Mercedes-Benz has released the first details and images of the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class ahead of its Geneva Motor Show launch next month.
The new model isn't Benz's first attempt at crafting a C-Coupe, but it is a remarkably different approach. Unlike the C-Class Sportcoupe hatchback, sold here from 2002 to 2007, the new two-door C-Class isn't a basic, entry-level luxury compact. Instead of competing against Audi A3s, this C is gunning directly at BMW's 3-Series Coupe.
Exterior styling is certainly handsome, if not predictable. The new C-Class Coupe is almost the splitting image of the C-Class sedan, and even uses the same front fascia and fenders as its four-door siblings. Coupe models do receive a sweeping panoramic glass roof that's nearly an inch and a half lower than the sedan, and incorporates a very BMW-like kick in the quarter window design.
Inside, the cabin echoes the rest of the C-Class lineup and comes nicely equipped with a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim (Burl Walnut and Ash Olive Matte are also available), metallic accents, and a 5.8-inch COMAND display. Options include heated front seats, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and GPS navigation.
The engine lineup should mirror that of its Sedan sibling too, including the new four-cylinder engine in the C250 Sport. This means that the base engine for the C-Class Coupe will come with a 201 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill. It will be positioned below a V-6 model equipped with a 302 horsepower 3.5-liter engine that's claimed to be capable of sub 6.0 second 0-60 mph sprints and a fuel economy of 34.6 mpg for the European cycle.
Press Release
World premiere in Geneva
Model Cyl. cc Hp at
rpm Torque (lb-ft)
at rpm 0-60 mph (s) Top speed*
mph Fuel
mileage
mpg C250 4/in-line 1,796 201 @ 5,500 229 @
2,200 - 4,300 7.1* 130* 30 hwy/
24 comb. (est.)* C350 V6 3,498 302 @ 6,500 273 @
3,500 - 5,250 5.9* 130* 22 comb.
(est.)*
Chassis: agile handling and a high level of comfort The standard AGILITY CONTROL suspension complements the dynamic engines to perfection. This is based on an amplitude-dependent damping system: when driving normally with low shock absorber impulses, the damping forces are automatically reduced for a noticeable improvement in road noise and tire vibration - but without any compromise in handling safety. When shock absorber impulses increase, for example when cornering at speed or performing evasive maneuvers, the maximum damping forces are set and the car is effectively stabilized. The AGILITY CONTROL suspension is complemented by a rack-and-pinion steering system.Precision suspension: three-link front axle, multi-link independent rear suspension The front axle has a three-link construction with McPherson spring struts. The lower control arm consists of two separate elements which serve as torque and cross struts and are both made of aluminum. The third link in the front suspension is the tie rod which connects the transverse steering gear to the wheels. The reinforced anti-roll bar is connected to the spring strut which is likewise actively involved in directing the front wheels. With multi-link independent rear suspension, the wheel is attached to five flexibly mounted, independently acting control arms which restrict five of the available spatial movements: thanks to this intelligent control arm construction each rear wheel basically retains freedom of movement in one plane only, namely during controlled compression and rebound.Driver assistance systems provide warnings and intervene With nine airbags as standard, belt tensioners and belt-force limiters for all seats, the C-Class Coupe has extensive safety features. The airbags, which can deploy in milliseconds in the event of an accident, include front, side and pelvic airbags for the driver and front passenger, a kneebag on the driver's side, and headbags. The side protection system - comprising headbag and thoraxbag - optimizes the level of protection afforded to individual parts of the body. With a number of driving assistance systems ranging from standard ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection to optional Lane Keeping Assist, the coupe provides a comprehensive level of driver support and protection. The assistance systems are based on the latest radar, camera and sensor technology, and cover frequent accident causes such as distraction, fatigue and darkness. Assistance systems at a glance:
The new model isn't Benz's first attempt at crafting a C-Coupe, but it is a remarkably different approach. Unlike the C-Class Sportcoupe hatchback, sold here from 2002 to 2007, the new two-door C-Class isn't a basic, entry-level luxury compact. Instead of competing against Audi A3s, this C is gunning directly at BMW's 3-Series Coupe.
Exterior styling is certainly handsome, if not predictable. The new C-Class Coupe is almost the splitting image of the C-Class sedan, and even uses the same front fascia and fenders as its four-door siblings. Coupe models do receive a sweeping panoramic glass roof that's nearly an inch and a half lower than the sedan, and incorporates a very BMW-like kick in the quarter window design.
Inside, the cabin echoes the rest of the C-Class lineup and comes nicely equipped with a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim (Burl Walnut and Ash Olive Matte are also available), metallic accents, and a 5.8-inch COMAND display. Options include heated front seats, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and GPS navigation.
The engine lineup should mirror that of its Sedan sibling too, including the new four-cylinder engine in the C250 Sport. This means that the base engine for the C-Class Coupe will come with a 201 horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mill. It will be positioned below a V-6 model equipped with a 302 horsepower 3.5-liter engine that's claimed to be capable of sub 6.0 second 0-60 mph sprints and a fuel economy of 34.6 mpg for the European cycle.
Press Release
World premiere in Geneva
- 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
rpm
at rpm
mph
mileage
mpg
2,200 - 4,300
24 comb. (est.)*
3,500 - 5,250
(est.)*
- Anti-lock braking system ABS
- Adaptive Highbeam Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Blind Spot Assist
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- Electronic Stability Program ESP®
- Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination
- PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance