WE DRIVE ALL-NEW MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS COUPE

For the first time in its 125-year history, Mercedes-Benz will face up to BMW head to head in a segment they have never played in. That is thanks to the all-new C-Class Coupe range, a vehicle based on the current C-Class platform but less two rear doors. Historically BMW, and recently Audi, were the only major occupants of the mid-executive Coupe club. No more.

Please don’t mistake this for the CLC-Class because it’s nothing like that. As previously reported in IN4RIDE two years ago, C-Class Coupe is a totally new car with no predecessor to compare with. Overall it is 4.6 metres long, 1.8 metres wide, and 1.4 metres high. Interesting, because the old CLK is almost exactly these sizes. Kerb weight is 1500kg at its minimum, but increases as features and engines change.

The major attraction is of course, the coupe shape and the absence of two rear doors. Built to lure customers from said competitors, this car is the first of many steps being taken at Stuttgart to regain the number one global sales position from BMW. Merc realises that the fact that it’s 125 years old doesn’t mean all its customers should be too. So in comes a sexy back, sleek rooflines, sporty front grille, powerful engines and a solid interior.

We got to drive the C-Class Coupe along the open roads between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, as well as through snaking sugar cane field roads, all peppered in potholes as deep as Mutabaruka’s poetry. While the car is rear-wheel-driven (RWD), there are still a few handling niggles to deal with. Perhaps the front multi-link independent suspension, coil springs and multi-link independent rear suspension don’t communicate too well with the 7-speed automatic gearbox I drove. Yes there is a standard manual option but that’s not recommended. Stick with the auto rather. The car handles averagely, nothing to frighten the class leader.

Interior appointments are abundant, including a new internet option and satellite navigation system. The internet is a little dodgy though, considering that the car itself is not a Wi Fi hotspot but uses your cell phone to connect. Even then the car must be stationary, which begs the question “so why connect through the car when you can just stop and do it through your smart phone?” Yes. Good question.

Otherwise the four seats are sporty, comfortable and provide very good lateral support. The dashboard area is of high quality features some pretty high-tech stuff, some of which have been mentioned. A special white-bottom steering wheel can be specified. While it is different, it is also somewhat cheesy. It carries lovely visible stitching, satellite controls for sound, music, fuel consumption information etc. Depending on the one you choose, features include a panoramic sunroof, LED daytime running lights, Blind Spot Assist, Lane Keep Assist, Attention Assist and Distronic Plus.

As far as engines go, Daimler SA decided four derivatives are in order. One is diesel-powered, the rest feature petrol propulsion. Models introduced are the C 180, C 250, C 250 CDI and C 350. The C 180 has a 1796 cc turbo motor that gives out 115kW at 5000rpm, and maximum torque of 250Nm between 1600rpm and 4200rpm. A 6-speed manual is the standard gearbox. The car does 0 – 100km/h in a claimed 9 seconds, top speed of 225km/h, returns a fuel index of 6.8 litres per 100km and C02 emissions of 157g/km. The C250 also has the same engine but pushes out 150kW at 5500rpm and 310Nm between 2300rpm and 4300rpm for a 0 – 100km/h time of 7.2 seconds, top whack of 240km/h, average fuel consumption of 7 litres per 100km and a C02 rating of 163 g/km.

The highest-specced model is the C 350 with a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 churning about 225kW at 6500rpm and 370Nm of torque between 3500rpm and 5250rpm. Its 0 – 100km/h time is said to be 6 seconds flat, running out at 250km/h while returning the same amount of fuel as the C 250. Hard to believe that. Probably harder to prove too. The huffing 331kW C 63 AMG Coupe only arrives in the next two months. Early next year we can expect the C 63 AMG Black Series to break cover and blast in. We cannot wait. Lastly the C 250 CDI has a little turbo diesel motor shifting 150kW and 500Nm. Excellent for long-distance cruising in style.

That this is a niche product is undeniable, given the company it keeps and its natural competition. It will certainly find plenty of keen buyers who want something stylish, neat, very good looking and not common on the road. For the driver looking for real thrills, the C 63 AMG is your best bet.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Pricing

C 180 (R394 000)

C 250 (R494 000)

C 250 CDI (R495 000)

C 350 (R590 000)