BMW 4 Series-rivalling Mercedes C-Class Coupe to make Frankfurt debut
[Not a valid template]Mercedes has finally unveiled its rival to the BMW 4 Series, the new C-Class Coupe. The newboy – the third variant in Munich’s C-Class line-up (the four-door version of which we drove earlier this year) – will make its debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show ahead of an on-sale date later in the year.
In keeping with the elegant looks boasted by Mercedes’ current crop of saloons and performance coupes (most notably the AMG GT S and S 65 Coupe), the new C-Class Coupe is as sleek as a pencil thin moustache. Indeed, while it’s all C-Class at the front, the bonnet has now been extended 40mm over the previous coupe. At the back the look is more rakish, courtesy of elongated doors, a beefier rear bumper, and a sloping roofline more S-Class esque in its design.
For improved aerodynamacism, copious use of aluminium means the new Merc is lighter than its predecessor, tauter (steel) suspension making sure it also runs 15mm closer to the asphalt. Some 80mm added to the wheelbase means the new Coupe is also 95mm longer and 40mm wider, allowing more cabin space for the new sports seats.
Engine options from launch include a 154bhp turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder in the C180 from start-up, while the range-topping C300 gets a 241bhp version of the unit. Performance figures have yet to be unveiled but expect 0-100kph in the C300 to be done and dusted in around seven seconds.
