2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe First Impressions
 

Mercedes-Benz chose the historic city of Seville in which to introduce the world to their latest family member, the C-Class Coupe. Given Seville’s rich history–which includes hosting Expo 1992–it was a fitting location and provided easy access to the rolling hills and scenic roads spanning Spain’s Sierra Norte Nature Park.

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</td> </tr> <tr> <td id="image_1_caption" class="caption" style="padding: 0px 6px;">The C-Class Coupe is expected to come ashore September’ish this year. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com)</td> </tr> </tbody> </table>
There’s little doubt that Mercedes has been eyeing the success BMW is enjoying with their 1 Series and 3 Series coupes, not to mention Audi’s high-fives thanks to their popular A5 coupe. Wanting a piece of the coupe action makes sense, but given the quality and performance thresholds of the aforementioned Euro guns, Mercedes knew it needed new firepower to compete.

What arrives on Canadian shores
The C-Class Coupe is expected to come ashore September’ish this year—but not the full range of units will find Canadian owners. There are no diesel-powered C-Class coupes planned for Canada; we’re limited to the economical 4-cylinder C250, the V6-powered C350 and the formidable V8-powered C63 AMG.

The 1.8-litre turbo four-banger of the C250 is pegged at 201 horsepower and rated at a commendable 6.5 L/100 km in combined city and highway driving. The C350 ups the power and performance equation with a 3.5-litre V6 capable of outputting 302 horsepower; its combined city and highway economy is rated at 6.8 L/100 km. Both powerplants utilize direct injection technology.

Completely transforming the nature of the C-Class is the thunderous bravado of the C63 AMG execution of this compact coupe. The 6.2-litre, AMG hand-built mill is capable of 451 palpable horsepower. Add the optional Performance Package and an additional 30 horses gallop forth for a grand total of 481 snorting stallions.

There’s not much point in talking fuel economy with such a mill but nevertheless, Mercedes-Benz data claims a combined city and highway rating of 12.0 L/100 km.

All of the C-Class Coupes receive a 7-speed Mercedes G-Tronic automatic transmission featuring shorter shift times and reduced slippage over conventional autoboxes. Regardless of which powertrain breathes beneath its long bonnet, the C-Class Coupe is a brash expression of the Mercedes-Benz ideals.

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