The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an iconic model for the brand, but we are now in the age of the SUV, so much so that there are even coupe versions of SUVs, which are based on traditional models in the first place. That confusion aside, there is now a coupe version of the rather impressive C-Class; does this car make more sense than a sedan within our automotive community? I drove the C220d recently to find out.
Those looks
From the moment our AMG-regaled test coupe arrived I was smitten. This is a very good-looking car indeed. Picture a smaller version of the S-Class coupe but take away some of the vulgarity and remove the ostentatious accents. The front end flows backward with a strong line below the windows linking the front, side profile and rear of the vehicle. It cuts the type of silhouette that you’d see if designers had moulded the car from clay.
That interior
The inside of our test car definitely got back some of those ostentatious features, though, with toffee-coloured leather blended with wood trim and black accents. Apart from the colour combination of our car, the interior is a typical C-Class affair, barring the fact that the rear quarters feel a bit more cramped on account of the sloping roof-line. So expect great fit and finish, one of the most user-friendly infotainment systems in the business and the general impression that you’re in something expensive.
Powertrain
This is the one area where I found the C220d lacking. You see, it makes use of the rather old 2.1 litre turbodiesel motor from Mercedes. You do get 125kW/400Nm and some seriously impressive consumption figures; for instance, I achieved around 880 km from a single 41-litre tank of diesel. But the engine feels fairly agricultural, despite the best efforts of the nine-speed automatic gearbox. Mercedes have a new 2.0 litre diesel which I have sampled in the new E-Class. This C-Class, along with the other smaller diesel Mercedes-Benz models, would really benefit from that new engine.
Packaging
I took the liberty of checking out some of the options available within the range while simultaneously having a look at what our press vehicle was fitted with. After adding a few of the options that I noticed on the car the price had reached over R800 000, versus the standard price of R611 700 for the automatic variant. Our test model did have a few fantastic features such as the Airmatic suspension, which allowed the car to waft along, seemingly floating over the road and also made it feel quite sporty when dialled in correctly.
What’s it like to drive?
I honestly just wanted to keep on driving the car, all the way to some exotic location, preferably with a beach and zero reception. It is supremely comfortable and is one of very few cars that I have enjoyed using the Eco mode in, which allowed me those impressive fuel returns. In terms of performance it isn’t a slouch; however, it certainly won’t set your pants on fire - it has a dignified demeanour about it.
Verdict
The C-Class coupe for me felt like an old armchair. It provided me with comfort, the reassurance of something familiar and was a place that I generally enjoyed being in. The engine in this C220d needs to go, though, and then we’d have a sporty, economical coupe for all to enjoy. Oh, how I look forward to seeing that Mercedes-AMG C63 S coupe and C43 coupe in the metal in the coming months!
