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2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe Preview

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Marie-Laurence Paquin
Pros and Cons*
Pros

A choice selection of models, a powerful - yet frugal - 4-cylinder engine, all-wheel drive option … just a few of this well-balanced Coupe’s many advantages.

Cons

However, the two-door C-Class has some things working against it, namely its lack of a manual transmission, the unavailability of a diesel engine in Canada and its tight-fit backseat. Moreover, the C-250 cannot be set up in all-wheel drive and the price of certain models are uncomfortably close to the E-Class.


Price
Delivered with 17-inch wheels and a power tilt and telescoping steering column, the basic model, the C 250, starts at $40,800. A choice of option packages are also offered: the AMG Sport Performance Package for $3,000, the Driving Assist Package for $800, the Bi-xenon Headlights Package for $1,000, the Sport Package for $1,900 and the Premium Package for $3,000.

The C 350 is available for $49,900. Along with 18-inch wheels, the price includes the Dynamic Handling Package with adjustable suspension and continuously variable damping, the Sport Package and the Heated Mirror Package.

You can order, as an option, the Premium Seating Package for $2,200, the Sport Package for $1,200 and the Premium Package for $4,000.

The C 350 is also available in permanent all-wheel drive (4MATIC) for $51,400, that is, $1,500 more than the rear-wheel drive model.

The most powerful model, the C 63 AMG, has many extra features, including AMG carbon fibre mirror covers, a double-lamella radiator grille, 18-inch, 5-twin-spoke, light-alloy wheels, a sports exhaust system with two tailpipes, flared front fenders, side skirts, leather sports seats and sports pedals…all yours for $67,700.

The Performance Package is sold as an option for $6,000 and includes red brake calipers, electronic speed limiter deletion, limited-slip rear differential, a carbon fibre trim and an extra 30 hp (totalling 481 in all).

Fuel Economy
The Mercedes-Benz Coupe C 250’s 4-cylinder engine consumes 9.6 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 L/100 km on the highway. The C 350’s V6 is rated at 10.7 L/100 km – city and 7.2 L/100 km – highway. The C 350 4MATIC is almost rated the same, with a 0.1 L/100 km difference.

The C 63 AMG is more fuel hungry at 15.8 L/100 km – city and 10.1 L/100 km – highway.

New and Improved for 2013
  • Some style modifications of the 2012 model
  • Some standard equipment now optional
  • ECO start/stop function on V6 versions
Exterior Styling
Defined by elegance and refinement, this two-door, sports coupe features deep-set air inlets bordered by headlights and a double-lamella grille, an iconic marker of the brand. The Coupe makes its presence known with LED-lined rear lights.

Drivetrain
The C 250 is equipped with a turbo, 4-cylinder, 1.8-litre engine delivering 201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. The rear wheels are coupled with an automatic 7G-TRONIC PLUS engine.

The C 350, available in two-wheel or all-wheel drive, is propelled by a 3.5-litre, V6 engine that packs 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, also coupled with a 7-speed automatic transmission.

Under the hood of the Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, you’ll find a 6.2-litre V8 engine which yields 451 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The 7-speed, SPEEDSHIFT MCT AMG transmission powers the rear wheels. With the Performance Package, the C63 reaches 481 hp.

Cargo Capacity
The Coupe provides 450 litres of trunk space.

Safety
ATTENTION ASSIST, brake assist, an adaptive braking system and NECK-PRO headrests, along with seven airbags, protect the Coupe’s passengers and drivers.

Comparable Models
Audi A5, BMW 3-Series Coupé, Infiniti G Coupe

2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe 3/4 view
Photo: Mercedes-Benz

*References
Brière Francis, L’annuel de l’automobile 2013, Montréal Transcontinental, 2012, p.418
Duval Jacques, L’auto 2013, Montréal, Les éditions La Presse, 2012, p.406
http://www.mercedes-benz.ca


Marie-Laurence Paquin
Marie-Laurence Paquin
Automotive expert
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