Mercedes-Benz has finally revealed the second generation of the C-Class Coupe, yet another stunning looking compact car built on the same architecture as its sedan and wagon siblings.
We've looked at the C205 C-Coupe for over a year, as various prototypes were testing at the Nurburgring and on regular German roads. It's a pleasure to finally see it in the flesh, so let's dive in and look at the numbers.
The aim has clearly been to increase the cabin's proportions and offer a car that could be used comfortably by four people on longer journeys. You can see this in the design as well, as the roof starts to angle down very late to maximize the headroom.
The official press release talks about an altogether different model, the silver coupe you can see in the photos and the video below. It's the C300, a crucial model for the US market and the first one to become available. Power comes from the same 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (370 Nm).
Of course, the range will grow to include the twin-turbo V6 engine on the C400 and C450 AMG, but for now what you see is what you get. We suspect that will translate into a starting price of around $42,000.
The US-spec model will come standard with ED headlights, keyless start, sports suspension and a panorama sunroof.
The Euro-spec C-Coupe will go on sale before the end of the year, while the US-spec model is going to be available next spring.
Signs of growth
Compared to the outgoing model, the new coupe is longer by a massive 95 mm (3.7 inches) and wider by 40mm. Just like the C-Class sedan, the wheelbase is where most of the growing has been done, as 80 mm (3.1 inches) of space have been added between the axles.The aim has clearly been to increase the cabin's proportions and offer a car that could be used comfortably by four people on longer journeys. You can see this in the design as well, as the roof starts to angle down very late to maximize the headroom.
With great beauty must come moderate power (the engines)
As you may have noticed already, Mercedes isn't showing us an AMG model. That will come on August 19, just in time for the Frankfurt Motor Show. For the time being, the photos provided to us show only two models. The beauty in red is the typical European model, the C250 d, also fitted with a 4Matic all-wheel drive system. This car makes use of the familiar 2.1-liter turbodiesel engine delivering 204 PS and 500 Nm of torque (369 lb-ft) through the 7G-Tronic Plus gearbox.The official press release talks about an altogether different model, the silver coupe you can see in the photos and the video below. It's the C300, a crucial model for the US market and the first one to become available. Power comes from the same 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque (370 Nm).
Of course, the range will grow to include the twin-turbo V6 engine on the C400 and C450 AMG, but for now what you see is what you get. We suspect that will translate into a starting price of around $42,000.
Standard beauty
The 2016 C-Class Coupe is undoubtedly a beautiful car, as it should be. Mercedes fans are going to love it, but we're not sure it lives up to the hype. Instead of looking like a baby version of the S-Class, it resembles the older CLS-Class facelift. From the front, the lower chromed splitter and the headlights have an uncanny similarity to the four-door coupe.The US-spec model will come standard with ED headlights, keyless start, sports suspension and a panorama sunroof.
The Euro-spec C-Coupe will go on sale before the end of the year, while the US-spec model is going to be available next spring.