GO
GoAutoLogo
MENU

Make / Model Search

Mercedes-Benz - C-Class - C63 AMG Edition 507

Latest articles for Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Mercedes-Benz C-Class (C-class coupe)

C-class coupe

Make: Mercedes-Benz

Model: C-Class

Released: Jan 1970

Discontinued: Aug 2014

Mercedes-Benz logo1 Aug 2011

By MIKE COSTELLO

AFTER almost a dozen years of having the old W202 and W203 generation C-class sedan-based CLK Coupe from the late ‘90s, with its bespoke bodywork and E-class pricing, Daimler decided to work the W204-derived ‘CLK’ replacement in with the related W212 E-class bits to create the C207 E-class Coupe (and ragtop).

But with that model kicking off from $100K, Mercedes identified a gaping hole in the $60K segment in which to take on the well-established BMW 3 Series and popular Audi A5 Coupe – hence the C204 C-class Coupe.

It also essentially replaced the Brazilian-built CL203 CLC hatch that was itself based on the previous-generation W203 C-class-derived Sport Coupe offered from 2002 to 2007.

Completely different bodywork from the windscreen backwards means the C204 is indeed substantially new, and features a 450-litre boot augmented by a folding split rear backrest to increase luggage capacity.

Aided by a more acutely angled windscreen than the W204 sedan, the C204 was lower by 41mm and boasts shorter rear overhang, as well as an upswept belt line, narrow C-pillars, elongated roof, and a glasshouse that extend beyond the rear axle.

Initially five models were released – the C180 BlueEfficiency Coupe, C250 BE Coupe, C250 CDI Coupe, C350 BE Coupe, and – from October 2011 – the C63 AMG Coupe - possessing a 336kW/600Nm 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 and AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed sports transmission.

The rest are mated exclusively to Mercedes’ 7G-Tronic automatic transmission driving the rear wheels.

Both four-cylinder petrol vehicles use a 1796cc 1.8-litre turbo-charged direct-injection twin-cam 16-valve BE unit.

The C180 Coupe delivered 115kW of power at 5000rpm and 250Nm of torque at 1600rpm, against the C250’s 150kW at 5500rpm/310Nm at 2300rpm outputs.

Meanwhile the C350 BE packed a 3498cc 3.5-litre V6 channelling 225kW at 6500 and 370Nm at 3500rpm.

Lastly, the sole diesel model leveraged Mercedes’ CDI common-rail turbo-diesel tech in the shape of a 2143cc 2.1-litre four-cylinder engine offering 150kW at 4200rpm and 500Nm at 1600rpm.

The C204 was built on the same 2760mm wheelbase as the sedan, but has a length/width and height measurements of 4590/1770/1406mm.

It followed its sedan and wagon cousin in using speed-sensitive hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering, as well as a three-link MacPherson front and multi-link independent rear suspension.

The ride could be lowered via a sports suspension option comprising firmer and 15mm shorter springs, stiffer shock absorbers and beefier anti-roll bars.

Reviews

When it was new

Latest reviews

Motor industry news

GoAutoNews is Australia’s number one automotive industry journal covering the latest news, future and new model releases, market trends, industry personnel movements, and international events.

Catch up on all of the latest industry news with this week's edition of GoAutoNews
Click here