STUTTGART, Germany – Mercedes-Benz reveals the facelifted C-Class coupe and cabriolet ahead of their planned public debut at next week’s 2018 New York auto show.
The appearance of the reworked 2-door C-Class models follows the unveiling of the facelifted 4-door C-Class sedan and wagon at the recent 2018 Geneva auto show. Along with some subtle exterior styling tweaks and upgraded interior appointments, they introduce a series of midlife mechanical changes, including a more powerful engine in the all-wheel-drive C43 4Matic.
It retains the same turbocharged 3.0L gasoline V-6 used by predecessor sedan, wagon, coupe and cabriolet models, but gains an additional 23 hp at 386 hp while making the same 383 lb.-ft. (519 Nm) of torque as before.
Despite the increase in power for the new C43 4Matic, Mercedes-AMG quotes the same 0-62 mph (100 km/h) and top speed figures as the old model at a respective 4.7 seconds and limited 155 mph (250 km/h).
Also new for the facelifted C-Class, but not planned for introduction in North America according to Mercedes-Benz, is a new entry-level EQ Boost mild-hybrid powertrain to be offered in selected markets.
Based on Mercedes-Benz’s newly developed turbocharged 1.5L 4-cyl. gasoline engine, the M264, as it is codenamed, produces 181 hp and 206 lb.-ft. (279 Nm) of torque.
To be fitted to C200 EQ Boost and C200 4Matic EQ Boost sedan, wagon, coupe and cabriolet models, the new gasoline-electric powertrain also receives a 48-volt electric architecture for added efficiency. It operates in combination with the belt-driven alternator and lithium-ion battery to recuperate up to 16 hp (12 kW) of kinetic energy during braking and provide a coasting function that idles the engine during extended periods on the overrun.
In the new C200 EQ Boost Coupe, which comes as standard with a 9-speed torque-converter-equipped automatic transmission, the new mild-hybrid powertrain provides 0-62 mph acceleration in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 149 mph (240 km/h). Mercedes-Benz confirms it meets the latest Euro6d TEMP emission standards, but it has yet to provide official fuel-consumption and carbon-dioxide-emissions figures for the new model.
The new powertrain is part of a range of Mercedes-Benz gasoline-electric units that also includes the more powerful turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. gasoline-engine-based EQ Boost system to be launched in the yet-to-be-confirmed C300 EQ Boost and C300 4Matic EQ Boost sedan, wagon, coupe and cabriolet models planned to go on sale alongside their C200 EQ Boost siblings in July.
Mercedes-Benz has not yet confirmed details of the C300 EQ Boost, though insiders have told WardsAuto its combustion engine develops 255 hp and 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm).
Other engines made available for the ʼ18-model-year C-Class coupe and cabriolet include a new turbocharged 2.0L 4-cyl. diesel. It replaces the older turbocharged 2.1L unit in the C220d, offering an added 24 hp and the same torque rating at 191 hp and 295 lb.-ft.
In line with their sedan and wagon siblings, the C-Class coupe and cabriolet receive a subtle styling refresh with a new-look front bumper and standard-fit diamond-pattern grille insert together with standard LED headlamps and full-LED taillamps.
Further changes include new interior trim elements and color combinations, a standard keyless go function, a new-look stop/start button and a remote function for the cabriolet’s fabric roof, which now can be operated from outside the car.
The facelifted C-Class coupe and cabriolet’s new digital instrument display comes with three themes: classic, sport and progressive.
