Wheels Preview: Looks match performance

The paint had hardly dried before the latest C-Class Coupe started attracting accolades.

It’s no surprise that the Good Design Awards Australia bestowed on the Mercedes-Benz the 2015 gong for outstanding product design and innovation.

Trim and technology are all well and good but how do they translate to performance and practicality?

Pretty well, as I found out on a recent hit-out with a trio of models in and around the Yarra Valley in Victoria.

First impressions are of a sleek and stylish two-door in the coupe tradition stamped with the latest sporty cues of a diamond radiator grille and extensive lower air intakes dominated by the Benz badge.

New C-Class Coupe has an 80mm longer wheelbase than the outgoing model, with 95mm extra length and 40mm added width, creating more space for the driver and front passenger, plus improved shoulder, elbow and headroom in all seats.

The body is now much stiffer, which improves not only driving dynamics and noise levels, but also crash safety.

From entry level to halo model there is a new level of performance and efficiency in powerplants.

The C 200 Coupe is fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing maximum power of 135 kW and 300 Nm of torque.

The C 250 d Coupe delivers 150 kW of power and up to 500 Nm of torque from its 2.1-litre diesel engine.

Its measured fuel consumption is just 4.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres (combined urban / highway cycle).

In addition to the standard equipment, the C 250 d rolls on 19-inch AMG wheels, and boasts leather upholstery and Keyless-Go and hands-free entry.

Top four-cylinder performer, the C 300 Coupe, puts out 180 kW and 370 Nm. In addition to the C 250 d, the C 300 carries a Burmester surround sound system, online navigation and sports exhaust.

The range topping Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupe has a 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, delivering 375 kW and 700 Nm of torque, while accelerating from zero to 100kmh in just 3.9 seconds.

There’s Nappa leather upholstery, heated front seats, digital TV, air-balance package and panoramic glass sliding sunroof as standard.

At $65,900, the C 200 Coupe earns a $5000 price premium over its sedan sibling by gaining AMG Line body styling, Artico dashboard, auto belt feeders, black ash wood, trim, seat memory and 360 degree camera.

The C 250 d Coupe, at $74,900, does likewise over the respective sedan, while the C 300 Coupe ($83,400) trumps the C 250 Sedan ($68,900) with even more “fruit” such as Burmester surround sound, Comand online navigation system, 25 kW more power and sports exhaust.

The Mercedes-Benz C 63 S Coupe ($162,400) adds auto belt feeders, Nappa look dash and 20-inch alloys up the back over the Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Sedan ($154,510).

For $10,900 more there is a C 63 S Coupe Edition 1 Package made up of 19/20-inch AMG alloys, improved aerodynamics, ceramic brakes, Selenite Grey magno paint and yellow decals.

Inside there is AMG matt carbon trim, yellow diamond stitching, yellow top stitching and yellow accents on instrument dials.