2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is affordable yet offers high-class style and performance

(Mercedes-Benz)

When the Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan was released last year, it was well received given its attractive new look, plush interiors and powerful specs. Now, with the release of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class luxury coupe, the German automaker hopes for the coupe to attain the same successful trajectory.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe was unveiled last month during the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show and comes with significant improvements over its predecessor. According to Oliver Wiech, AMG vehicle development chief, "we felt a duty to lift it to the next level."

The new C-Class coupe comes with a sportier two-door set-up. The coupe features a sporty and muscular look with chiseled and sensual lines. It features new black mesh grilles, LED daytime running lights, wide horizontal LED taillights, an upright windshield and a sloping greenhouse. There is also a standard panorama roof that has been equipped with heat-rejecting tinted glass.

The coupe also features classic proportions. The suspension has been lowered by 0.6 of an inch, the roofline is 1.6-inch lower and the ride height is also 0.8-inch lower. The steering was also recalibrated to improve driving dynamics. Given its proportions, the C-Class coupe is lighter than its predecessor.

The C-Class coupe comes in several models.

The standard C300 has been outfitted with Daimler's 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission that provides 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. It comes with a rear-wheel drive but can be configured to have the 4Matic all-wheel drive system.

The C450 AMG Sport coupe gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 engine with 329 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. It comes with the 4Matic all-wheel drive and attains top speed of 155 mph.

Mercedes-AMG has also unveiled their top-tier high-performance variants, the C63 and the C63S coupes. They are powered by AMG's 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that provides 469 horsepower and 503 horsepower respectively. The C63 coupe goes from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds and achieves a top speed of 155 mph.

In terms of interiors, the coupe share similarities with the plush C-Class sedan. It features rich materials, four sports seats and the latest tech gadgets. It comes with Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system with a large display, smartphone connectivity and a navigation system.

The optional Sport package also gives flat-bottomed steering wheel, alloy pedals and light alloy exteriors.

Standard safety features include the semi-automated parking assistant, a 360-degree camera system, the semi-autonomous Dsitronic Plus with Steering Assist adaptive cruise control system, standard attention assist monitors, collision prevention assist, adaptive brake assist and enhanced lane keeping assist.

Prices for the C-Class coupe variants range from $40,000 to $70,000 depending on the trim grades and configurations.

The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is expected to arrive at dealers by Spring 2016.

 

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