Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe ready for Geneva

While we were expecting more exciting things from Mercedes-Benz on the international stage, given that the German marque celebrates 125 years of the automobile this year, news of a new model in the C-Class lineup has emerged. Much like the E-Class coupe that was lauched last year and promptly made its way to India, Merc will be unveiling a C-Class coupe at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

Initial pictures and specifications of the car are enticing though. "By extending the C-Class portfolio, we are consciously targeting new customers," Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars was heard saying at the occasion. It sure does make sense, looking at the compact proportions, low silhouette, powerful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupé features like short front overhang, long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and long, stretched out roof also find a mentionable presence. In addition, the innards feature an all-new trim and advanced telematics.

Three petrol and two diesel powerplants will be available to choose from, all equipped with Start-Stop systems as standard, and carrying the BlueEfficiency tag to show their clean manners. The most inexpensive will be the C220 CDI with its 170bhp inline-4 diesel, and the star of the range will be the C350, with its 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine capable of more than 300hp. AMG sports trims will be available as options as well.

What remains to be seen is whether the company will bring the new model into India with as much promptness as the E-coupe. While the C and E-Class sedans are being assembled here in India and hence come at a much lower price point, the C-Coupe will most likely be brought in as a Completely Built unit to deal with the lower numbers and help exclusivity. That may just push the cost of the C-coupe well into the standard E-Class sedan territory, and it will be interesting to see how the masses warm up to the idea of a small, suave and smart sedan that costs 40 lakh rupees or so!