That looks quite smart for a Mercedes C-class Sports Coupe…
Indeed it does, and even through the disguise we can see the latest addition to the burgeoning C-class family is better to look at than today’s stumpily truncated model. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2008, the Sports Coupe will mirror the engine range of the C-class saloon, although there won’t be a C63 AMG version for horsepower fanatics. However, while the front might resemble the new C-class, looks can be deceiving…
You mean it’s not just a shorter C-class underneath?
It’s a shorter C-class alright, but just not the current car. The front end of the new Sports Coupe is indeed new, to support the latest engines and dashboard, but from the A-pillar back it’s the old car. You can clearly see the retained roofline is identical to the current car’s (inset). Thanks to that new front end, the engines will range from a supercharged 1.8-litre (180 Kompressor) up to a 3.5-litre V6, while the diesel line-up will start with a 2.2-litre (200 CDI) and rise to a 3.0-litre V6 (320 CDI).
But the Sports Coupe is the same car at the back?
Pretty much, although the looks are more resolved. However, you can still see through this disguise that the locations of the rear lights, and in fact all the bodywork, have the same hard points. Previously Mercedes had the stubby premium car market to themselves, especially since the equally awkward-looking BMW 3-series Compact died. But Merc’s Munich rivals now have a very competent 1-series Coupe. And while that car’s looks might polarise opinion, the driving experience won’t.
Will the Sports Coupe need the new C-class’s Sport bodykit?
Yes. The new C-class is a smart-looking car, but it’s still rather middle-aged and dour in SE or Elegance spec. The Sport spec brings AMG wheels and bodykit, plus a striking grille-mounted three-point star which makes the C-class look better than a 3-series to our eyes. All Sports Coupes will have the new Merc family look, with those distinctively angular headlights. The S-class, ML and GL started the ball rolling, the C-class followed them up, and soon the SL will follow suit, in both standard and AMG Black specs. Meanwhile, the CLS and SLK will stick with their curvier design.
Is anything else coming from the C-class family?
Don’t forget the new GLK. It’s Merc’s X3 competitor, and is based on the four-wheel drive C-class estate, which is only available on the Continent. The means no baby Merc SUV for the right-hook UK. The next big thing for Mercedes is its new new E-class that will come with hybrid power, and after that we’ll see the McLaren P11-rivalling SLC supercar. Look out for the Sports Coupe going on sale towards the end of spring 2008, but don’t expect it to start under £20k like the current car does. Even the most basic C-class saloon costs £23k nowadays – proving that Mercedes knows how to do premium pricing better than most…