AIMS: Benz goes coupe-crazy

NOT content with launching upgraded C-class sedan, S-class limousine, R-class people-mover and G-class off-roader models in Australia this year, Mercedes-Benz will use this week’s Melbourne motor show opening to debut its all-new C-class Coupe and redesigned SLK and CLS models.

Pricing for the sleek new C-class Coupe range – including Mercedes’ first legitimate rival for BMW’s iconic M3 Coupe – was announced last week, at $58,900 (plus on-road costs) for the base C200 BlueEfficiency, $69,900 for both the petrol C250 B/E and diesel C250 CDI B/E, and $99,900 for the petrol V6-powered C350 B/E.

Topping the C-class Coupe range that will replace the CLC coupe in local Benz showrooms by late August will be the C63 AMG Coupe, priced at $154,800 plus ORCs – commanding a mere $2000 price premium over the C63 AMG sedan and undercutting the M3 Coupe by a mere $200.

Also in showrooms in August is the MkIII SLK roadster, which makes its Australian debut in Melbourne and will be priced from $82,900 plus ORCs for the 135kW 1.8-litre turbo-petrol SLK200 BlueEfficiency, making it nearly $10,000 cheaper than the two-seater coupe-convertible model it replaces.

Left: Mercedes-Benz SLK. Below: Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG.

With an AMG version of the new SLK yet to emerge, the petrol V6 SLK350 will top the new SLK range for now at $118,900 plus ORCs, while the SLK300-replacing 150kW SLK250 BlueEfficiency will slot in underneath when it arrives here alongside the new SLK AMG in early 2012.

Also in the pipeline from Mercedes in August is a 350 CDI version of the recently facelifted C-class sedan, marking the arrival of the Stuttgart marque’s cracking 195kW/620Nm V6 turbo-diesel from the E-class and CLS. The upgraded C350 CDI will cost $95,150 plus ORCs.

Launched last week and available now with V6 petrol and diesel CLS350 variants priced at $159,200 plus ORCs, the low-slung second-generation CLS sedan line-up also includes the V8 CLS500 BlueEfficiency ($210,800) and range-topping twin-turbo CLS63 AMG ($263,500).