Mercedes is readying a new coupé version of the C-class for launch in 2011. Aimed squarely at the Audi A5 and BMW 3-series Coupé set, the new 2011 C-class coupé will revive the CLK range which many had written off after the arrival of the new E-class Coupé.
In line with the new CL being rebranded S-class Coupé, the new two-door C will be badged C-class Coupé. It’s due for launch in March 2011.
So it’ll be a mini E-class Coupé?
Pretty much, yes. Our sources claim the two models will look quite different, despite sharing plenty of hardware under the skin. In fact, they’re more more closely related than Mercedes would like us to know. How close? Well, why don´t you check out the wheelbase which is an identical 2760mm for the C-class, the C-class Coupé and the E-class Coupé?
Although beauty is in the eye of the beholder, the C Coupé promises to be much prettier than the overstyled two-door E-class. We haven’t yet seen the car, but the main image above show an early design sketch for the two-door E-class – giving a flavour of current coupé thinking in Stuttgart. The front and rear ends will be adopted from the C-class saloon/wagon which are to be facelifted early in 2011 anyway. This explains the more sculptured bonnet, the restyled lights and the enlarged nasal air intakes.
Will the 2011 C-class Coupé be a two-pairs-of-pants-and-a-toothbrush weekend-away car?
Far from it, our sources suggest. The boot of the new two-door C-class holds the same 475 litres as the four-door model. And the revised interior happens to be almost identical in space to the C and E coupés.
Inside you’ll find major improvements over today´s C-class. There’s a repositioned and enlarged sat-nav monitor, an easier to use Comand system and a host of extra-cost driver assistance systems such as lane guidance, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, night vision, automatic parking aids, cornering lights and cruise control with brake actuation.
The 2011 C-class Coupé range in full
Prices will start at around £2000 above the equivalent C-class saloon. Pick from the following five models:
• C180 CGI 1.8litre/156bhp
• C250 CGI 1.8litre/204bhp
• C350 CGI 3.5litre V6/306bhp
• C220 CDI 2.2litre/170bhp
• C250 CDI 2.2litre/204bhp
The proposed C-class Cabriolet is on ice. The attractive soft-top was mothballed to protect the barely roomier but notably more profitable E-class Convertible.