MERCEDES-Benz’s previous generation C-Class coupe, dubbed in-house as the W204, was introduced rather late in the life cycle of the model, in 2010 to be exact, which meant it came rather late to the party and with the Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series coupe well ahead of the curve.
To bridge the gap and make its advocate available much sooner, the three-pointed marque has launched the new C-Class coupe variant, which we drove in Malaga, Spain. As the company continues to go through a renaissance with fresher, more youthful designs, the new C-Class has borrowed heavily from its older sibling, the S-Class coupe, which arguably remains one of the company’s classiest designs in its product portfolio.
Featuring a similar front to that of its sedan sibling, the coupe takes on a swoopy design that culminates at the integrated boot spoiler and slim taillights. The new model is some 95mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 18mm and improves legroom.
Overall, it strikes a more elegant pose, particularly if you specify the optional AMG Line package, replete with a flared front valance, side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interior has been lifted wholesale from its sedan sibling and features high-quality materials and standard equipment.
Four engine derivatives will be made available in our market in the form of a C200 offering a 2.0l direct injection turbo petrol engine with 135kW and 300Nm; a C220d turbodiesel displacing 2.1l and making 130kW and 400Nm; and a C300 2.0l turbo petrol with 180kW and 370Nm. The range is headlined by the AMG models offered in two beastly flavours in the form of the C63 and C63 S, but more about the latter later.
The entry-level C200 comes standard with a six-speed manual (optional seven-speed automatic). The C300 is equipped with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The C220d is offered with the company’s nine-speed automatic self-shifter, which debuted in the GLC medium SUV.
During our launch drive at the helm of the C300 through the city of Malaga and later through the meandering mountain roads of Ronda and Marbella, the model proved to be more of a consummate cruiser than a nimble sports coupe in the vein of the BMW 428i coupe, for instance.
Even so, and thanks to the optional air suspension fitted to our vehicles, the model was a compliant proposition, floating over road undulations, even on the sportier AMG suspension. The gearbox prefers to be left to its own devices, rather than being hurried through the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. In all fairness, it will continue to appease a similar buyer profile to that of its predecessor.
We then turned our attention to the bruiser of the range, the AMG C63S with 375kW and 700Nm from the same 4.0l twin turbo engine as its sedan sibling and the impressive AMG GT coupe.
Apart from the rise in power, the S variant also features dynamic engine mounts that stiffen when the vehicle is driven with gusto, which is said to improve handling agility. There is also an electronically controlled limited slip differential that aids with traction.
We put the model through its paces on the technical Ascari racetrack. Much like its sedan sibling, the model feels a tad unwieldy under these conditions, which I suspect has to do with its overall weight. Its kerb weight is 1,725kg, 200kg heavier than the equivalent BMW M4.
That said, the vehicle pulls remarkably out of corners as it barrels to the next corner while hammering the tarmac with disdain and filling the air and cabin with sounds of exhaust thunder that will have even Thor running for cover. Thanks to the optional three-flap exhaust system fitted to our launch vehicles, this remains the best-sounding model in the business. Admittedly, though, under track conditions the M4 will remain the sharper tool in the shed.
However, the AMG 63S sparkles on long, sweeping roads on which the 64mm and 66mm wider tracks front and rear over its regular sibling give it superb stability. Flick the dynamic select toggle switch to race mode, which neuters the stability control a tad, pitch the nose into a corner and let the front settle, then boot it out of the corner to let that rear wiggle somewhat before you ride that endless wave of torque.
Not only does the AMG C63S coupe look the part, but it offers the sort of engine sound that will shake critters out of trees well before the vehicle even comes into view. That alone warrants you placing your order for delivery next April.
Pricing
C200 - R532,157
C220d - R569,900
C300 - R638,696
C63 - R1,229,031
C63S - R1,337,931
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The latest generation C-Class coupe has classy looks. Picture: DAIMLER AG
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The interior is standard C-Class fare except for the smaller rear quarters. Picture: DAIMLER AG
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The AMG 63S provides masses of torque and a thundering soundtrack to match. Picture: DAIMLER AG
MERCEDES-Benz’s previous generation C-Class coupe, dubbed in-house as the W204, was introduced rather late in the life cycle of the model, in 2010 to be exact, which meant it came rather late to the party and with the Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series coupe well ahead of the curve.
