A car that has your back
New Benz is loaded with high-tech helpers
MALAGA, SPAIN— A parade of brand new 2017 Mercedes C 300 Coupes turned heads in the back alleys of several tiny Spanish towns on a recent introductory drive. But the car’s sleek looks are likely to charm even the jaded big-city dweller for which spiffy cars are a daily dose.
The mid-size two-door will appeal to sporty drivers, with plenty of options in the range depending on how seriously sporty you might be.
At the base, and the first model slated for Canadian customers in spring 2016, is the C 300 4Matic Coupe. Next will be the C 450 AMG Sport4Matic Coupe in fall 2016. Overall, the range will include four gas and two diesel engines, although the diesels will not be offered in Canada.
Sure to impress even the most laid-back driver is the extensive suite of new safety and handling technology in the C Coupe. There’s crosswind assist that mitigates gusts of winds during highway driving, dynamic cornering assist that predicts and counteracts understeer, and a collision avoidance system that warns of a pending collision and will brake the car if necessary.
There’s also a "pre-safe" system that ensures the windows and sunroof are closed, seatbelts prepared and seating positions optimized if the car is about to roll over or crash.
The C 300 4Matic Coupe offers an easy-driving, luxurious ride. It feels like a car that will be a superbly capable cruising partner: easygoing and cosy. With all of this technology, it has your back if you make a mistake.
It is also quiet, comfortable and beautifully appointed, as you’d expect for a Mercedes. The quality is exceptional.
Although you might not notice this immediately, the new Mercedes C Coupe is bigger in every dimension than its predecessor, and it has a longer wheelbase. This is hard to believe, since entering the back seat requires considerable agility thanks to an awkward door opening.
There will be a learning curve for buyers.
As with many new Mercedes models these days, the electronics interface is complicated. There are multiple controls, including a touch pad, buttons and screens, plus a head-up display.
It’s all a bit overwhelming on introduction; one hopes that with some time behind the wheel it will all become intuitive.
For those who want to up the game, the Canadian market will also be getting the 2017 Mercedes-AMG C 63 Coupe and C 63 S Coupe. The latter is the mighty big brother to the C 300, with a 4.0-litre twin turbo V8, 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft. of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels, managed by a seven-speed multi-clutch transmission with launch control.
It felt appropriate to test this powerful machine on the Ascari circuit near Malaga in southern Spain. This 5.4-kilometre private circuit combines 25 thrilling curves and long straightaways — more than enough for the AMG C 63 S Coupe to demonstrate its mettle.
On the straights, the V8 roars and hurtles you inexorably forward like a runaway stallion. It can do zero to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, after all.
But approaching a corner the massive brakes grab sweetly and the runaway is now a nimble creature, navigating the bends with just a hint that it would like to unseat you.
In Race mode, one of six available driving modes (and exclusive to the C 63 S), the car is tail happy, and even a slight over application of throttle can send the back end sideways. It comes back, however, kept in line by a combination of electronic controls and — hopefully — driver inputs.
This is a glorious driving machine — a treat on the track, but sweet and mild for the public roads when you calm it down to Eco or Comfort mode.
The C 63 S Coupe will be available in the third quarter of 2016, lining up against the Audi S5, BMW M4 and Lexus RC-F. Pricing is not yet available. Emily Atkins is a regular contributor to Toronto Star Wheels. Travel was provided by the manufacturer. For more Star automotive coverage, go to thestar.com/ autos. Feedback: wheels@thestar.ca.