The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) debuted in early 2007, featuring angular styling and a significantly stiffer bodyshell with a longer wheelbase. For the first time, front-end styling differentiated trim levels: Classic and Elegance models featured the traditional chrome grille with a stand-up bonnet star, whereas Avantgarde models incorporated a prominent star badge directly within the sports grille. The body lineup encompassed a four-door sedan (W204), five-door estate (S204), and a sleek two-door coupe (C204).

Engine options ranged from turbocharged inline-fours (M271, M274) and smooth 3.0L/3.5L V6s (M272, M276) to frugal OM651 turbo-diesels. 4MATIC all-wheel drive and the 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox were widely available. The flagship performance variant, the C 63 AMG, achieved legendary status thanks to its high-revving naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 (M156) generating up to 507 hp in Edition 507 form. A 2011 facelift introduced C-shaped LED headlights, an aluminum bonnet, a redesigned dashboard layout, and the 7G-Tronic Plus transmission.