In the typical lifespan of a modern car, four years is akin to reaching middle age. Around this time, the manufacturer gives it a mid-life nip-and-tuck, with both cosmetic and mechanical upgrades to rejuvenate the model.
The two-door Mercedes-Benz C350 Coupe you see here, based on the C-Class saloon launched four years ago, could thus be considered rather late in its introduction.
Cockpit is clearly derived from the C-Class saloon’s, but with Coupe-specific seats and door linings.
A delayed arrival does have its advantages, though. Any major weaknesses in the C-Class have been sorted out by now with the recent update, and the coupe version benefits accordingly. In fact, the renewed C-Class is so much better than the original that it could almost qualify as an all-new product.
And this C-Class Coupe certainly looks brand-new. Aggressive headlights, an oversized three-pointed star and thick horizontal grille bars give this Mercedes a suitably arresting face, while that steeply raked windscreen, long roof line, short front overhang and rising window line complete the model’s distinct design.
“Trinocular” meters are not unique to the Coupe, but they look “correct”.
The local C Coupe range consists of the C180 (with a choice of two trim packages), the C250 and the top-of-the-range C350. A 1.8-litre turbocharged inline-4 engine in two states of tune (156bhp or 204bhp) does yeoman service in the C180 and C250.
The C63 AMG, with its 6.2-litre V8 that produces a whopping 457bhp (487bhp in optional Performance spec), is a mouth-watering prospect that will come to Singapore in due course. With the other AMG hot-rod derivatives of the E, S and CL fitted with the more fuel-efficient 5.5-litre turbo V8, the new C63 could well be the swan song for the lovely, naturally aspirated 6.2 unit.
Switches have a quality feel and the mod cons are comprehensive.
Our test car is the C350 Coupe with a 3.5-litre V6 delivering 306bhp and 370Nm. Quite frankly, this configuration is quick enough for most driving situations, with a time of 6 seconds flat for the century sprint not to be scoffed at. The top speed is an electronically limited 250km/h.
The current Merc 3.5 V6 is a far cry from its 3.7-litre predecessor. This motor is smoother, responds more willingly and remains refined even at peak revs (which cannot be said of the outgoing engine).
The V6 endows the 1615kg C350 with lively acceleration at any rev level. Step on the gas and this coupe surges forward, accompanied by a suitably sporty soundtrack when extended past 5000rpm.
All C-Class Coupes have Agility Control suspension with variable damping. The C350 also comes standard with the AMG Sports Package, which comprises a purposeful bodykit, 18-inch rims, steering-mounted gearshift paddles and Dynamic Handling – a setup of stiffer and shorter springs, tauter shock absorbers and beefier torsion bars.
Press this for even sharper handling.
These goodies make the C350 fun to drive enthusiastically over twisty, deserted tarmac. It feels perfectly balanced, with just a slight trace of stabilising understeer on initial turn-in.
Power hard through bends and a little oversteer sets in before the ESP (electronic stability programme) kicks in to prevent the tail from swopping ends with the front. The steering feels quicker and more positive than in the C-Class saloon.
Only one pair of passengers can go for a ride back here, but they will be well taken care of.
The car handles well without compromising ride comfort. It smoothly glosses over bumps and surface irregularities, and “quietly” suppresses tyre noise and suspension bump-thump – all welcome behaviour for the executive who prefers to relax while on the road.
Its cabin benefits from the same upgrades applied to the facelifted four-door C-Class. Fit and finish of the cabin are worthy of the Mercedes-Benz brand, most of the plastics are of the soft-touch variety, while the leather upholstery is of impressive quality.
Boot capacity of 450 litres can easily take four peoples’ luggage for a “quick” weekend getaway.
The front seats, which come with integrated headrests, are supportive yet not too firm. Rear passengers get individual seating and surprisingly decent legroom for a smallish coupe. The foldable seat-backs have a convenient 65:35 split to enable the carrying of long objects.
Navigation, Bluetooth and digital media playback are standard features, but the absence of a sunroof and reverse parking camera is surprising on a range-topping model. Noticeably absent, too, are automatic extension arms that “deliver” seat belts to those in front.
Free-revving 3.5-litre V6 makes this car one of the fastest non-AMG models in the Mercedes line-up.
Safety, of course, has been given top priority. Every C-Class Coupe comes with Attention Assist, which notes when the driver appears to be dozing off (or driving erratically) and “wakes” him up. There are no fewer than nine airbags, inclusive of pelvic bags and one for the driver’s knees.
Both the C250 and C350 also benefit from Mercedes’ Pre-Safe system. This alerts drivers of an impending impact before firstly applying 40 percent of braking power and finally full braking if the driver does not respond in time.
This will lessen the force of an unavoidable collision. The seat belts will also be tensioned just before impact for maximum occupant protection.
The car also has “intelligent” bi-xenon headlights, which dip in the presence of oncoming vehicles and illuminate the path ahead with perfect clarity.
At over $260k, the C350 Coupe would appeal to those wanting a handsome, compact coupe with enough sportiness to justify its looks and nomenclature. Its main rivals are similarly priced coupes from other German marques – namely, the BMW 335i and the Audi S5.
The BMW is the sportiest of the trio, with the sharpest steering and unbeatable on-limit handling. However, it is beginning to look rather dated and the general quality of its interior fittings is not commensurate with the pricing.
The C-Class “lost” two doors, but gained character in its exterior design.
Audi’s S5 has arguably the prettiest styling of the three and certainly the nicest cabin finish. It also boasts a superb drivetrain (the 4.2 V8 is soon to be replaced by the S4’s 3-litre supercharged V6), but its steering feel cannot match that of the Bimmer, while the ride is not quite as cossetting as the Mercedes’.
Less overtly sporty than either the BMW and Audi is the C350 Coupe. It scores instead on comfort and classiness, with a healthy level of performance to boot.
Mercedes-Benz C350 Coupe 3.5 (A)
ENGINE 3498cc, 24-valves, V6
MAX POWER 306bhp at 6500rpm
MAX TORQUE 370Nm at 3500-5250rpm
GEARBOX 7-speed dual-clutch with manual select
0-100KM/H 6 seconds
TOP SPEED 250km/h (governed)
CONSUMPTION 14.7km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE $267,888 (as of September 2011)
Check out the latest Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe
