Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2018 revealed ahead of Geneva

Mercedes-Benz has lifted the lid on its fresh-faced C-Class in the lead up to its public debut at the Geneva motor show next month, and ahead of its Australian release in the third-quarter of this year.

The premium mid-sizer has undergone minor exterior changes, including the addition of a silver trim strip adorning the front bumper and redesigned head- and tail-lights.

Standard Australian-spec C-Class models get a chrome-plated strip on the bumper, and 'Exclusive' exterior-equipped variants sport a three-part chrome piece, while the AMG Line boast a diamond radiator grille.

The headlights have been up-specced with 'Multibeam' LED units that house 84 individually controlled LEDs, which according to Mercedes provide “extremely quick and precise” adjustment to suit varying traffic situations.

Inside, the new C-Class has pulled tech from the brand's top-of-the-line S-Class luxury limo including touch-sensitive steering wheel controls, touchpad multimedia controls with haptic feedback and the company’s 'Linguatronic' voice control technology.

AMG Line models get optional magma grey/black and saddle brown in-cabin finishes.

Although it shares much of its interior design with other Benz models, the C-Class misses out on the integrated widescreen display that debuted in the S-Class and recently made its way into the new A-Class, nor does it get the all-new 'MBUX' multimedia system.

Safety-wise, the C-Class will adopt Mercedes' latest driving assistance systems, offering "cooperative support" and the ability to drive semi-autonomously in “certain situations".

Mercedes-Benz hasn’t revealed engine specifications, though it is rumoured that a mild hybrid powertrain may be on the cards.

While official pricing information is yet to be revealed, Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific has suggested the current figures are unlikely to change dramatically, if at all. For reference, the entry-level C200 sedan starts at $61,900 before on-road costs.

The current-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class is by far the German carmaker's top-seller, moving a combined total of over 415,000 models worldwide last year.

The new C-Class will be officially unveiled at the Geneva motor show next month.

Would the added tech convince you to consider the new C-Class over its premium mid-size rivals? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.