Merc’s CLC hatchback was not one of my favourite models in the German carmaker’s extensive range.
Until recently it sold alongside the current C-Class sedan range – which was a cheeky move by the Germans as the CLC was based on the previous-generation C-Class, had an outdated interior, and exterior design lines that didn’t do it too many favours (in my opinion). It drove like an older-generation C-Class too, and meant consumers were paying for a new car that actually wasn’t new.
Though not strictly its replacement (the next-generation CLC is under development), the new C-Class Coupé fills the gap left by the CLC in Merc’s passenger-car range and is a quantum leap forward. It’s like the aircon in Merc’s Stuttgart design department started working again and the boys with the colouring pencils had an injection of fresh oxygen to the brain.
I mean look at this car. I think it’s a stunner. It’s based on the latest-generation (and recently facelifted) C-Class sedan, but has the high-heeled catwalk charisma to stand its ground. The sedan is the last thing you think off when admiring those sloping coupé rear lines, that rear window design and that sporty short tail end. The front is standard C-Class fare, but the trained eye will notice a different radiator grille.
Inside the coupé gets different front seats with integrated head restraints – due to the various movements the seats need to make to let rear passengers in and out. Having said that, the seats did catch against the roof on the odd occasion when letting people through. The seats have to be sunk lower down to avoid this. Rear seating is strictly a two-person affair, divided by a plastic divider with a storage nook – which is also something to bear in mind if your family (or social circle) is on the larger side. Rear legroom is also not exactly generous, average-sized adults felt cramped back there.
The dashboard and general finishes are in line with the sedan’s recent upgrade, and are sporty and practical. I especially liked the look of the steering wheel and the sports pedals in our test car. One very handy trick which Merc could have picked up from BMW though is seatbelt extenders. It’s basically a little plastic arm which the 3-Series Coupé has that pushes the seatbelt forward making it easier to reach. In the C-Class Coupé you have to stretch far back to grab the belt.
On test here is the C250 Blue Efficiency, which contrary to any suggestions the badge makes is actually a 1.8-litre turbo producing 150kW and 310Nm. It certainly felt spritely and stronger than the small turbo’d four-cylinder which it is. Our 8.3 second 0-100km/h sprint time at altitude proved that though not quite ready to take on the hot hatches, it’s a decent performer (the carmaker claims 7.2 at sea level).
The 7G-Tronic Plus auto ‘box is also quite good, but depending on your taste you may wander between the Economy and Standard settings. Economy is the default setting, but tends be a little on the lazy side. It will look for the highest and most economical gear it can find, leaving the car feeling sluggish – especially when you’re trying to get through traffic. The Standard setting is far more realistic. It’s not a woes setting by any means and won’t keep the Merc over-revving, but keeps the engine very responsive to throttle inputs. My 10.5l/100km consumption could be a result of the Standard mode though (Merc claims 7).
Handling, in a word, was confident. The Coupé felt more planted than C-Class sedans I’ve tested, but this could be due in part to our test car being specced with the optional AMG sports package. Spending R28 000 on the pack gets you a 15mm lowered suspension; hardware and shorter springs; tauter shocks; stronger torsion bars and speed-sensitive sports steering. Money well spent if you ask me.
I put the C250 through our ride and handling track and being rear-wheel drive expected the back to get a little tail happy. Beside the odd screeching tyre the power to weight setup seemed to be in balance and the Coupé almost enjoyed some of the abuse being hurled its way. I especially liked the turn-in and feedback from the steering set-up. All C Coupés get Agility Control suspension which electronically controls damping depending on driving circumstances for a sportier ride.
VERDICT:
The message is clear, there’s officially a C-Class for the younger crowd. The new C-Class Coupé has the look and the driving dynamics to attract the aspirant executive who would normally look elsewhere. At R494 000 it’s also just twenty five grand more than its sedan equivalent, making it good value for money.
Expect the bad boy C63 AMG Coupé in South Africa next year – finally Merc will have a coupé to take on the BMW M3. We can’t wait. -Star Motoring