(continued from above)
"By extending the C-Class portfolio, we are consciously targeting new
customers," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at
Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The new model is youthful, stylish and expressive. What we
are offering is an exceptionally sporty way to enter the world of the
Mercedes-Benz coupe."
Dramatic Design with Classic Coupe Proportions
At the front, the new coupe shares the same styling as the latest C-Class
sedan and yet still has its own personality. The front view is dominated by the
prominent radiator grille surround including the bumper. The center air intake
opens upwards, forming a visual base for the radiator grille, which has the
double-louvre style typical of a coupe. Two chrome louvers extend on either side
of the central star, tapering off at the outer edges and creating an aggressive,
arrow-shaped horizontal sweep which gives the front end a pronounced V-shape.
This continues into the side sections which extend from beneath the
headlamps and blend into the feature lines along the vehicle's length, thereby
linking the front end with the sides. The side air intakes in the bumper
featuring integrated horizontal daytime running lamps are positioned low, giving
the coupe a road-hugging appearance. The shape of the clear-lens headlamps
creates a dramatic impression, and acts together with the hood, radiator grille
and bumper trim to reinforce the pronounced front section.
From the rear,
the new C-Class Coupe looks athletically compact. The appearance of length is
reduced by the flowing roof beyond the rear axle, steeply raked rear window and
fluid C-pillars. A wide groove at the top of the trunk lid, which is based on
the side panel, emphasizes the rear's compactness. Positioning the tail lights
as far apart as possible emphasizes width. This particular impression of depth
is achieved by a centrally located LED indicator, which appears to float in
front of the red upper and lower lights with their more deeply set LEDs.
Continuous, horizontal light-catching contours in the bumper further accentuate
the broad, deep-set effect. A diffuser towards the bottom of the rear bumper
between the tailpipe trim makes the rear end look lighter and gives the vehicle
a distinctively sporty and dramatic quality.
Quality Interior
The instrument panel features three tube rings with a metallic finish, the
new three-spoke steering wheel features a flat bottom and comes standard with
shift paddles. The surfaces of the controls are finely detailed and metallic.
The stepped top of the dashboard also accommodates the standard 5.8-inch central
display and continues onto the front passenger side as a discreet light-catching
contour. The central, trapezoidal air vents and the round vents on the outside
are highlighted in detail by metallic trim. The control panel of the new center
stack has silver-colored keys, while the combination of matte keys, high-gloss
areas and a new controller knob design underline the high quality of the
interior.
A large section of trim highlights the dashboard, extending
from the center air vents across the front passenger side to the outer air vent,
emphasizing the interior's generous proportions. Aluminum trim is standard on
the C250 Coupe, while the C350 Coupe features rich Burl Walnut. Unique Ash Olive
Matte Wood Trim is optionally available.
The C-Class Coupe is a fully
fledged four-seater featuring four sporty, comfortable seats with integrated
headrests. If desired, the backrests in the rear can be folded to extend the
storage area.
Mercedes-Benz C350 Coupe: Review (2/2)