The Mercedes-Benz C-Class lives on with petrol and diesel power after gaining revised engines to meet harsher emissions standards as part of a refresh that also includes visual and tech updates.

Described by Mercedes as a “mini S-Class”, it gets the three-pointed-star lights seen on the electric version of the C-Class, as well as additional lighting around its grille. However, the estate version does not gain the new brake lights.

The revised look brings it into line with the electric C-Class and ends an era of bespoke styling for Mercedes’ EVs, after disappointing sales of the EQE and EQS.

Notably, BMW has taken the same strategy with its next combustion-engined 3 Series and the electric i3. However, the revised C-Class remains more obviously distinct from its battery-powered counterpart. It sits lower than its EV equivalent and has a less raked roofline.

Mercedes said the new styling is meant to emphasise its sporting character compared with the chunkier GLC SUV and more restrained E-Class and S-Class.

Inside, the update brings a new steering wheel that reinstates a physical rocker switch and dial for the cruise and sound systems respectively.

The 12.3in digital instrument panel and 11.9in infotainment touchscreen remain, but these now run on the fourth generation of Mercedes’ MBUX interface. This adds a voice-activated assistant that taps ChatGPT, Google Gemini and Microsoft Bing AI to enable it to answer more complex questions than before.

Although the engine line-up remains superficially the same, each powerplant has been reworked to meet the forthcoming Euro 7 emissions standard. They gain a new electric compressor for the turbocharger that is powered by the 48V mild-hybrid system and is claimed to reduce lag.

Power and torque outputs are up across the board and the range-topping C300e plug-in-hybrid is capable of driving 71 miles on electric power alone. A punchier C400e will be sold in other markets but not the UK.

Pure-petrol and diesel options, as well as the oil-burning ‘de’ PHEVs, remain in the range.

The C-Class’s chassis has also been tweaked, with stiffer dampers that are claimed to improve its agility without compromising its ride at motorway speeds.

The new C-Class will be priced from £46,995 – £800 more than the outgoing car.

Although the saloon has taken a back seat to the GLC in recent years, it remains one of Mercedes’ most important models.

In the UK, it is the brand’s second-best-selling saloon, behind the cheaper CLA. More than 12 million examples of the C-Class and its predecessor, the 190, have been sold globally since 1982.