Launch Drive: Big changes for C-Class Coupe

What is it?

Part of the drop down menu that emerges when you hover the mouse cursor over the C-Class icon, although we’d be so bold as to give new C-Class Coupe its own space such are the raft of changes. An elegant looking thing that corrects some of the sedan’s less desirable styling cues, it arrives nearly eighteen months after the C-Class sedan. The beguiling coupe carries the responsibility of being the entry point to a two-door, sporty four-seater three-pointed star and for now comes with a choice of three powertrains with AMG models to follow around midyear.

What’s it like?

Somewhere between dramatically different and regular C Class. Like the C-Class echoes the styling of the S-Class, so does the C-Class Coupe ape S-Coupe. Those flatter and wider taillights neatly tighten the car’s tapered silhouette but there’s a lot more subtle sculpting to it than one first realizes.

Mercedes will use all sorts of jargon to describe it. Gems like “dropping lines” and “vivid light and shadow effects” but in more understandable tongue C-Class Coupe is 15mm lower than the sedan while being 95mm longer and 40mm wider than its predecessor, increases which can be felt inside the cabin. Gains that, if not careful, could compromise the car’s agile stance but yet the overhangs are perfect and it’s the first Mercedes in a long time that appears confident from all angles without needing the bigger wheels or optional trim lines.

Behind frameless doors a variety of materials range from brushed aluminium, gloss black surfaces and sumptuous leather for the specifically-developed sports seats. The hand crafted feel lingers on every sense and the centre console sweeps upwards to cocoon occupants with an affection the sedan never could pretend to offer. Functionally similar to sedan, its presentation is sleeker and with these small improvements your focus sharpens to conduct precise inputs on the steering and throttle.

There is no shortage of gadgets and it’s really only a few technological features short of matching the E-Class – coming to SA later this year – while everything else from several autonomous features, touch interface, intelligent lighting, collision prevention are encouraged if you want to narrow the gap to S-Class.

There won’t be any concerns when the AMG versions arrive; the chassis and steering configured for a racy attitude with terrific feedback accompanied by very little body lean. A new 4-link front axle sets it apart from the sedan and the effect is profound; an easy car to find a smooth rhythm and the aerodynamic shape effortlessly glides through the air, bringing with it good communication from the road. It’s no overstatement to say our favourite modestly-powered Mercedes currently on sale.

Engine nomenclature can be confusing but the entry-level C200 and the 180kW C300 both use the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo. Of the two petrols the 135kW C200 has ample urgency and uses the 7G tronic gears smartly but the diesel’s 125kW 400Nm output disappointed in midrange punch and clashed with the car’s svelte attitude.

Should I buy one?

Previously you’d need to buy a lot of badge for something that has this sort of jaw-dropping presence and calling it a C-Class doesn’t quite cover the enormity of updates that have taken place. Kudos to Mercedes’ fighting spirit during a time when car companies are trying to consolidate ranges or keep changes within a small degree. This sort of bravery will stand Mercedes in good stead as margins become even tighter.