Mercedes-Benz would rather forget the unloved hatchback Sport Coupe from a decade ago, a failed attempt to get on terms with the breed of compact Japanese-made hot rods that were making everyone look twice. Instead, the German maker of luxury cars would like you to look twice at its 2012 Mercedes-Benz C350 Coupe, the first real coupe ever based on the C-Class Sedan.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 Coupe Review
Above and beyond this car's sleek silhouette, you'll find a reason to look twice at a new 302-horsepower direct-injected V6 and a surprisingly precise suspension calibration. With a finely crafted cabin and enough telematics for techies to get their geek on, the C350 Coupe should be just the tool to attract a younger, hipper audience into Mercedes showrooms, without compromising the exclusivity to which even the young and hip aspire.
The top-of-the-line C350 Coupe uses a new direct-injected version of the new DOHC 3.5-liter Mercedes V6. Equipped with variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves, it's a smooth runner from start-up to its redline of 6,750 rpm. Power jumps to 302 hp at 6,500 rpm, a substantial increase over the previous 3.5-liter V6's 268 hp at 6,000. There's also more torque — 273 pound-feet compared to 258 lb-ft — although it's produced between 3,500 and 5,250 rpm versus the more tractable 2,400-5,000 of the previous V6.
The top-of-the-line C350 Coupe uses a new direct-injected version of the new DOHC 3.5-liter Mercedes V6. Equipped with variable valve timing for both intake and exhaust valves, it's a smooth runner from start-up to its redline of 6,750 rpm. Power jumps to 302 hp at 6,500 rpm, a substantial increase over the previous 3.5-liter V6's 268 hp at 6,000. There's also more torque — 273 pound-feet compared to 258 lb-ft — although it's produced between 3,500 and 5,250 rpm versus the more tractable 2,400-5,000 of the previous V6.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 Coupe Review
The Advanced Agility package allows the driver to switch between a standard suspension setting and firmer Sport. There's a significant difference between the two, and trust us, your backside will notice big bumps in Sport mode.
The front seats do a nice job of holding you in place during hard cornering thanks to supportive side bolsters on the back of the seat, yet ingress/egress never becomes a problem. The seat cushions are firm in the typical Mercedes style, but they're up to the task of all-day touring. The downside to the coupe's radical roof line is reduced head- and knee room in the backseat (which has two individual buckets). Even though headroom is down by 1.4 inches compared with the sedan, average-size adults can survive back there thanks to cutouts in the roof.
The front seats do a nice job of holding you in place during hard cornering thanks to supportive side bolsters on the back of the seat, yet ingress/egress never becomes a problem. The seat cushions are firm in the typical Mercedes style, but they're up to the task of all-day touring. The downside to the coupe's radical roof line is reduced head- and knee room in the backseat (which has two individual buckets). Even though headroom is down by 1.4 inches compared with the sedan, average-size adults can survive back there thanks to cutouts in the roof.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 Coupe Review
Even though the Mercedes C-Class Coupe's interior isn't big on flash, it is big on class. The controls have nice detents and the numerous buttons don't feel plasticky or cheap. And the three-spoke steering wheel? A perfectly thick rim with grippy, perforated leather just where you want it at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions.
2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 Coupe Review
But the exterior is what will draw buyers initially to this car, the fastback roof line giving it a sporting flair. The aggressive front end with the two-bar coupe grille demands attention, too. You definitely notice a C-Class Coupe bearing down on you from behind.
MSRP: $42,370
Invoice: $39,404
Technical Specs
Engine
Standard Engine: 3.5L V6
Standard Transmission: 7 Speed Automatic
Cylinders: 6
Horsepower @RPM: 302@6500
Fuel Economy Cty/Hwy: 19/28
Combined Fuel Economy: 22
EPA Class: Sub-Compact
Number of Valves: 24
Torque @RPM: N/A
Fuel Type System: Gas Engine / Sequential Electronic Fuel Injected, Sequential Port Fuel Injected Sequential, Multi-Port Fuel Injected
Turbo (Yes/No): No
Overdrive Transmission: Yes
Battery Output: N/A
Compression: 12.0:1
Displacement: 3498/214
Bore X Stroke: 3.66×3.39
Cruising Range: 382.8 miles
Final Drive Gear Ratio Opt: N/A
Power to Weight Ratio: 12.2
Final Drive Ratio: No
Valves Configuration: Dual Overhead Cam/Twin Overhead Cam
Supercharged: No
Electric HorsePower RPM: N/A
Electric Torque Feet Per Pound: N/A
Electric Torque RPM: N/A
Electric HorsePower BHP: N/A
Standard Features
Anti-Theft & Locks
Power Decklid Lock/Unlock
Power Door Locks Operated Via Remote and Internal Switch
Vehicle Anti-Theft Via Alarm and Engine Immobilizer
Selective Locking/Unlocking Via Remote
Locking Fuel Filler Door
Valet Lockout
Braking & Traction
Pre-Charging Brake Optimization System
Electronic Stability Program (ESP(R)) Vehicle Stability Control System
4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
Hill Start Control
Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) Traction Control
Front Power 323-mm X 32-mm Ventilated Disc and Rear Power 300-mm X 22-mm Ventilated Disc Brakes
Electronic Brake Force Distribution
Brake Assist System (BAS) Brake Assistance