To bridge the gap and make its advocate available much sooner, the three-pointed marque has launched the new C-Class coupe variant, which we drove in Malaga, Spain. As the company continues to go through a renaissance with fresher, more youthful designs, the new C-Class has borrowed heavily from its older sibling, the S-Class coupe, which arguably remains one of the company’s classiest designs in its product portfolio.
Featuring a similar front to that of its sedan sibling, the coupe takes on a swoopy design that culminates at the integrated boot spoiler and slim taillights. The new model is some 95mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor. The wheelbase has been lengthened by 18mm and improves legroom.
Overall, it strikes a more elegant pose, particularly if you specify the optional AMG Line package, replete with a flared front valance, side sills and 18-inch alloy wheels.
The interior has been lifted wholesale from its sedan sibling and features high-quality materials and standard equipment.
Four engine derivatives will be made available in our market in the form of a C200 offering a 2.0l direct injection turbo petrol engine with 135kW and 300Nm; a C220d turbodiesel displacing 2.1l and making 130kW and 400Nm; and a C300 2.0l turbo petrol with 180kW and 370Nm. The range is headlined by the AMG models offered in two beastly flavours in the form of the C63 and C63 S, but more about the latter later.
The entry-level C200 comes standard with a six-speed manual (optional seven-speed automatic). The C300 is equipped with a seven-speed automatic gearbox as standard. The C220d is offered with the company’s nine-speed automatic self-shifter, which debuted in the GLC medium SUV.
During our launch drive at the helm of the C300 through the city of Malaga and later through the meandering mountain roads of Ronda and Marbella, the model proved to be more of a consummate cruiser than a nimble sports coupe in the vein of the BMW 428i coupe, for instance.
Even so, and thanks to the optional air suspension fitted to our vehicles, the model was a compliant proposition, floating over road undulations, even on the sportier AMG suspension. The gearbox prefers to be left to its own devices, rather than being hurried through the paddle shifters on the steering wheel. In all fairness, it will continue to appease a similar buyer profile to that of its predecessor.
We then turned our attention to the bruiser of the range, the AMG C63S with 375kW and 700Nm from the same 4.0l twin turbo engine as its sedan sibling and the impressive AMG GT coupe.
Apart from the rise in power, the S variant also features dynamic engine mounts that stiffen when the vehicle is driven with gusto, which is said to improve handling agility. There is also an electronically controlled limited slip differential that aids with traction.
We put the model through its paces on the technical Ascari racetrack. Much like its sedan sibling, the model feels a tad unwieldy under these conditions, which I suspect has to do with its overall weight. Its kerb weight is 1,725kg, 200kg heavier than the equivalent BMW M4.
That said, the vehicle pulls remarkably out of corners as it barrels to the next corner while hammering the tarmac with disdain and filling the air and cabin with sounds of exhaust thunder that will have even Thor running for cover. Thanks to the optional three-flap exhaust system fitted to our launch vehicles, this remains the best-sounding model in the business. Admittedly, though, under track conditions the M4 will remain the sharper tool in the shed.
However, the AMG 63S sparkles on long, sweeping roads on which the 64mm and 66mm wider tracks front and rear over its regular sibling give it superb stability. Flick the dynamic select toggle switch to race mode, which neuters the stability control a tad, pitch the nose into a corner and let the front settle, then boot it out of the corner to let that rear wiggle somewhat before you ride that endless wave of torque.
Not only does the AMG C63S coupe look the part, but it offers the sort of engine sound that will shake critters out of trees well before the vehicle even comes into view. That alone warrants you placing your order for delivery next April.
Pricing
C200 - R532,157
C220d - R569,900
C300 - R638,696
C63 - R1,229,031
C63S - R1,337,931
Change: 1.37%
Change: 1.32%
Change: 2.91%
Change: 0.45%
Change: 3.09%
Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: 1.63%
Change: 0.83%
Change: 1.37%
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Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: -2.04%
Change: -1.81%
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Change: -1.86%
Change: -1.48%
Data supplied by Profile Data
Change: -1.21%
Change: 0.31%
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Change: -1.39%
Change: 2.92%
Data supplied by Profile Data