present | The W206 C-Class was unveiled on 23 February 2021. |
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The Mercedes-Benz C-Class spent 7.0 years per generation on average. The current one is 5 years old. Treat 2027 to 2029 as a range, not a date.
Source: Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Wikipedia). The estimate is our arithmetic on those start years.
Open the Mercedes-Benz C-Class model page for specifications, trims, safety record and answers.
In more detail
What each Mercedes-Benz C-Class generation changed.
First generation, 1993 to 2000
In May 1993, the first generation W202 C-Class was introduced as a replacement for the 190. The first C-Class (W202) sedan was manufactured in August 1992. The C-Class sedan was the company's entry-level model up until 1997 when Mercedes launched the A-Class. Styling themes were carried over from the previous W201 series, but the new series had a smoother and rounder design than the last generation of compact Mercedes, with styling cues from the W124 E-Class (short, high trunk and taller tail lights), W140 S-Class (front end), and R129 SL-Class (headlights).
Second generation, 2000 to 2007
The second generation C-Class was introduced in March 2000 while production began in March 1999. The sedan debuted with a range of inline-four and V6 petrol engines and inline-four and -five diesels, later W203's received the V6 diesel. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C320 was exclusive, offering 160 kW (215 hp; 218 PS). The diesels now featured common rail direct fuel injection and variable geometry turbochargers.
Third generation, 2007 to 2014
DaimlerChrysler introduced the W204 C-Class on 18 January 2007 and displayed it in the 2007 Geneva Auto Show. Sales started on 31 March 2007 in almost all European countries. The new family had an extended wheelbase and tracks, a stiffer body/shell and a design inspired by the W221 S-Class with some influences from the C219 CLS-Class. The C-Class received a facelift in 2011 for the 2012 model year including new LED taillights, a revised dashboard and instrument cluster layout, and a revised front fascia and headlights.
Fourth generation, 2014 to 2021
The W205 C-Class was launched at the 2014 North American International Auto Show. The new structure was significantly lighter using aluminium and high-strength steel extensively throughout the body, resulting in a 100-kilogram (220 lb) weight decrease. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class 205 chassis spawned four C-Class bodystyles; sedan (W205), wagon (S205), coupe (C205), and cabriolet (A205). The car was officially unveiled on 16 December 2013.
Fifth generation, 2021 to today
The W206 C-Class was unveiled on 23 February 2021. In China, the C-Class was launched in a long-wheelbase version (V206). For the first time, all W206 C-Class models are equipped with four-cylinder engines coupled with an integrated starter generator (15 kW electric motor) and a 48-volt electrical system. The C-Class All-Terrain (X206) was released as an off-road focused, crossover-inspired estate model.
Generation notes adapted from Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Wikipedia).
Today's Mercedes-Benz C-Class
What the current generation is, and how it has held up.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class at a glance
- Production
- 1992–present
- Class
- Compact executive car (D)
- Layout
- Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive (4MATIC)
- Predecessor
- Mercedes-Benz 190 E (W201)