The current Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe may be too large to rightfully compete with the likes of the BMW 3 Series and Audi A5, but the Silver Arrow is rectifying that with the new-for-2012 C-Class Coupe – a revival of the old CLK, if you will.
Aside from the slightly lower roofline and the removal of two doors, the C Coupe is exactly like its newly redesigned sedan brethren. There are three powertrains on tap, including a new 201-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four in the C250 and the direct-injected, 304-hp V6 in the range-topping C350. Well, range-topping for now – the sure-to-be-badass C63 AMG Coupe is set to debut in the very near future. Yeah, we're salivating.
Still, the more pedestrian C-Class Coupe will make up the vast majority of sales, and we're glad to see a modern-day CLK in production once again. Scroll through our gallery of high-res shots below and take it all in, then hop the jump for a trailer of Benz's new 'Drive and Seek' mini-movie starring the new E-Coupe and some rather attractive bank robbing women...
Geneva 2011: 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is a CLK revival
2012 Mercedes C-Class officially unveiled
After several leaks and a Super Bowl teaser, Mercedes has officially unveiled the 2012 C-Class Coupe.
Featuring an elegant design, the coupe sits one and a half inches lower than the sedan and has an expressive front fascia, an upward sweeping beltline, and a kinked rear window. Unfortunately, to maximize chassis rigidity, engineers were forced to install a traditional B-pillar which a bit of a bummer as the pillarless design is a trademark of Mercedes coupes.
Inside, the cabin echoes the rest of the C-Class lineup and comes nicely equipped with a flat-bottom steering wheel, aluminum trim (Burl Walnut and Ash Olive Matte are also available), metallic accents, and a 5.8-inch COMAND display. Options include heated front seats, a Harman/Kardon audio system, and GPS navigation.
The European engine lineup hasn't been announced, but U.S. models will be offered with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6. The entry-level engine produces 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 229 lb-ft (310 Nm) of torque, which enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h). If that sounds a little weak, the V6 churns out 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS) and 273 lb-ft (370 Nm). It allows the C-Class to dash from 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and top out at 130 mph (209 km/h). Regardless of what engine is selected, both are connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission
