As the new generation Mercedes C-Class prepares for its launch in the UK market, pricing and specs of the car have been revealed. The 2015 C-Class launches in Britain with only two engines at first, with three more to be added later in the year. Prices start from £26,855.

Available at launch are the C200 petrol with a 1,991 cc, four-cylinder petrol engine (184 horsepower/300 Nm torque) and a 2,143 cc, four-cylinder diesel (170 horsepower/400 Nm torque) respectively. Standard transmission is a six-speed manual, with a seven-speed automatic available as an option. That auto ‘box does enhance the fuel economy to some extent.

Later in 2014, C 200 BlueTEC, C 250 BlueTEC and C 300 BlueTEC HYBRID will become available to order. A year or so from now you will also get an AMG version with a powerful V8 engine.

Mercedes’s traditional trim levels of Classic, Elegance, and Avantgarde have been replaced in the new models with SE, Sport and the AMG Line. While the SE version is very well-equipped for a base model, what you want is the Sport which comes with LED headlights, 17-inch wheels, lowered comfort suspension, chrome exterior trim and Garmin Map Pilot Navigation. The AMG level is about luxury and exclusivity, adding stuff like 18-inch wheels, AMG bodystyling and steering wheel, sports suspension and an Artico finish to the upper dashboard.

Among the notable options you can order for the 2015 Mercedes-Class we can mention the Premium Pack (£1,595) adding things like sunroof, memory seats, ambient lighting; Premium Plus Pack (£2,795) which adds COMAND Online and the 590W Burmester Surround Sound System; AIRMATIC Agility Package (£895) comprising variable, self-levelling air suspension; head-up display system (£825); the Air Balance Package (£350 – including a choice of four fragrances and air filtering) and a 360 degree camera (£335).

Full pricing details: