MEET THE 2017 C-CLASS
It’s both longer and wider
As usual, those of us on the “other” side of the pond will be teased by the latest announcement from Mercedes-Benz: the 2017 C-Class Coupe will arrive in Europe this winter with a selection of six engines, including two diesel units.
Ranging from a 156-horsepower, 1.6-litre turbo-four for the C 180, to a 245-h.p., 2.0-L version for the C 300, all engines feature the automaker’s ECO start/stop function and comply with current European emissions standards, resulting in up to 20 per cent better fuel economy over the previous generation.
The four-cylinder diesel power plants offer a choice of 170 or 204 h.p., with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) for cleaner-burning performance.
North American buyers will have to “settle” for one choice: a 2.0-L turbo-four with 241 h.p. and 273 lb-ft of torque. While rear-wheel drive is standard, many drivers will want to take advantage of the optional 4MATIC drivetrain and electronically controlled air suspension with five settings: ECO, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Individual, which allows for total customization.
Set to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, the new C-Class Coupe is longer (by 95 millimetres) and wider (by 40 mm), with a bounty of technology, such as Mercedes-Benz’s semiautonomous Intelligent Drive package, to ensure that drivers have plenty of toys to play with — including digital TV/radio reception, a seven-inch infotainment display and an optional Burmester sound system that promises to be “on a par with a concert hall.” A standard sunroof, power front seats with memory, plus Premium and Sport Appearance options, top the long list of luxuries.
Unfortunately, pricing and performance stats aren’t yet available.