2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe blends sportiness with luxury
For 2017, Mercedes-Benz has completely redesigned its two-door C-Class “executive coupe,” endowing it with a sleek new body, lightweight construction, an optional air suspension system and new safety assistance systems.
The 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe competes against the BMW 3 Series and Audi A5 coupes. Pricing starts at $42,650 for rear-wheel-drive models (not including $925 destination).
As the sportiest variant of the C-Class, the coupe announces its presence with a striking front featuring LED headlights, diamond radiator grille and a long hood, while a stretched belt line extends farther past the rear-wheel arch; it’s also 3.7 inches longer and 1.6 inches wider than previous models. To illustrate the coupe’s performance intentions, the suspension is 0.6 inches lower than the sedan, giving it a more athletic appearance when combined with the standard 18-inch wheels.
We drove the new performance C300 coupe with a base price of $44,650 over a course of 250 miles and loved its luxury looks outside and in. It is filled with features that make driving fun and comfortable, if that suits your needs, and is quite spirited. If you’re so inclined, programs allow you to dial in your desires, knowing that the four-seater is top-flight with braking, traction, and other stop-and-go programs in the coupe’s computer at the ready.
A new suspension system brings agile handling and ensures excellent straight-line stability. An electronically controlled, continuously adjustable air damping suspension is a $1,600 option. Combined with the brand’s Dynamic Select system, the result outstandingly quiets road noise and tire vibration and allows the driver to choose from five sporty, comfortable or efficient driving modes; it also features self-leveling for top ride comfort even with the vehicle loaded.
Inside, sports seats designed specifically for the coupe offer additional comfort, while a standard automatic belt feeder adds convenience. Although the coupe exudes muscular, youthful charm, it has also grown in maturity, with flowing lines and elegant materials as well as an impressive array of cutting-edge safety, convenience and infotainment/communications technologies.
Its larger size provides more space for the driver and front passenger, with more shoulder-, elbow- and headroom in all seats. Standard equipment includes Bluetooth connectivity, keyless start, 40/20/40 split-folding rear seats and a panoramic sunroof, among many other features and amenities.
Under the hood, the 2017 C-Class coupe is powered by a powerful and efficient 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged gas engine delivering 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined for rear-wheel-drive models; AWD nets approximately one less mpg on the highway and combined.
Several safety and assistance systems based on the Mercedes-Benz Intelligent Drive concept are available.
