2012 C-Class coupe

[ocnblu]

2012 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe - World premiere in Geneva

February 13, 2011

• 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

2012 Mercedes Benz C-Class Coupe Media Gallery

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.

Highest quality with exclusive color accents

The instrument panel features three tube rings with a metallic finish, the new three-spoke steering wheel features a flat bottom and comes standard with shift paddles. The surfaces of the controls are finely detailed and metallic. The stepped top of the dashboard also accommodates the standard 5.8-inch central display and continues onto the front passenger side as a discreet light-catching contour. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside are highlighted in detail by metallic trim. The control panel of the new center stack has silver-colored keys, while the combination of matte keys, high-gloss areas and a new controller knob design underline the high quality of the interior.

A large section of trim highlights the dashboard, extending from the center air vents across the front passenger side to the outer air vent, emphasizing the interior's generous proportions. Aluminum trim is standard on the C250 Coupe, while the C350 Coupe features rich Burl Walnut. Unique Ash Olive Matte Wood Trim is optionally available.

The C-Class Coupe is a fully fledged four-seater featuring four sporty, comfortable seats with integrated headrests. If desired, the backrests in the rear can be folded to extend the storage area.

Enhanced telematics with more ease of operation and attractive good looks

The C-Class Coupe features the new telematics generation. Major new features include greater operating convenience, larger displays, phone book transfer, wireless Bluetooth audio streaming and a USB interface now located in the center armrest.

Integrated services include SIRIUS weather information and a special destination search via Google, as well as the option of downloading a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps and sent to the car. The optional COMAND navigation system also has a new 3D display with city views.

Driving routes covered can now be recorded and recalled later, specific personal destinations can be saved or imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map including an especially economical route.

Plenty of performance, low fuel consumption

There is a choice of two new direct-injection gasoline engines to power the C-Class Coupe and both models are equipped with a more fuel efficient 7-speed automatic transmission.

The V6 gasoline engine in the C350 features the efficient BlueDIRECT injection and delivers 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Average combined fuel consumption is 22 mpg (estimated). The four-cylinder gasoline engine in the C250 also features direct injection and is turbocharged, offering high performance and exemplary economy.

The engines for the C-Class Coupe:

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.)* * Please note, estimated figures.

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:

• 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

Imagine a reasonably-sized luxury coupe with a manageable, low beltline, real quarter windows and a delineated deckline. No backup camera or parking sensors necessary. Style over function gets old. Are you listening, Cadillac?

This post has been promoted to an article

[Intrepidation]

Too bad its no longer a hardtop, the only real unique (by modern terms) design feature the otherwise somewhat bland coupe has had.

[Robert Hall]

The greenhouse looks way too much like the Accord. Understandable that they would do it w/ the fixed b-pillar, though, to distinguish it from the slightly larger E-class coupe. So now after many decades, Merc finally has a 3-series coupe competitor..

[Drew Dowdell]

I could totally see myself driving that.

[Robert Hall]

Imagine a reasonably-sized luxury coupe with a manageable, low beltline, real quarter windows and a delineated deckline. No backup camera or parking sensors necessary. Style over function gets old. Are you listening, Cadillac?

The decklid looks to be about a foot lower than the CTS.. Though the E-class coupe is more the competitor of the CTS...the ATS coupe whenever it comes out (2015? 2020?) will compete w/ this car...

[pow]

Thoroughly underwhelming and predictable for a coupe. It's a great car underneath, but I'd take the sedan instead. The C63, on the other hand...

[smk4565]

I like it, it looks well proportioned and has nice lines. I like C-class sedan as well, I think the C class looks better than the E-class. Finally Mercedes got a 300 hp V6, so that is good, and the 4-cylinder option will cater to the greenies that think speed is evil. I think a diesel is supposed to be on this car soon too, to it does give consumers a lot of options.

[FAPTurbo]

The Accord Coupe has more exciting design than this. This is so stolid, and boring, as if Mercedes is not even trying.

[Cory Wolfe]

This is everything a coupe shouldn't be.

[balthazar]

I wouldn't exactly call that a "short" front overhang.

And I hate the way the chromed trim around the side glass stops at the black plastic mirror base- that's a lame cut corner right there.

Otherwise the design is rather generic in profile.

[regfootball]

Bland design, archaic proportions.

Gunslit windows aside I wouldmuch rather have A cts coupe.

The g8 had proper modern rwd proportions to me.

[ocnblu]

This is everything a coupe shouldn't be.

