New Merc C-Class Coupe is a baby S

By: Jason Woosey

In this specific instance you're probably going to forgive Merc's designers for their internal copycat antics.

With its low-slung silhouette, frameless doors, high beltline and curvy rear end, the newly unveiled two-door version of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class simply shouts "baby S-Class Coupé". In fact it's only when glancing at the front end that you'll notice any real resemblance to its saloon counterpart.

Of course, the mechanical bits are all shared and though the C-Class Coupé sits 15mm lower to the ground, it offers the same suspension systems, with two steel variants on offer and an Airmatic air suspension option.

It's the same story under the bonnet, and South Africans will have six engines to choose from when the new two-door lands on our shores during the first quarter of 2016. The local range will include the 135kW C200 and 180kW C300 (both with 2-litre turbopetrol engines) as well as the C63 and C63 S AMG models with expected outputs of 350kW and 375kW. Diesel options will include the C220d (125kW) and C250d (150kW).

While the two-door shares its rather classy cabin design with the sedan, it does have unique sports seats, complete with an automatic seatbelt feeder. You'll find the same long list of standard and optional gadgets, including Collision Prevention Assist Plus, adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go Pilot, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and, incidentally, nothing the with word 'Minus' in it. There's also a long list of entertainment options, extending all the way to a fancy Burmester sound system, but even the most basic Audio 20 infotainment system is internet capable and available with a range of handy apps.

Those wanting a racier appearance inside and out can order theirs with an AMG Line package that in addition to various cabin garnishes, adorns the exterior with an AMG-style body kit that with unique bumpers and sills, a 'diamond' grille and 18-inch alloys - as per the cars in the pictures above.

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