Frankfurt show: Benz uncovers C-Class Coupe

MERCEDES-BENZ has lifted the lid on its new-generation C-Class Coupe, set for an Australian debut mid next year following its official unveiling at the Frankfurt motor show next month.

The swoopy coupe carries similar front end styling to that of its four-door sedan sibling, while the tail end features a look similar to its larger S-Class Coupe sibling.

Benz says the 60mm longer bonnet, low greenhouse, high beltline and frameless doors with free-standing mirrors make for a sporty look, while a ride height 15mm lower than the sedan lends a more capable stance.

The latest iteration of the C-Class two-door is 95mm longer, 40mm wider with a 80mm-longer wheelbase than the outgoing version, making for a more spacious cabin with extra shoulder, elbow and head room than before.

From its European launch, Benz will offer four petrol and two diesel Euro 6-compliant four-cylinder engines that, according to the German giant, consume 27 per cent less fuel than the old model.

Kicking off the the petrol line-up is the 1.6-litre of the C180 producing 115kW, which matches the power output of the outgoing C180, followed by a trio of 2.0-litre units including the 135kW C200, 155kW C250, and 180kW C300 unit.

Diesel power is represented by a choice of either base 125kW or a 150kW version.

Torque, performance and fuel economy figures are yet to be release by Benz, but should surface at Frankfurt.

The engine allocation for Australia is also not yet known, but GoAuto understands that the new-gen line-up will mimic that of the outgoing Coupe, which includes one diesel (currently the 150kW C250 CDI), a pair of base four-cylinder petrols, a C350 with a V6 and a V8-powered AMG performance hero.

When it arrives, the V6 will likely sit under the bonnet of a C450 AMG Sport variant and will almost certainly be the same 270kW/520Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 powertrain from the sedan equivalent. It is expected that the whole range will launch at the same time Down Under.

The full bore C63 AMG which will be revealed at Frankfurt, is not expected to differ from the sedan and Estate's powertrain of a 375kW 4.0-litre twin turbocharged V8.

The C-Class Coupe is lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the use of more aluminium than before with light alloy components such as the bonnet, wings, and bootlid. High-strength materials have strengthened the Coupe, which Benz says has improved driving dynamics, noise levels and safety. The company is also claiming a “leading” drag coefficient figure of 0.26 Cd.

Underneath, the Coupe gets a new four-link front axle and independent multi-link rear suspension. Optional Agility Control adds a “sporty character”, with sports suspension, stiffer springs and dampers, while Sports Direct-Steer system further improves handling.

Standard and Agility Control suspension is steel-sprung but Benz offers optional Airmatic air suspension featuring continuously adjustable damping on the front and rear axle. Driving modes include Eco, Comfort, Sport, Sport + and Individual.

On the safety front the C-Class Coupe gets Attention Assist, Collision Prevention Assist Plus with Adaptive Brake Assist which boost braking power at speeds of up to 200km/h to help avoid collisions, while a city-centric emergency braking system works up to 50km/h in response to stationary vehicles.

Options include Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot (adaptive cruise control), a cross-traffic braking system, lane-keeping assist, Pre-Safe Plus, parking assistant, a 360-degree camera, adaptive high-beam, and a traffic sign display.

Inside the Coupe resembles the sedan, although it features individual touches and panels to give it a more sporting feel, including sports seats designed specifically for the Coupe.

An AMG Line is available and adds special AMG bumpers, and sills, a diamond grille with chrome pins, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, while the interior gains Artico man-made leather, Dinamica microfibre upholstery in black with contrasting stitching, a multifunction sports steering wheel with a flat bottom and AMG sports pedals.

Mercedes-Benz Australia/Pacific manager of public relations and product communications Jerry Stamoulis told GoAuto that the C-Class Coupe would arrive in about mid-2016, and looks set to better the still-strong sales of the existing model.

“We can't talk official numbers but considering the look and what the vehicle will do, it is positioned slightly sportier than the outgoing car, we expect higher numbers than we are currently doing but as for how high we will have to wait and see,” he said.

The current model continues to sell strongly, and is the second best-selling offering in the over $80,000 sportscar segment in Australia. Year to date, Benz has sold 1020 units, while arch-rival BMW has shifted 1198 examples of its much newer 4 Series coupe to the end of July.