Think of sporty, seductive coupes and the cars that come to mind are driving machines like the Honda Integra Type R, the Subaru BRZ and the BMW M3 Coupe.
There are, of course, many others that make the cut but the point here is - Merc's C-Class Coupe isn't one that comes to mind, to ours at least.
Whenever we see a C-Class Coupe, it's hard not to imagine that it's owned by someone who isn't into the sport of driving, cares more about fashion than cars, and purchased one with the help of mum and dad - you get the drift.
And because of that, owning the C-Class Coupe isn't what we'd consider a priority on our bucket lists.
That is, of course, until we had a go in the new one.Up close and Personal
The new Coupe, what Mercedes claims as the sportiest variant of the C-Class to date, is in fact quite the visual treat compared to the old car.
It shares the same 'face' as the rest of cars in the C-Class lineup - a sporty, striking form made up of clean character lines, large air intakes and a crouched, drawn-out roof.
Compared to before, the new car is also 95mm longer, 40mm wider and 1mm lower.
This increased size doesn't just give the C-Class Coupe more presence on the roads but creates also more shoulder, elbow and headroom.
Inside, as you'd expect from the brand, is a cabin design that displays both style and substance.
We aren't strangers to the C-Class Coupe's dash and centre console as the construction is almost similar to the sedan and Cabriolet variant that we recently drove in Trieste, Italy.
But unlike the sedan's sedentary seats, the front two in the Coupe were semi bucket-like, providing grip and comfort on the go. You can also adjust the seating position low enough, which heightens the sense of sporty driving.
However, one gripe that remains is the car's heretical column-mounted gear shift because there's nothing sporty about it. Employing the one used in AMG cars would have been a preferable choice.
The Drive
If you're reading and hoping to hear about how this C-Class Coupe tears up the roads like the angry Tasmanin Devil, stop and read about the C-Class Cabriolet C 43 S AMG instead.
The Coupe here, in C180 variant, is driven by a new, force-fed 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine, which sends a modest 154bhp and 250Nm of twisty treats to the rear tyres.
In reality, those numbers don't excite but when you're driving, they make perfect, usable sense - it's easier to make complete use of the power and remain in control compared to crazier cars.
This is when we begin to love the Coupe.
Even though performance figures aren't much, the powertrain, mated to the smooth and consistent seven-speed gearbox, is magnificently polished. Power delivery is comfortably linear, enabling you to drive in confidence.
Complimenting the powertrain is the Coupe's new and improved suspension setup that balances sporty agility and ride quality.
If you're reading and hoping to hear about how this C-Class Coupe tears up the roads like the angry Tasmanin Devil, stop and read about the C-Class Cabriolet C 43 S AMG instead.
The Coupe here, in C180 variant, is driven by a new, force-fed 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine, which sends a modest 154bhp and 250Nm of twisty treats to the rear tyres.
In reality, those numbers don't excite but when you're driving, they make perfect, usable sense - it's easier to make complete use of the power and remain in control compared to crazier cars.
This is when we begin to love the Coupe.
Even though performance figures aren't much, the powertrain, mated to the smooth and consistent seven-speed gearbox, is magnificently polished. Power delivery is comfortably linear, enabling you to drive in confidence.
Complimenting the powertrain is the Coupe's new and improved suspension setup that balances sporty agility and ride quality.
As we drove the Coupe on twistier tarmac, the car responded capably to driver input and directional changes, much to our surprise.
Although rather clinical as most Merc's are, the Coupe does certainly engage and encourage a certain amount of driving.
It also has a quieter, softer side when required. Flip the standard Dynamic Select switch to 'Comfort' mode and the drive is as serene as a river boat ride.
Conclusion
Considering how this new C-Class Coupe has managed to sway our expectations in a short two-day drive, we're guessing it's safe to say that Merc's latest creation does offer drivers substance and style.
If you're down the road of purchasing a coupe of quality built and drives quite nicely, you may want to give this $183,888 (as of 1st June 2016) one a shot.
