2017
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
Unlike
its predecessor, the new C-class coupe is a car of classic proportions. The
front clip is shared with the sedan, but from the A-pillars back every line is
new. The low and compact coupe wears a relatively upright windshield and a
softly sloping greenhouse. Wide, horizontal LED taillights are somewhat
reminiscent of the AMG GT and the new S-class coupe.
This
beautiful and sensual shape undergoes a character transformation in AMG trim.
The whopper from Affalterbach is wider by 2.5 inches up front and 2.6 in the
rear. Both the front and rear fenders are new and the effect is dramatic. Its
proportions move this car close to the S-class coupe, distancing it from the
base model far more than any of its competitors. Daimler insiders say that the
changes for the AMG are nearly as extensive as those necessary for a completely
different body style.
The
new C sedan is a capable performer in its class, but the coupe should do
everything better. A 1.6-inch lower roofline and seating positions dropped 0.8
inch reduce the center-of-gravity height. The steering has been recalibrated to
improve driving dynamics.
As
with the C-class sedan, the coupe lineup begins with the C300, fitted with
Daimler’s 241 hp, 2.0-liter turbo four. Rear-wheel drive is standard;
four-wheel drive is an option. The next step up is the C450 AMG Sport coupe,
powered by a twin-turbo’d 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 362 horsepower. While it is
derived from the European-market C400, a non-AMG model, the company insists that
the 450 is “an integral part of the AMG family.” The radically overhauled C63
coupe stands in contradiction to that notion. We expect a 5 second
0-60 acceleration time. Top speed is governed at 155 mph, and four-wheel drive is
standard.
Then
there’s AMG’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that produces 469 horses in the
C63 and 503 in the C63 S. The ultimate C-class will charge to 60 mph in less
than four seconds and top-out at a governed 155 mph, or an optional 180 mph,
which is 6 mph higher than its predecessor. This is essentially the same engine
that powers the AMG GT and successor to the legendary 6.2, which made its final
appearance in the last-gen C-class coupe. The AMG C63 is rear-drive only.
The
driver looks at the same dashboard that graces the C-class sedan, and that’s a
good thing; this interior serves as the current segment’s benchmark, with its
rich materials and optional Burmester stereo system. The rear cabin is snug, even more so than in the
preceding C coupe. Adults
never fit in the back of cars in this class anyway.
Prices
will remain close to the C-class sedan’s, or around US$ 40,000 to start, with the
AMG C63 commanding about US$ 70,000. Look for the C300 to arrive next March with
the C450 AMG and AMG C63 following in September. A C-class convertible will
eventually emerge, but for excitement, look no further than the C63.
