Spotted: Mercedes Replacing Frustrating Twin-Spoke Steering Wheel in Updated C-Class
Stefan Baldauf / SB-Medien
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Mercedes-Benz is set to reveal the refreshed 2026 C-Class soon, and our spies have spotted the long-roof variant with minimal camouflage both inside and outside. Most of the same elements that were hidden on the C-Class sedan observed earlier this month are also covered on this prototype, but this gives us our first clear look at the compact’s revamped interior. If you didn't like the split-spoke design of the current compact’s steering wheel, it looks like you’ll be pleased, as the updated model seems to feature a traditional three-spoke design.
Now, let’s discuss the exterior. As this is just a small update, the prototype doesn’t show significant changes. The front end appears to be more narrowed on the new model, indicating a possible redesign of the grille, and similar to the sedan, the new wagon is equipped with illuminated star features in its headlights. However, the details at the back of the wagon remain obscured by the vinyl wrap.
The interior story is quite similar. Mercedes maintains a dual-screen setup with separate infotainment and instrument panel displays. The existing center screen’s tablet-like floating design is retained, although this prototype does not include the slotted-spoke steering wheel present in the current C-Class. If this holds true across the entire lineup, we won’t miss it.
One thing that will remain unchanged is that the C-Class Wagon is not currently available here, and there’s no indication that this will change with the update. You can check out the full gallery of images below.
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Spotted: Mercedes Replacing Frustrating Twin-Spoke Steering Wheel in Updated C-Class
Here’s a glimpse of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Wagon that you can't possess, captured both inside and outside.