MERCEDES-BENZ is expected to issue a number of engine and cosmetic refinements to its volume-selling C-Class late next year, updating the bumper, wheel and lamp-cluster designs.

Our renderings of the C-Class sedan and C-Class coupe offered a look at the updated Merc’s potential styling, and our newest rendering (above) looks at the C-Class estate.

Mercedes has introduced a number of new super-efficient direct-injected diesel and petrol motors to the existing C-Class range, and the carmaker’s new BlueTec diesel engines are likely to join the line-up.

Reports suggest that more high-efficiency engines and even a three-cylinder engine may be added to the powertrain options list in the near future.

A hybrid model using a petrol-electric drivetrain similar to that of the S-Class hybrid is a possibility, but like the three-cylinder, no plans have been announced.

It’s not yet known when the updated C-Class range will launch, but a launch timed to coincide with the anticipated C-Class coupe is likely.

GALLERY » 2011 Mercedes Benz C-Class Update: Rendering