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New Models
DRIVEN: Mercedes’ Stylish C-Class Coupe
Two door trades practicality for panache in this new entry to the German automaker’s redesigned lineup of compact cars.
The coupe version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class was a new addition for 2012. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz)
A sporty luxury coupe for those unencumbered by kids or other back-seat denizens, that’s the kind of driver’s dream that too often falls prey to the compromises of sensible sedans and bulky SUVs.
Mercedes-Benz added an elegant C-Class coupe for 2012, bringing a bit of stylish fantasy to its lineup of compact sedans, which are designed for those who actually require back doors and rear-seat headroom.
The new coupe is a tasty morsel, tight and refined with sharply responsive handling and a look that causes other drivers to glare with envy. It’s loaded with high-tech features to enhance drivability and safety, and it boasts the same sort of solid built-to-last feel of Mercedes’ bigger cars. The coupe may be small, but it still commands a charismatic presence.
The previous C-Class coupe was a short hatchback that was more practical but lacked the panache of a genuine coupe configuration, which is really more about style than usability.
The new coupe is based on the underpinnings as the C-Class sedan – which was updated for 2012 – with the same length, width and wheelbase, though the height has been reduced by 1.5 inches for that sexier profile.
The coupe’s back seat has been compromised compared with the sedan’s, losing significant headroom and legroom to the slicker styling. But that’s the name of the game when you go for the gusto instead of the practicality. The coupe’s built for two carefree people who are enjoying the ride.
There are three versions of the coupe: the C250 powered by a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 201 horsepower, the C350 with a new-generation 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 generating 302 horsepower, and the mighty C63 AMG that boasts a 6.3-liter V8 and 451 horsepower.
I drove the C350, which had plenty of spunk despite weighing nearly 3,700 pounds, although you have to dig deep with the throttle to get to the muscle.
The new seven-speed automatic transmission performs well, adapting continuously to driving style and road conditions. The driver can choose between Economy for best fuel efficiency and Sport shift modes for more-spirited response. The Sport mode sharpens the shifting considerably, although its reluctance to shift to a higher gear even at steady speeds is annoying and gas wasting.
There’s no available standard transmission, but the luxury automaker says that market is pretty slim even for a sporty coupe. Still, BMW manages to keep actual stickshift in the lineup, which surely lures more dedicated driving enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz added an elegant C-Class coupe for 2012, bringing a bit of stylish fantasy to its lineup of compact sedans, which are designed for those who actually require back doors and rear-seat headroom.
The new coupe is a tasty morsel, tight and refined with sharply responsive handling and a look that causes other drivers to glare with envy. It’s loaded with high-tech features to enhance drivability and safety, and it boasts the same sort of solid built-to-last feel of Mercedes’ bigger cars. The coupe may be small, but it still commands a charismatic presence.
The previous C-Class coupe was a short hatchback that was more practical but lacked the panache of a genuine coupe configuration, which is really more about style than usability.
The new coupe is based on the underpinnings as the C-Class sedan – which was updated for 2012 – with the same length, width and wheelbase, though the height has been reduced by 1.5 inches for that sexier profile.
The coupe’s back seat has been compromised compared with the sedan’s, losing significant headroom and legroom to the slicker styling. But that’s the name of the game when you go for the gusto instead of the practicality. The coupe’s built for two carefree people who are enjoying the ride.
There are three versions of the coupe: the C250 powered by a new 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 201 horsepower, the C350 with a new-generation 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 generating 302 horsepower, and the mighty C63 AMG that boasts a 6.3-liter V8 and 451 horsepower.
I drove the C350, which had plenty of spunk despite weighing nearly 3,700 pounds, although you have to dig deep with the throttle to get to the muscle.
The new seven-speed automatic transmission performs well, adapting continuously to driving style and road conditions. The driver can choose between Economy for best fuel efficiency and Sport shift modes for more-spirited response. The Sport mode sharpens the shifting considerably, although its reluctance to shift to a higher gear even at steady speeds is annoying and gas wasting.
There’s no available standard transmission, but the luxury automaker says that market is pretty slim even for a sporty coupe. Still, BMW manages to keep actual stickshift in the lineup, which surely lures more dedicated driving enthusiasts.
The Lyonheart K
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