Brake Drying
Electrical
Drive-By-Wire Control For Shifting
Front Power Outlet
Audio and Navigation Pre-Wiring
Battery
Engines & Emissions
3.5-Liter, 60-Degree V6, 24-Valve, DOHC, SEFI Engine; Front Mounted With Horsepower Of 302@6500, Torque Of 273@3500, Alloy Block and Alloy Cylinder Head
24-Hour Roadside Assistance Provided Throughout The Life Of The Vehicle Regardless Of Mileage or Ownership Transfer; May Involve Charges For Parts, Service and Towing; Services May Be Provided By an Outside Service; Roadside Assistance Warranty For Unlimited Miles, Unlimited Months
Entertainment, Communication & Navigation
Harman/Kardon(R) HD AM/FM Radio With LOGIC7(R) Surround Sound; CD Player; MP3 Player; SiriusXM(TM) Satellite Radio (Includes 6 Months Of Service)
Diversity In-Glass Radio Antenna
USB Port
Front Auxiliary Audio Input Jack
Front iPod(R) Auxiliary Audio Input Jack Includes Portable Audio Connectivity and Charging
Wireless Communication Access For Bluetooth(R) Enabled Devices With Bluetooth(R) Audio Streaming
Subwoofer
Exterior Lighting
Halogen Headlights
LED Daytime Running Lights
Perimeter Lighting Located On Headlights
Automatic Headlights With Automatic On/Off and Dusk Sensor
Exterior, Design, Paint & Finish
Chrome Dual Twin Exhaust Pipes
Sport Side Skirts
Sport Front Air Dam
Sport Rear Air Dam
Front and Rear Body Color Bumpers
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning
Separate Driver/Front Passenger Climate Controls
Rear HVAC Ducts
Interior Dust Air Filter
Automatic Climate Control
Instrumentation
Centralized Control Instrumentation For Phone and Audio
Tire Pressure Monitor
Exterior Temperature Gauge
Trip Computer
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls For Audio, Cruise Control, Instrumentation Display, Wireless Enabled Devices and Transmission
Digital Clock
3-Memory Adjustments For Driver Include Exterior Mirrors, Seat and Steering Wheel
Cruise Control
Voice Activated Controls For Bluetooth(R) Wireless Enabled Devices
Compass
Tachometer
Maintenance Interval Indicator
Interior Lighting
Additional Interior Lighting Illuminates Center Console, Doors and Front Seat Area
Front Reading Lights
Illuminated Entry
Trunk Light
Interior, Design, Decor & Floor Covering
Carpet Located In Passenger Cabin and Trunk
Burl Walnut Genuine Wood Trim Located On Center Floor Console, Doors and Instrument Panel
Rear Floor Mats
Leather Steering Wheel
Front Floor Mats
Remote Controls & Remote Releases
Remote Trunk Release
HomeLink(R) Universal Garage Door Opener
SmartKey Multi-Function Remote Operates Anti-Theft, Door Lock/Unlock, Illuminated Entry, Panic Alarm, Perimeter Lighting and Trunk
Remote Fuel Door Release
Panic Alarm
Keyless Entry Operated Via Key Fob
Safety
Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags
Driver Knee Airbag
Automatic Locking Retractors
Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
L A T C H
Passenger Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
Driver Airbag With Dual Stage Deployment
Attention Assist Accident Avoidance System
Front and Rear 3-Point Seatbelts
Trunk Anti-Trap Device
Side Guard Door Beams
Crash Sensor Unlocks Door, Turns On Interior Lights and Turns On Flashers
Passenger Airbag Cutoff Sensor
Emergency Fuel Shut-Off Device
Front Active Head Restraints
Driver and Passenger Pelvic Airbags
Crumple Zones
Front and Rear Pretensioners With Force Limiters
Seats
Rear Dual Split Folding Bucket Seats With Integral Headrests
Front Dual Power Lumbar Support
Front Dual Reclining Heated Sport Bucket Seats With 3-Settings, Adjustable Seat Height, 3-Position Driver Power Memory and Adjustable Headrests
Driver Power Seat Adjusts 14 Ways Total
MB-TEX Vinyl Seats
Steering
3-Position Memory Steering Column
Power Telescopic Steering Column
Power Tilt Steering Column
Power Speed Sensing Rack and Pinion Variable Assisted Steering
Storage
Lockable and Illuminated Glovebox
Front Covered Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
2 Front and 2 Rear; 4 Cupholders Total
Front Door Mounted Storage
Rear Lower Console Storage Located On Floor
Sunroof/Moonroof & Removable/Convertible Top
Front To Rear Panoramic Power Glass Tilt and Slide Sunroof
Suspension
Independent Multi-Link Rear Suspension With Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers and Sport Ride Type
Rear Stabilizer Bar
Front Stabilizer Bar
Independent Strut Front Suspension With Coil Springs, Shock Absorbers and Sport Ride Type
Transmission
Touch Shift Manually Interactive Automatic Transmission
Adaptive Automatic Transmission
7-Speed Electronically Controlled Manually Interactive Adaptive Automatic Transmission With Overdrive and Floor Mounted Shifter
Wheels & Tires
Front SBRP225/45R17 and Rear SBRP245/40R17 All-Season Tires
AMG Twin 5-Spoke Alloy Wheels, Front 17-In. X 7.5-In. and Rear 17-In. X 8.5-In.
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
Dual Body Color Folding Power Adjustable Heated Signaling Exterior Rearview Mirrors With Driver Side Electrochromic and 3-Position Memory
Tinted Glass
Front Dual Illuminated Vanity Mirrors
Electrochromic Interior Rearview Mirror
Front Dual Sunvisors
Power Windows With One-Touch Up and One-Touch Down
Rear Window Defroster
Sunshade Located On Sunroof
Rain Sensing Intermittent Windshield Wipers
Categories:
2012,
automotive,
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes C-Class Coupe is a good contender in all respects with smooth and strong engines, great handling. The only drawback is its interior which is not really big on the flash but it is still good in terms of class.
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