Mercedes will bring a heavily updated C-class to the Geneva motor show in March 2018 in a bid to better take on the BMW 3-series.

The brand’s best-selling and highest produced model will come with a raft of changes on the outside and inside, and a new 2.0-litre diesel engine for international markets. The 2.1-litre engine currently used on the C 220d and C 250d will be replaced by the new four-cylinder motor, which is more powerful and more fuel efficient.

The rest of the engine range is expected to remain unchanged with the entry-level C 200 getting the 184hp, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill, while higher-spec petrol trims will come with the 245hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor. In international markets, the hybrid C 300h and plug-in hybrid C 350e models will also continue to be available. However, it remains to be seen which of these engines will make it to the India-spec model.

On the outside, the new C-class will sport new LED headlights similar to those seen on the E-class, a revised bumper with new air intakes and a more sloping grille design. The side skirts and rear bumper get chrome touches as well.

Like the recently revealed facelifted S-class, the C-class will also feature an updated infotainment system. The smaller sedan is expected to borrow the S-class’ new touchpad and steering with various controls for the in-car entertainment. The cabin is also expected to feature a redesigned instrument panel and minor changes to the dashboard design.

The range-topping AMG-spec variants, the C 43 and C 63, will also be refreshed and will arrive after the standard models have been revealed. However, the 3.0-litre V6 for the C 43 and 4.0-litre V8 on the C 63 will remain the same.

The C-class facelift is also expected to arrive in India sometime in 2018 where it will rival the likes of the Audi A4, BMW 3-series and Volvo’s S60.

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2017 Volvo S60 Polestar vs Mercedes-AMG C 43 comparison

2017 Mercedes C-class Edition C launched at Rs 42.54 lakh