In mid-December, Inside Line broke the story that Mercedes will start selling a true C-Class coupe in 2011, and now we have the first image of what that coupe might look like.
We expect the C-Class coupe to be a hardtop like Benz's CL- and E-Class coupes. But some feel a low $30Ks price point will force Mercedes to use fixed rear side glass as on the BMW 1 Series coupe, sure to be the Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe's chief rival.
Engines for the Benz coupe will include a direct-injected version of the company's 3.5-liter V6, along with a smaller-displacement V6 with twin turbochargers capable of over 300 horsepower. We've also heard a hybrid version with a smaller, normally aspirated V6. And there's no reason Benz's new 5.5-liter turbo V8 wouldn't fit in an AMG version.
Given these preliminary details, which will you take -- C-Class coupe or 1 Series coupe?
xprojected says:
11:46 AM, 01/ 4/10
Wouldn't a C-Class coupe be more comparable to a 3-series coupe?
carguy622 says:
11:58 AM, 01/ 4/10
Is the Mercedes going to offer a manual? If so, it's a nice looking car, and based on what little I know now I would take it over the 1-Series. Compared to a 3-Series coupe, not so much.
minibro77 says:
12:12 PM, 01/ 4/10
If they make it handle and also offer a manual with the larger/ more powerful engine they have a chance to really and truly compete. The other important detail is to give it a manual transmission that is enjoyable to engage and not a spoon rowing through Quaker Oats. I would still take the BMW over this for now until I see what they do with this car.
firstwagon says:
12:16 PM, 01/ 4/10
Hmmmm, the Benz is a hugely better looking car but I like the way BMWs drive much better.
To be honest I think I would pass on either.
sabastian says:
12:54 PM, 01/ 4/10
The BMW will likely be the better drive, so for now that's the one I'd have.
moparbad says:
02:38 PM, 01/ 4/10
A 4 door GTI would be my choice if I great driving, sporty small car.
C Class Coupe is my choice over the BMW for luxury and style.
cr_driver says:
04:08 PM, 01/ 4/10
NONE. Price,specs,full tests are missing.
I like the king, the 3 series coupe, thank you very much.
cwc1 says:
04:40 PM, 01/ 4/10
Doesn't the E92 3-series already have fixed rear side glass, or does it pivot outward like the E46 did?
jederino says:
09:00 AM, 01/ 5/10
The Merc is far better looking. I wouldn't mind if it had a b-pillar, as long as visibility was awesome. A hardtop is cool, but not if the chassis has to give up a lot of performance and weight.
bimmerjay says:
12:45 PM, 01/ 6/10
@cwc1,
The E92's rear quarter windows are fixed and do not pivot out like they did on the E46 coupe. I miss that feature.