Mercedes-Benz is re-invigorating their C-Class coupes this year. First to arrive Spring 2016 are the rear-wheel drive 2017 C300 Coupe and all-wheel drive 2017 C300 4MATIC Coupe. Following in late summer or early fall, the mighty 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe and C63 S Coupe models arrive — carrying on the tradition of Mercedes elegance in the C-Class family and launching off-the-line with sub-4-second 0-60 mph times.
The powerplant in the C300 Coupe is a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, also shared with its 4-door brother, and paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 241 horsepower, the engine makes peak torque of 273 lb-ft from an early 1,300 rpm and carries all the way to 4,000 rpm. A broad range that will make acceleration and passing an easy accomplishment.
A notable highlight for the C300 Coupe is the evolution of the Dynamic Select system, which lets the driver toggle through five vehicle setups: ECO and Comfort for conservative driving, and Sport and Sport+ for an adrenaline dose, and “Individual” if you want to customize the throttle response, shift points, handling, and steering effort.
Drivers will note the differences between the modes are unmistakable. ECO mode allows you to coast with no engine-braking resistance slowing you down and the shifts in Comfort mode are virtually seamless. Banging through the gears in Sport and Sport+ modes are precise and vigorous — a constant reminder that your state of mind in the Coupe is to have fun. The personality of the C300 Coupe’s optional Airmatic suspension rides fairly firm in all modes, though it’s not as fluid in hard cornering as some of its competitors. And while the new C300 Coupe’s brakes don’t have that absolute responsiveness and bite of a high-performance brake setup, they have no problem reeling in the C300 from high speeds.
C-Class Coupe competitors that need to watch their rear view mirrors include the Audi A5, BMW 4 Series, Cadillac ATS, Infiniti Q60, and Lexus RC.
| 2017 MERCEDES-BENZ | C300 COUPE | C300 4MATIC Coupe |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $42,650 | $44,650 |
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged DOHC 4-cylinder | |
| Power (hp) | 241 @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 273 @ 1,300 – 4,000 rpm | |
| Transmission | 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic | |
| Drivetrain layout | front engine / rear-wheel-drive | front engine / all-wheel-drive |
| Curb weight | 3,638 lbs | 3,770 lbs |
| EPA-estimated fuel economy mpg | 23 / 30 / 26 (city/highway/combined) | 23 / 29 / 25 (city/highway/combined) |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph | 5.9 seconds | |
| Top track speed | 130 mph (electronically limited) | |
