C-Class Coupe is sexy and sporty

German luxury-car maker Mercedes-Benz is celebrating its 125th year in the corporate world this year, and has entered a new market segment with a coupe version of its C-Class compact car.

Unlike the sedan version, which is assembled locally, the C-Class Coupe is fully imported due to the lower sales volume. 

The C-250 BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe Edition 1 is priced at Bt4.099 million and deploys the progressive technology featured on the recently launched new generation of the C-Class.

From the side, the new coupe may have compact proportions, but its low silhouette with powerful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design, gives it a pretty sexy look. 

The short front overhang, long bonnet and steeply raked A-pillar as well as the panoramic glass sunroof gives the C-250 Coupe a sporty, but yet elegant look. 

The front end of the C-Class Coupe may resemble the saloon version, but apart from that the similarities start to fade away, and in a good way.

The Edition 1 package includes AMG body-styling (front and rear bumpers plus side skirts) and AMG 18-inch lightweight alloy wheels. From the rear, the C-Class Coupe looks sportily short because the roof flows beyond the rear axle with the steeply raked rear window and fluid C-pillars. 

The dashboard instrument panel features a strong, sporty and high-quality design. There’s a new generation of three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel with its chromed central spoke that first appeared on the new CLS. The steering wheel is wrapped in two-tone Nappa leather and features F1-style gearshift paddles. For the first time in automotive engineering, the trim parts are in a porcelain piano-lacquer look for the Edition 1 to complement the car’s exclusive interior feel.

The car also features a new telematics generation, which offers greater operating convenience, larger displays, phone-book transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music reproduction via Bluetooth and a USB interface. The multimedia system COMAND Online now provides Internet access (depending upon the mobile-phone model) for the first time and includes a 4.5-inch 3D display.

Power comes from a four-cylinder turbo-charged 1.8-litre engine that delivers 204hp and 310Nm of torque, which is available from just 2,300rpm onwards. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and is able to propel the coupe from standstill to 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. The top speed is claimed at 240km/h.

Engine response is excellent, and the low-rev torque gives the car swift acceleration from all engine speeds (maximum torque is available up to 4,300rpm). For sportier performance, simply press the “SPORT” button next to the gearshift lever and the shift points are raised while the gears are held longer as well.

The C-250 Coupe comes with the BlueEFFICIENCY badge, which guarantees excellent fuel economy and environmental friendliness. The average fuel economy is claimed at 14.3 to 15.4km/litre while CO2 emissions are claimed at 152-163gm/km.

The AGILITY CONTROL suspension, which is standard equipment, complements the dynamic engine, giving the C-Class Coupe outstanding agility. There is an amplitude-dependent damping system that automatically varies damping levels in real-time according to driver’s inputs.

The suspension comprises a three-link front axle with McPherson spring struts and five-link in the rear. They are further enhanced with 15mm lower sports suspension with firmer springs, tauter shock absorbers and stronger torsion bars.

Those who prefer a soft and comfortable ride may not like the car’s suspension setting, which is tuned for sporty driving and appears rather harsh. But well, this is a sports car isn’t it?

Cross-drilled ventilated brake discs with ABS and Brake Assist, provide exceptional stopping power. The speed-sensitive sports steering, which is part of the Edition 1 package, provide precise control as well a beefy feel.

In terms of safety, there are six airbags, as well as belt-tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats. To protect pedestrians, the coupe has an active bonnet made of aluminium, which dramatically lowers injury levels in case of an accident.

Assistance systems include Anti-lock braking system (ABS), ATTENTION ASSIST, Electronic Stability Program, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, Intelligent Light System (ILS), PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance and PRE-SAFE.

The C-250 Coupe Edition 1 is a coupe that will turn heads with its sporty and elegant styling. It is fun to drive as well, with enough power and torque to give you an entertaining ride while the suspension and steering has been tuned for sporty driving.

It is just too bad that it is imported and costs considerably more than the sedan version.

 

Mercedes-Benz C-250 Coupe Edition 1 specifications

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with turbocharger and intercooler

Displacement: 1,796cc

Bore and stroke: 82x85mm

Compression ratio: 9.3:1

Max power: 204hp/5,500rpm

Max torque: 310Nm/2,300-4,300rpm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Ratios: 4.38/2.86/1.92/1.37/1.00/0.82/0.73

0-100km/h: 7.2sec

Top speed: 240km/h

Average fuel consumption (litres/100km): 6.5-7.0

City: 8.8-9.1

Highway: 5.2-5.7

CO2 emissions (gm/km): 152-163

Suspension (f/r): multi-link, coil springs, stabiliser/multi-link, coil springs, stabiliser

Steering: powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: 10.84 metres

Brakes (f/r): vented discs/vented discs with ABS and Brake Assist

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,590

Width: 1,770

Height: 1,460

Wheelbase: 2,760

Track (f/r): 1,549/1,552

Weight (kg): 1,550 

Wheels: 18-inch alloys

Tires: 225/40R18 (front) 255/35R18 (rear)

Fuel tank capacity (litres): 59 litres

Price: 4.099 million

Distributor: Mercedes-Benz (Thailand)