Two times the class – the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé

 

Chat with me on either Twitter or Instagram @DanielCalbacho 

 

"This car suits you", or so they tell me. Friends, family and colleagues alike all agreed, so it must be true then? I'll take that as a compliment.

 

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé is arguably the prettiest looking car in its class, leaving the BMW 4-Series wearing the runner-up beauty sash, the RC from Lexus, third, and Audi's outgoing A5, last. 

 

Sexier than the C-Class, the Coupé is substantially different from its four-door sibling from the steering wheel back, while the front end is similar. Its design cues are borrowed from the gorgeous S-Class Coupé, although being slightly smaller. Swooping lines which complete at the front by a sophisticated diamond grille (a C-Class Coupé signature) while at the rear by elongated tail lights. Although elegant looking, the rear tail lights could potentially appear better on the darker coloured car. The reason being, on white or silver, the lights don't sit flush with the body. When studied, this can appear to cheapen an otherwise very sophisticated exterior. 

 

The Coupé on test arrived in an Edition 1 specification, the badging subtly placed in three spots: on either side of the front wheel arches and the centre console of the dashboard. On the exterior, the Edition 1 model gets that sexy Diamond grille with chrome pins. This does a great job of framing the Mercedes logo and refined 5 twin-spoke, partially gloss, 19" mag wheels.

On the inside, a few highlights begin with an open-pore ash wood trim, a high-quality finish, that wraps the majority of the ski-slope curved dashboard. This design piece is garnished with gorgeously-placed electronics that manage the cars list of features. The bolstered sports seats are an unusual mix of faux black suede and nut-brown leather, sewn together with decorative turquoise-coloured stitching.

 

On the road, the Coupé features a revised front suspension set-up. This is a good thing. It means the Coupé is more fun to drive in comparison to the Sedan. Cornering is sharper and more dynamic. 

How about the engines? Well, you've got a choice: two petrol options in the C200 or the C300. Both 2.0-liter turbocharged, albeit differentiated by power outputs. The other choice, and the car I tested, a 2.1-liter turbo diesel badged the C220d.  For those with deep pockets and a love for speed, you have the AMG models: C43, C63 and C63 S. 

 

Almost perfect, but unfortunately not. The seating in the rear is okay - if you are petite. Tall passengers will be left hanging their heads as a result of the Coupes beautiful sloping roofline, which puts form before function. Knee room is pretty good though, while the boot is more compact than the Sedan but big enough for most lifestyle choices. 

 

On the road, those sexy large mag wheels are fitted with super slim profiled tyres - they look as if wrapped with a rubber band rather than a tyre. Unfortunately, our second-rate roads can unsettle an otherwise lovely ride with a jarred bang occasionally intruding the otherwise quiet cabin. This problem can be fixed with the optional Airmatic suspension, or alternatively, you could get a smaller wheel with a fatter profiled tyre? 

 

The 220d or 2.1-liter Diesel engine is a great partner for the coupés chassis. Mated to an effortless 9-speed gearbox that splices through gears like a sous chef with a sharp knife through vegetables. Great at the tanks – I averaged fuel consumption figures of around 8l per 100km and got them as low as 5.2l back and forth from Jozi to Pretoria.

 

Pro's

Beautiful

Good quality

Dynamic driving experience 

Fuel efficient Diesel engine 

 

Con's

Firm ride

Low roofline for rear passengers

Fiddley infotainment system

 

 

Competition

BMW 4-Series, Lexus RC, Audi A5 and possibly a Ford Mustang.

 

Pricing 

C 200 - R 551,100

C 220 d - R 592,700

C 300 - R 660, 300

Mercedes-AMG C43 - R 894,400

Mercedes-AMG C63 - R 1,268,700

Mercedes-AMG C63 S - R 1,382,000

 

Service and warranty  

The C-Class Coupé comes standard with the PremiumDrive 6 year/100 000km maintenance contract with no customer contribution. This package can, however, be upgraded by purchasing the PremiumDrive 8 year/100 000km or the PremiumDrive 8 year/140 000km.

 

My choice

Probably the C 220 d, and if budget is not an issue, the Mercedes-AMG C 43.

 

Views: 173

Add a Comment

You need to be a member of neofundi to add comments!

Join neofundi


Follow us on twitter  

 

© 2024   Created by neofundi.   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service