I’ve posted some information about the new 2012 C class line up on the blog recently, mostly info about the slight changes to the C class sedan and the new engine offerings from Mercedes-Benz on their very brisk selling entry level sports sedan. This week I came across the official press release from Mercedes-Benz about the new C class Coupe that’s being introduced at the Geneva Auto show in two weeks. I’ve pasted a piece of the official press release below the photos.
I must say, the C coupe looks awfully good and considering it’s probably going to be priced at, or just below, $40,000… it looks like a nice package that won’t break the bank. The new engine choices (including the new 4 cylinder Turbo) should be great for gas mileage and the availaibility of options like the Driver Assist Package that used to only be found on models higher up the Mercedes-Benz food chain is refreshing.
Interesting Fuel Economy and engine spec info by engine type:
Link to previous Dave Knows Cars article on the 2012 C class, changes and new offerings.
Excerpt from the official Mercedes-Benz Press Release:
The perfect shape: the C-Class Coupe
- In a class of its own: expressive, dramatic coupe design
- Drive and vigor: two powerful direct-injection engines to choose from
- Helping hand: numerous assistance systems available
- Connected: new generation of telematics
The new MY2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe will debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1 and make its way to U.S. showrooms in September. The 302-hp C350 and 201-hp C250 include the progressive technology featured on the upcoming MY2012 C-Class sedan, but packaged in a coupe design that combines pure driving fun with exemplary efficiency.
“By extending the C-Class portfolio, we are consciously targeting new customers,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars. “The new model is youthful, stylish and expressive. What we are offering is an exceptionally sporty way to enter the world of the Mercedes-Benz coupe.”
Dramatic design with classic coupe proportions
From the side, the new coupe captivates the onlooker with its compact proportions, low silhouette (1.5 inches flatter than the sedan) with powerful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupe features include the short front overhang, long hood, steeply raked windshield and long, sloping roof. The greenhouse extends far beyond the rear axle to an aggressive short rear end.
While the wedge-shaped, sloping beltline provides a link to the C-Class sedan, its strong upsweep into the C-pillar is an entirely distinctive element. This part of the beltline trim moves sharply upwards to meet the roofline trim and not only adds an aggressive touch to the side windows but also enhances the powerful shoulders.
Front and rear: truly a coupe, truly C-Class
At the front, the new coupe shares the same styling as the latest C-Class sedan and yet still has its own personality. The front view is dominated by the prominent radiator grille surround including the bumper. The center air intake opens upwards, forming a visual base for the radiator grille, which has the double-louvre style typical of a coupe. Two chrome louvers extend on either side of the central star, tapering off at the outer edges and creating an aggressive, arrow-shaped horizontal sweep which gives the front end a pronounced V-shape.
This continues into the side sections which extend from beneath the headlamps and blend into the feature lines along the vehicle’s length, thereby linking the front end with the sides. The side air intakes in the bumper featuring integrated horizontal daytime running lamps are positioned low, giving the coupe a road-hugging appearance. The shape of the clear-lens headlamps creates a dramatic impression, and acts together with the hood, radiator grille and bumper trim to reinforce the pronounced front section.
From the rear, the new C-Class Coupe looks athletically compact. The appearance of length is reduced by the flowing roof beyond the rear axle, steeply raked rear window and fluid C-pillars. A wide groove at the top of the trunk lid, which is based on the side panel, emphasizes the rear’s compactness. Positioning the tail lights as far apart as possible emphasizes width. This particular impression of depth is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in front of the red upper and lower lights with their more deeply set LEDs. Continuous, horizontal light-catching contours in the bumper further accentuate the broad, deep-set effect. A diffuser towards the bottom of the rear bumper between the tailpipe trim makes the rear end look lighter and gives the vehicle a distinctively sporty and dramatic quality.