When Mercedes first announced that they were going to re-introduce the C-class coupe to our market, I was pretty excited. Then when details came out, I was left fairly underwhelmed. Why? Well there were three main things that stuck out for me:
1) The coupe was not going to get a manual transmission option. While I understand that automatics outsell manuals, Mercedes’ rivals, namely BMW, Audi and Infiniti, all offer manual transmission options in their small coupes. So there is at least some justification for a manual.
2) While there’s nothing inherently wrong with the C-class coupe’s design, it’s not really all that unique from the sedan. It seems all the designers did was remove the rear doors and lowered the roofline. Again, Mercedes’ rivals have made an effort to distinguish their coupes from their sedan siblings in terms of design.
3) There was no AWD option. BMW, Audi and Infiniti all have AWD as optional on their coupes.
Well, since the higher ups at Mercedes consistently read my blog and take my critcisms as sound advice (at least I like to tell myself that), they went ahead and addressed issue number three. Next year AWD will be optional on both the C-class and E-Class coupes. However, this option will be limited with models equipped with the 3.5 litre V6 which makes a healthy 302 horsepower and 273 pound feet of torque. If you wish to go with the more tame C300, it’s rear wheel drive only for you. Which, let’s face it, can be a good thing most of the time.
Now, all Mercedes needs to do is, at the very least, address issue number one and they will have a credible contender in a very tough segment.
Would you equip your C-class coupe with AWD or leave it to the rear wheels to do all the work?
[Car and Driver]
