Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
Fast forward to 2017 and there are still tasty coupes on the Benz menu. The S-Class Coupe is a world beater, the AMG GT will leave smoking tire rubber in a straight line for hundreds of feet and the E-Class Coupe represents mid-luxury comfort and performance set to a near S-Class standard.
Just southeast of Quebec and to the left of New Brunswick lies idyllic Maine, a U.S. state also known for lighthouses, wonderful small towns and lobster. Yes, Homarus
Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
Now this is not the first C-Class Coupe, with the previous model a decent sales success. Nice car, and attractive for sure, but certainly not a head turner like the new C 300 that replaces it. The 2017 C Coupe is a head turner in the sense that it looks like a smaller version of the ferociously sexy AMG GT. From a distance they look so similar you might confuse the two.
The
Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
Other markets can choose the 2017 C 300 in rear-wheel drive or 4Matic all-wheel drive guise, but Canadians get the benefit of AWD standard. When comparing the handling characteristics of the two, the 4Matic AWD version is clearly the better choice, IMHO. Both chassis configurations feature handling limits well above the everyday
Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
The C 300 4Matic features a 241 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a quick shifting seven-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel mounted shift paddles. Plant your right foot and the 4Matic Coupe moves out with alacrity. Zero to 100km/h clicks off in an impressive 6.0 seconds. There is no noticeable turbocharger lag, the car just keeps accelerating smoothly right up to redline.
Mercedes
Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
Non AirMatic-equipped cars still share in the handling fun. The base setup front and rear includes an independent multi-link suspension with coil springs, single-tube shock absorbers and a torsion bar.
Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
Handling prowess is further enhanced by “Intelligent” lightweight construction, with a higher proportion of aluminum that makes the Coupe lighter and more nimble on the road. Light alloy components include the fenders, hood and trunk lid. The Coupe’s body is also stiffer and stronger due to the use of high-strength materials, which also enhances crash safety.
As expected in any Mercedes-Benz, the new C 300 Coupe provides many standard and optional safety systems including Collision Prevention Assist Plus, which features an acoustic warning for the driver at speeds above 6 km/h, and Adaptive Brake Assist. When danger of a collision is imminent and the driver fails to respond, the system provides autonomous braking at speeds of up to 200 km/h, reducing
Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
Inside, good things continue with the C 300. Not only do you get the luxury expected
Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
Expandable additional mbrace “Secure” packages offer safety, security and emergency services that provide help when you need it most. Services include “Automatic
Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
Interior fit and finish standards are first rate. C 300 seats coddle you when needed, and hold you fast when experiencing a “Hamilton” moment. Grasp the thick leather, flat bottom steering wheel and peer out of the windshield amidst an ergonomically correct cabin. An optional head-up display clicks off performance parameters and turn-by-turn navigation instructions. The centre console features an available 8.4-inch fixed display to adjust many vehicle features, including drive configurations. Available 13-speaker Burmester audio can either soothe your soul or thump your body, depending on how deeply you delve into the 590 watts available. Above, a double panoramic roof lets in a ton of fresh air, or in unscreened position a beautiful night sky. This is one very nicely laid out interior.
Prices for the new C 300 begin at $48,100 and reach into the high $60s fully optioned. Is this too much to pay for what is still considered an entry level Benz? Perhaps. But first drive it before you cast judgment. My money says the smile on your face after you drive it is because the C 300 Coupe is the small performance car you’ve always wanted, and that makes it a solid buy indeed.
©(Copyright Canadian Auto Press)