What's the news?
Following on from their four-door saloon and estate siblings, it's time for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet to receive a mid-life makeover to keep the sporty members of the C-Class family fresh. The styling has been tweaked, the technology on offer has been enhanced and there are new engines and engine upgrades, too.
Exterior
The exterior changes are subtle, but do include LED High Performance headlights as standard, while the rear LED lights are visible during the day as well as at night. New colours and wheel options are introduced, complementing the re-sculpted bumpers. The C-Class Cabriolet will be available with the Night Package for the first time, adding black accents, while the updated Mercedes-AMG C 43 variants get a separate makeover to differentiate them further from the regular models.
Interior
Inside, it's more about the options and new colours and trim materials than it is a major revamp, but buyers of the C-Class can for the first time order a fully digital setup in place of the main instruments with three different display modes. The centre-mounted screen measures up to 10.25 inches and it's all controlled by the lovely touch pads we've already seen in the Mercedes E-Class and S-Class. An engine-start button is now standard, as is a new design of key.
Mechanicals
Diesel power for the C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet comes in the form of the new 2.0-litre unit in the C 220 d (previously tested in the Mercedes E 220 d), producing 194hp and 400Nm of torque. Topping the range is the Mercedes-AMG C 43 models, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. This has been upgraded to produce 390hp and 520Nm of torque, enabling the 4Matic four-wheel-drive equipped Coupe and Cabriolet to record 0-100km/h times of 4.7 and 4.8 seconds respectively.
In terms of engines, the most interesting introduction is a new turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit of 1.5-litre capacity. It's found under the bonnet of the C 200 cars (available with rear-wheel drive or 4Matic) and, while the engine itself produces a healthy 184hp and 280Nm of torque, it's augmented by a 48-volt electrical system (Mercedes calls it the 'EQ Boost') that can add 14hp and 160Nm to the mix.
Anything else?
Mercedes has used the occasion of the update for the C-Class to introduce some of the high-tech safety features of the S-Class to its junior executive. It comes as standard with extended Active Brake Assist, while the optional Driving Assistance Package features Active Distance Control Distronic, Active Lane Change Assist and Active Emergency Stop Assist.
Irish pricing for the updated Mercedes C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet has yet to be released, but they are expected to be on sale this summer.