The paint had hardly dried before the latest C-Class Coupe started attracting accolades. The Good Design Awards Australia bestowed on the Mercedes-Benz the 2015 gong for outstanding product design and innovation.
Trim and technology are all well and good but how do they translate to performance and practicality? Pretty well, as I found out on a recent hit-out with a trio of models in and around the Yarra Valley in Victoria.
First impressions are that of a sleek and stylish two-door in the coupe tradition stamped with the latest sporty cues of a diamond radiator grille and extensive lower air intakes dominated by the Benz badge. There are LED headlamps, with daytime running light ‘eyebrows’, flank the grille. AMG 18-inch alloys fill the wheelarches.
The cabin is fitted with sports seats designed especially for the Coupe. Materials and finish have a handcrafted look and feel
New C-Class Coupe is 80 mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, with 95 mm extra length and 40 mm added width, creating more space for the driver and front passenger, plus improved shoulder, elbow and headroom in all seats.
Advanced lightweight construction with a higher proportion of aluminium makes the new Coupe lighter than its predecessor. Light-alloy components include the guards, bonnet and bootlid.
The body is now much stiffer, which improve not only driving dynamics and noise levels, but also crash safety.
From entry level to halo model there is a new level of performance and efficiency in powerplants. The C 200 Coupe is fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing maximum power of 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque.
Standard equipment sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, LED high performance headlamps, Garmin Map Pilot navigation, Dynamic Select driving modes, ambient lighting and black ash open-pore wood trim.
The C 250 d Coupe delivers 150 kW of power and up to 500 Nm of torque from its 2.1-litre diesel engine. Its measured fuel consumption is just 4.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (combined urban / highway cycle). In addition to the standard equipment, the C 250 d rolls on 19-inch AMG wheels, and boasts leather upholstery and Keyless-Go and hands-free entry.
Top four-cylinder performer, the C 300 Coupe, puts out 180 kW and 370 Nm. In addition to the C 250 d, the C 300 carries a Burmester surround sound system, Comand online navigation and sports exhaust.
The range topping Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe is blessed with a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, delivering 375 kW and 700 Nm of torque, while accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.
The C 63 S incorporates top-level AMG equipment including Ride-Control sports suspension, AMG active dynamic engine mounts, AMG electronic rear axle locking differential, AMG high-performance composite brakes and AMG performance exhaust.
In addition, there’s Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, digital TV, Air-Balance package and panoramic glass sliding sunroof as standard.
The C 300 demanded, and got, a high level of driver input and, apart from a little skittishness from the back end on a few fast bends with particularly uneven road surfaces, handled every ride challenge handed out to it.
The Dynamic Select system delivered what it promised in every mode. It really is a delight to play with in its wide range of engine performance, ride, handling and exhaust note delivery.
At $65,900, the C 200 Coupe earns a $5000 price premium over its sedan sibling by gaining AMG Line body styling, Artico dashboard, auto belt feeders, black ash wood, trim, seat memory and 360 degree camera.
The C 250 d Coupe, at $74,900, does likewise over the respective sedan, while the C 300 Coupe ($83,400) trumps the C 250 Sedan ($68,900) with even more ‘fruit’ such as Burmester surround sound, Comand online, 25 kW more power and sports exhaust.
The Mercedes-Benz C 63 S Coupe ($162,400) adds auto belt feeders, Nappa look dash and 20-inch alloys up the back over the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan ($154,510).
For $10,900 more there is a C 63 S Coupe Edition 1 Package made up of 19/20-inch AMG alloys, improved aerodynamics, ceramic brakes, Selenite Grey magno paint and yellow decals. Inside there is AMG matt carbon trim, yellow diamond stitching, yellow top stitching and yellow accents on instrument dials.
The all-new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe range comes in at a surprisingly sharp price for such a well-packaged piece of prestige, while those in the know have plenty to play with to gain driving satisfaction, providing they are able to pay.
MODEL RANGE
Mercedes-Benz C 200 Coupe: $65,900
Mercedes-Benz C 250 d Coupe: $74,900
Mercedes-Benz C 300 Coupe: $83,400
Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 S Coupe: $162,400
Note: These prices do not include dealer or government charges. Contact your local Mercedes-Benz dealer for drive-away prices.
