New C-Class Coupe to be launched at Geneva

14 Feb 2011

Mercedes-Benz is set to launch its new C-Class Coupe, effectively the replacement for the short-lived Mercedes-Benz CLC. The new model, which goes on sale in June, will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show but pictures have already been revealed.

In terms of styling, the C-Class Coupe echoes the larger E-Class Coupe, launched in 2009, with a similar side profile, 'wedge' shape and swooping roofline at the rear. However, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to appeal to a younger audience than it has done in the past, with customers aged between 35 and 45 the target group.

At the front, the Coupe shares the same styling as the recently facelifted C-Class which goes on sale in March, but there are some subtle differences with a more prominent grille and an aggressive, sporty bumper with large air intakes. In the UK the C-Class Coupe will come with the AMG Sports Package as standard which adds AMG bodystyling and 18-inch AMG alloys.

Inside, the C-Class Coupe borrows much from the standard C-Class with the same three deep set instrument dials while all models get a three-spoke steering wheel with a chromed central spoke that first appeared on the new CLS. It's designed to be a fully fledged four-seater and has four comfortable integral seats while the backrests in the rear can be folded down to make the boot larger.

The C-Class Coupe also features a new generation entertainment system, first seen on the revised saloon and estate models. Major new features include an easier to operate layout, larger displays, phone book transfer, display of SMS messages, wireless music via Bluetooth and a USB interface now in the centre armrest.

The multimedia system COMAND Online also now provides internet access for the first time. When the car is stationary, customers are able to browse or surf to a Mercedes-Benz Online service whose pages load rapidly and are also easy to use while on the move. The integrated services include weather information and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and sent to the car.

The navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions too and nNew features include a 3D display. Routes can be covered and recorded so they can be and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be saved or imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation.

The Becker MAPPILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, the pre-wiring for which will be standard in the UK is available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integrated operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.

There is a choice of three petrol engines and two diesels in the C-Class Coupe plus all are equipped with direct injection and a start/stop function as standard. All the engine variants are classed as BlueEFFICIENCY units, Mercedes-Benz's badge for its efficient models. All automatic versions feature the 7G‑TRONIC PLUS seven-speed automatic transmission (standard with the C250 and C350 petrol engines). The C220 CDI and C250 CDI diesel models and the basic C180 petrol engine come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard.

The top engine variant is the V6 petrol engine in the C350 featuring the efficient BlueDIRECT method of injection. It delivers 306bhp and 370Nm while the average claimed fuel consumption is 41.5 mpg. The four-cylinder petrol engines have direct injection and are turbocharged, offering high performance and exemplary economy. The most economical model is the C 220 CDI with a manual six-speed transmission and the standard ECO start/stop function. It has an average claimed consumption of 64.2mpg which corresponds to 117g/km of CO2. 

BE = BlueEFFICIENCY, * figures for automatic transmission, manual transmission in brackets

Full coverage of the Geneva Motor Show 2011