New Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé – Sleek Elegance.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé has been treated to the same mid-life updates as the cabriolet, saloon and estate, with new engines and technology taking pride of place. Like its bigger sibling, the E-Class, the updated C-Class gets touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, too, allowing the driver to use smartphone-style swipes to control the car’s functions and trip computer.

Strikingly Handsome;

The strikingly handsome lines and muscular surfaces of the new C-Class Coupé demonstrate breath-taking style. Top quality materials and class-leading ergonomics abound in the sporty-design interior, which offers exclusive comfort and room for four occupants. A pair of cup-holders sits between the two rear seats for added practicality.

Engines & Model Line-Up;

Trim levels in the new C-Class Coupé consist of a standard entry-level, AMG-Line, and a storming AMG model. Engines options consist of petrol or diesel, and the range is largely similar across the entire C-Class family. All models are rear-wheel drive, although 4MATIC four-wheel drive is available as an option on some models, and is standard on the AMG 43. All but the entry-level models come with automatic gearboxes as standard. Petrol engines are available as a 1.6-litre with 156bhp (badged C180), a 1.5-litre mild hybrid with 184bhp (badged C200), a 2.0-litre with 258bhp (badged C300), a 3.0-litre with 390bhp (badged C43) and a 4.0-litre with 476bhp (badged C63), or 510bhp (badged C63S). Diesel engine options are a 1.6-litre with 160bhp (badged C200d), a 2.0-litre with 194bhp (badged C220d) and a 2.0-litre with 245bhp (badged C300d).

Test Car;

My test car was a new Mercedes-Benz C200 (1.5-litre petrol / mild hybrid) ‘AMG-Line’ Coupé Automatic finished in Obsidian Black metallic paint with luxurious leather seating in Saddle Brown for maximum impact. Standard AMG-Line equipment is hugely impressive and includes stunning AMG 5-spoke alloy wheels, AMG bodystyling kit consisting of an AMG front apron with sporty air intakes and chrome trim element, AMG diffuser-look rear apron with insert in black and AMG side sill panels, AMG sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs, diamond radiator grille with pins in chrome and integrated Mercedes-Benz star, folding rear seat backrests, 3-spoke multifunction sports steering wheel in black Nappa Leather with flattened bottom section, belt feeder for driver and front passenger, interior light package, roof lining in black fabric, AMG floor mats, heated seats, LED high-performance headlamps, ‘Mercedes-Benz’ laurel wreath badge on bonnet, reversing camera, perforated front brake discs and front brake calipers with ‘Mercedes-Benz’ lettering, sports suspension with ‘Sports Direct Steer’, folding exterior mirrors, trim elements in open-pore black ash wood with light longitudinal-grain aluminium, keyless start & stop button along with many other luxury features befitting of the Mercedes-Benz premium brand. Optional extras fitted to my test car included an ‘Advantage Package’ (consisting of a ‘parking package’, ‘mirror package’, Mercedes-Benz Navigation and a 10.25” infotainment display), upgraded 19” AMG alloy wheels, Smartphone integration, and upper level of dashboard and door beltlines in ARTICO man made leather. The C 200 gets a new 48v mild-hybrid system called ‘EQ Boost’. The set-up can assist the petrol engine with extra power, eliminating turbo lag at low revs. During deceleration, the alternator recuperates kinetic energy to charge the battery, while also offering a function that switches the engine off when coasting.

Outstanding Driving Dynamics;

The steering in the new C-Class Coupé is direct and well weighted, while offering excellent grip. Road bumps and uneven surfaces fail to upset the car’s composure, while the overall ride quality is terrific. State-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz ‘Intelligent Drive’ assistance systems support the driver more effectively than ever. Pulling away in traffic queues, situation-appropriate enhanced braking power (if the risk of a collision is identified), maintaining a safe distance on the motorway at speeds of up to 210 km/h – they’re all areas in which the new C-Class can help the driver today. It’s hard to imagine a more reliable and attentive partner for your journey. The petrol engine in my test car is capable of a 0-100km/h sprint in just 7.9-seconds, leading to a top speed of 239km/h (where permitted). Producing a healthy 184bhp, along with 280Nm of torque, the 1497cc engine is capable of consuming as little as 5.0-litres of fuel for every 100kms driven on an extra-urban driving cycle, while a Co2 emission figure of 148g/km translates to annual road tax of just €390.

Sporty & Athletic;

The new C-Class Coupé combines sporty design features and athletic character, with a beautifully executed interior, making it the plushest car in its class. The car stands out from the crowd with its combination of swooping lines and graceful detailing. The front of the C-Class Coupé AMG-Line is dominated by a ‘diamond pin’ effect grille which houses some of the sensors for the electronic driving aids, and there is a pair of LED headlamp clusters with distinctive daytime running lights. The curved rear of the car, with its slender lamps, completes the ultra-stylish look. Inside, the car has the same upmarket feel as the rest of the new C-Class family, with plenty of metal switches and high-grade plastics throughout. The familiar Mercedes-Benz tablet-style infotainment screen sits on top of the dash, controlled via the COMAND wheel ahead of the central armrest.

Many control and display elements are brand new: the new steering wheel with Touch Control buttons and, depending on the specification chosen, fully digital instruments and enlarged displays including a new generation infotainment system enable highly individual, cutting-edge operation. Depending on the equipment level chosen, you can illuminate and animate all instruments in ‘Traditional’, ‘Sporty’ and ‘Progressive’ display styles.

Five-Star Euro NCAP Rating;

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé is built on the same platform as the C-Class Saloon, so a five-star Euro NCAP rating is applicable across the entire new C-Class range.

Pricing & Verdict;

With ex-works prices starting at €41,700, the stunning new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé is a very comprehensive 2-door, 4-seat luxury car in every way. Offering huge levels of refinement, along with the use of high quality materials, the new C-Class Coupé offers the ultimate upmarket driving experience.

Visit www.mercedes-benz.ie for further information.