Automotive Car Review: First Look: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

First Look: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

First Look: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe - Mercedes-Benz has already rolled out sedan, wagon, and high-performance, and variants of the new 2012 C-Class, but the automaker just unwrapped the 2012 C-Class Coupe ahead of its official debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. <ul> <li><a href="http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1102_2012_mercedes_benz_c_class_first_look/photo_01.html"><img alt="2012 Mercedes Benz C Class Coupe Side In Motion 2" src="http://image.automobilemag.com/f/features/news/1102_2012_mercedes_benz_c_class_first_look/31997659+w132+h84+re0+ar0+cr0/2012-mercedes-benz-C-class-coupe-side-in-motion-2.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1102_2012_mercedes_benz_c_class_first_look/photo_02.html"><img alt="2012 Mercedes Benz C Class Coupe Side 5" src="http://image.automobilemag.com/f/features/news/1102_2012_mercedes_benz_c_class_first_look/31997656+w132+h84+re0+ar0+cr0/2012-mercedes-benz-C-class-coupe-side-5.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1102_2012_mercedes_benz_c_class_first_look/photo_03.html"><img alt="2012 Mercedes Benz C Class Coupe Rear Three Quarters In Motion" src="http://image.automobilemag.com/f/features/news/1102_2012_mercedes_benz_c_class_first_look/30526460+w132+h84+re0+ar0+cr0/2012-mercedes-benz-C-class-coupe-rear-three-quarters-in-motion.jpg" /></a></li> <li>The new model isn't Benz's first attempt at crafting a C-Coupe, but it is a remarkably different approach. Unlike the C-Class Sportcoupe hatchback, sold here from 2002 to 2007, the new two-door C-Class isn't a basic, entry-level luxury compact. Instead of competing against Audi A3s, this C is gunning directly at BMW's 3-Series Coupe.</li> </ul> Exterior styling is certainly handsome, if not predictable. The new C-Class Coupe is almost the splitting image of the C-Class sedan, and even uses the same front fascia and fenders as its four-door siblings. Coupe models do receive a sweeping panoramic glass roof that's nearly an inch and a half lower than the sedan, and incorporates a very BMW-like kick in the quarter window design. Despite shedding a pair of doors, the coupe still rides on the same 108.7-inch wheelbase as the sedan, and is only a half-inch shorter and 100 pounds lighter. Mercedes continues to use a strut-type suspension in front and a five-link independent setup for the rear axle. Sport-tuned dampers are standard, although electrically adjustable units are available as a special-order option.