A car in coupé shape usually makes for a better looking machine and with the unveiling of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé you get just that, a great looking car! This is the last in a trilogy of new C-Class introductions following the successful arrival of the popular C-Class Saloon and Estate variants. Set to land in Ireland mid December, the new 2-door C-Class Coupé comes with what Mercedes-Benz calls ‘perfect coupé proportions’ evident in its sporty extended bonnet, streamlined body section and distinctive, sporty rear end. With echoes of the S-Class and E-Class Coupés, its design blends classical and modern elements in a way likely to appeal to motorists across the generational divide. Some 95mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor, with a 80mm longer wheelbase, it offers improved interior spaciousness with more shoulder, elbow and headroom on all seats. Inside, driver and passengers enjoy an ambience akin to the saloon and estate. Flowing forms characterise the centre console, door and rear side panelling while ambient lighting and integral sports seats emphasise its coupé character. Outside, notable details that accentuate its coupé appearance are a suspension set 15mm lower than the saloon and a long body line that extends from front to back dropping beyond the rear wheel arch. Optional is AMG body styling with special bumpers and sills, chromed diamond-effect radiator grille and 18-inch light alloy wheels.
In keeping with what is now an established policy by Mercedes-Benz, the new C-Class Coupé will launch with a range of standard features not offered on the outgoing model. With a combined value of €5,183, these include Artico leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite navigation, Parktronic parking assistance and LED static lights. Carried on 17-inch wheels – and the only vehicle in its segment to offer air suspension as an option – it delivers a cushioned ride. Its sporty driving dynamics with DYNAMIC SELECT offers five drive programmes with individual sport, comfort or economy levels from which the driver can choose. Power comes from four petrol and two diesel engines, all 4-cylinder, all Euro 6 emissions compliant with ECO start/stop function and up to 20% lower fuel consumption compared to its predecessor. Petrol models begin with a 1.5-litre, 156hp C180 version which will launch at a lowest-in-range price of €44.550 ex works. Three additional models, all 2-litres, are a 184hp C200 launching at €45,860, a 211hp C250 at €50,265 and a 245hp C300 at €54,080. Diesel models – both of 2,143cc capacity – are a 170hp C220d at €45,900 and a more powerful 204hp C250d Automatic at just €51,470.
Within the range, there are two additional Mercedes-AMG versions – a C63 and C63S, both of 3,982cc capacity, with 476hp and 510hp and 0-100km speeds of 4.0secs and 3.9secs respectively. Visually, these high-end versions come with strongly flared wings, an aluminium bonnet with striking power domes and a front characterised by a twin-blade radiator grille and large air intakes. Suspension on the new C-Class Coupé responds more sensitively to steering movements to deliver sporty, agile driving with plenty of grip, straight-line and high lateral stability. Two systems are available – one with comfortable AGILITY CONTROL and a second with tauter springing and damping and even more agile handling. Standard safety elements include ATTENTION ASSIST driver drowsiness alert system and COLLISION PREVENTION ASSIST PLUS that can apply brake pressure automatically to help prevent collisions. Tech features, depending on model choice, include a form of ‘intelligent’ air conditioning that operates in unison with satellite navigation to detect tunnels and make appropriate adjustments.
Others include a sound system with concert hall clarity, Bluetooth and internet connectivity, data transfer capability and other features to facilitate internet surfing and Apps use. Revealing what he termed ‘a significant level of pre-launch interest’, Ciaran Allen, sales manager for Mercedes-Benz said that ‘alongside its saloon and estate siblings, the new C-Class Coupé presents Irish motorists with a very competitive, stylish and well-equipped model offering right at the heart of what is a rapidly expanding Mercedes-Benz model range’. Calculating the impact its arrival will likely have, he said ‘expected demand will see C-Class models secure their position as the largest-selling segment within the Mercedes-Benz portfolio’.