What on Earth... a coupe "shouldn't be" a 2-door version of a sedan? The modern problem with coupes is... they are made to be too precious and special, rendering them impractical. This is a delightful return to sanity in the coupe market. It is user-friendly, something a luxury car should be. A luxury car should not make you too nervous to stick it in reverse because you cannot see a damn thing behind you, except for the camera image. True luxury cars make your life easier.

[Drew Dowdell]

What on Earth... a coupe "shouldn't be" a 2-door version of a sedan? The modern problem with coupes is... they are made to be too precious and special, rendering them impractical. This is a delightful return to sanity in the coupe market. It is user-friendly, something a luxury car should be. A luxury car should not make you too nervous to stick it in reverse because you cannot see a damn thing behind you, except for the camera image. True luxury cars make your life easier.

Just goes to show that you can't really please anyone. Cadillac makes a coupe that is on the radical side and it gets panned for being too radical. MB makes a coupe that is more on the mainstream side and it get panned for being bland.

[ocnblu]

The Cadillac CTS coupe is a welcome addition to the line. But it could have been made beautiful without impairing its function, which is that of an automobile, not a showpiece.

[Satty]

Nice, but not better looking than the CTS coupe

[smk4565]

This car is better looking than the CTS coupe. The CTS coupe looks bulky and overweight. The C-class is no Jaguar XK but I find no faults with the exterior design of it.

[Satty]

Being uninteresting is a huge fault.

[regfootball]

Mercedes really mailed this one in. Are German cars becoming irrelevant?

Should be interesting to see by how much the ATS coupe or hatch whatever it is, outdoes this.

Just as we are ready to witness the decline of the in line 6 in the 3 series, i am quite befuddled as to why this thing has such a gargantuan hood.

"We want 50/50 weight distribution so bad we'll just push the front seats back another foot"

G6 coupe to me is still one of the best modern coupe forms, despite its functional drawbacks.

Edited February 14, 2011 by regfootball

[Robert Hall]

Bland design, archaic proportions.

Nothing wrong w/ the proportions..it's RWD, not a FWD generic..

[Lamar]

Not as sexy as the A5/S5, but still a clean design IMO. Basically a C-Class sedan minus two doors.

I have no problem with this car.

Also, I expect no AMG version.

[pow]

Also, I expect no AMG version.

There *is* going to be one... it was previewed in their Super Bowl ad.

[Intrepidation]

It's got nothing on the A/S5

[bobo]

Nice two-door sedan. Far better than the last C-Class coupe hatchback thing that should have stayed in Europe. This bodystyle is such a no-brainer with BMW's success with the 3-Series. I find it odd that Lexus still hasn't done a proper coupe version of the IS, though one is rumored to be on the way for the next generation.

[Cory Wolfe]

What on Earth... a coupe "shouldn't be" a 2-door version of a sedan? The modern problem with coupes is... they are made to be too precious and special, rendering them impractical. This is a delightful return to sanity in the coupe market. It is user-friendly, something a luxury car should be. A luxury car should not make you too nervous to stick it in reverse because you cannot see a damn thing behind you, except for the camera image. True luxury cars make your life easier.

Let me revise my statement. This is everything a coupe from Mercedes shouldn't be.

Having driven the CTS, the visibility out back isn't as terrible as it may seem and the rear seat isn't completely inhabitable. It's on the same page as every other luxury coupe in its class, yet it's not stale in the design department like this one. Speaking of which, I can't remember the last time a back-up camera wasn't standard affair between the 3 series, A5, and C class. People who shop in this class are used to relying on back-up cameras and sensors these days. Why is it such a problem for the CTS coupe?

[Lamar]

There *is* going to be one... it was previewed in their Super Bowl ad.

Forgot all about that. Good call.

I guess I made that statement since there won't be an E63 AMG coupe (for whatever reason).

It's got nothing on the A/S5

My mom of all people wants an S5.

[regfootball]

Nothing wrong w/ the proportions..it's RWD, not a FWD generic..

my point being rwd is on its way out the door globally

[regfootball]

It's got nothing on the A/S5

i've warmed up to the a5 / s5.....it is better than the c class. big time.

[Turbojett]

I like this thing a lot. It's got classic proportions and a clean design. The Caddy, the Audi and the BMW look better, but the C is still rather fetching. Plus it's got more brand history (read: label-snobbery) than any of the aforementioned cars.

...and I fully expect an AMG version, and it will be badass.

Edited February 18, 2011 by Turbojett

[Robert Hall]

I like the look overall...though I prefer the more dramatic styling and hardtop of the E-Class coupe, but there will be a big price difference no doubt.

[Potluck]

It's the Accord coupe for people who will only buy something with the three pointed star.