When you consider the success that Mercedes has had with its very capable C-Class range, it’s understandable that the company would want to add a stylish coupe to the line-up. But does the C-Class coupe warrant a look when the saloon is already so good?
Given the warm reception that BMW’s E92 3 Series Coupe has received, it’s a little surprising that Mercedes has taken so long to come to the party with a compact executive coupe of its own. Granted, the oddly styled and largely unloved CLC may have technically covered this base, but it was underpinned by an old C-Class platform that endowed the car with stodgy dynamics and was limited in terms of the powerplants on offer. The C-Class coupe is based on a mildly revised version of the saloon’s platform, offers a choice of three petrol engines and a diesel, and is quite easy on the eye. So, it should be a resounding success…the obtuse answer is yes, and no.
Styling
View in profile, the C-Coupe ticks all of the right boxes. The classic roadster traits (long bonnet, steeply-raked A-pillars flowing into an arcing roof) are there, while such details as a powerful character line running from the front wheel arches to the top of the brakelamps) give the car a purposeful appearance – the only aspects that jar the effect slightly are a Hoffmeister kick-esque upsweep at the base of the C-pillar that accentuates what is already a visually heavy rear third of the car and the blacked out B-pillars (granted, these are probably a monetary/safety-based concession but a pillar-less design would have looked the business). The only facet of the front that differentiates the coupe from its saloon sibling is the double-louvre grille treatment and while there’s no denying that the car is a handsome machine, with many elements such as the brakelamps shared with other models in the range, you do get the impression that it is a bit derivative in places.
Inside
The cabin is typical coupe fare, being spacious up front and decidedly cramped in the rear. The ergonomics are generally good, but the manual car I piloted featured an offset pedal configuration that saw the clutch occupying the space you’d expect to find the brake. The facia has been carried over from the saloon, which is no bad thing since the updated interior is both solid and stylish, and the added seat bolstering both fore and aft is a welcome addition. In terms of the technological highlights, the optional Comand online system, which encompasses internet connectivity via the driver’s smartphone and onboard media storage, is the standout feature – although it only allows access to a selection of Mercedes online services when the car is in motion.
Driving
Our KZN launch route mainly comprised swift-moving motorway sections upon which the C-Coupe acquitted itself with the same impressive composure as the saloon. Refinement is good, with little road noise piercing the cabin, although the four-cylinder engine in the C180 BE model I piloted can become quite gruff under acceleration. The standard adaptive damping system managed to iron out all but the very worst road imperfections and the direct ratio steering in the six-cylinder models gives the car is very responsive and gives the car a surprisingly pointy demeanour. Having said that, the car doesn’t feel overly sporty – more composed and planted…much like the saloon. With 115 kW and 250 N.m of torque on offer, the base C180 BE was never going to be a ball of fire but it kept up with the traffic well enough, only requiring a downshift on uphills or when trying to nip into a gap. This model is mated with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Unlike Merc stick shifts of old, this unit is quite slick and precise with a weighty but easily modulated clutch.
Worth a look?
Viewed in isolation, there’s a lot to like about the C-Coupe. It’s handsome in a gender-neutral manner that will appeal to a wide audience, standard specification is marginally better than that of the equivalent saloon models, its road manners are composed (if not especially entertaining) and it’s solidly built. You can sort of understand Mercedes’ reluctance to stray too far from the C-saloon’s successful formula, but if you’ve sampled both cars you’ll find so little to differentiate the two that the saloon, with its proximity in terms of styling and road manners – as well as the practicality served up by two extra doors and useable rear accommodation – makes a bit more sense. The only instance in which the tables could possibly be turned on the saloon is when the AMG version, complete with mean body kit and Merc’s snarling 6,2-litre V8, arrives later this year.
View a gallery of the C-Class Coupe complete with full specifications