Swift and Affordable, Sporty and Chic: A Review of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

Swift and Affordable, Sporty and Chic: A Review of the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

By Megan Busch

I’m not a girl who knows a ton about cars. I’ve driven Jeeps all my life (as has my mother), and I really haven’t veered off that track—ever. So, I’ve teamed up with the group at Baker Motor Company to try new things, namely cars outside my norm. A few times each month, I’ll be driving one of Baker’s cars and letting you know what I think. This isn’t going to be a series of Car and Driver or Motor Trend reviews. It’s just a girl sharing her honest opinion about some nifty vehicles.

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As you can probably imagine, it’s difficult to suppress high expectations when I hop into any ol’ two-door car after driving the Porsche 718 Boxster. As I grabbed the keys to a Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe, I wondered what was going to be special about this particular sporty car and what would grab my attention. Essentially, what would make this vehicle better than the Boxster?

The C-Class wasn’t a Boxster, but I really liked that it wasn’t trying to be. It didn’t have an engine that roared louder and more powerfully than a Mac truck. It wasn’t a convertible, and it wasn’t a two-seater. The C-Class aimed to be more practical, which as a consumer, I can fully appreciate. It’s not striving to be the fastest, the most powerful, or the absolute most luxurious, but it takes the average coupe and makes it desirable, comfortable, and fun (not to mention, relatively affordable).

Unexpected Luxury

I was pleasantly surprised by what the C-Class Coupe did for me; its systems made sure all I needed was at my fingertips. When I opened the door and sat down, it was as though my mom was in the back seat reminding me to put on my seatbelt. The attachment beside the door extended to make reaching for the belt easy.

If I tried to change lanes with another car in the way, the car alerted me that another vehicle was in my blind spot. While driving this time, I learned a bit about blind-spot monitors and the difference between systems in various vehicle makes. The monitor on this Mercedes-Benz notified me only when a car was in my blind spot, whereas other cars that I’ve driven, like the INFINITI QX60, have notified me when it’s unsafe to change lanes. There is a big difference here, and it’s one that’s important to comprehend fully if you intend to trust this monitor on the road. Once I understood how the Mercedes-Benz was keeping me safe, it was easy to look out for the car’s smart and helpful cues.

The entertainment control system aims for simplicity without requiring drivers to take their eyes off the road. The iPad-like screen is large and simple to read, and it’s controlled by a trackpad located where a gear shifter would normally be (and for reference, the gear shifting mechanism resembles the turn signal and juts out from the steering wheel). The trackpad utilizes sensors and click motions not unlike a laptop. This screen is the source of information for the entire car, providing real-time engine updates, service suggestions, driving mode options, and of course, GPS and entertainment.

When I turned off the car, it reminded me to grab my keys. Once, I shamefully called AAA twice in one week because I locked my keys in my car in both instances. I’m sure that wouldn’t happen in the C-Class. The team that developed this Mercedes-Benz took each moment of a driver’s time in the car into consideration. It was as though the vehicle thought of things for me before I had the opportunity to forget them.

Underestimated Power

Earlier, I mentioned that the C-Class Coupe was most certainly not a Porsche Boxster in terms of power, and that still holds true. But it’s also not a Honda Accord Coupe. It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that works optimally in Sport Mode. The car boasts 241 horsepower at 5550 rpms. The C-Class is fast and powerful enough for the average driver. It doesn’t feel weak, nor does the engine lag. The transmission shifts effortlessly, and the car provides a smooth ride around town. I would have no complaints as a typical driver about the power behind the C-Class Coupe. In fact, I feel quite sure that it’s more powerful than my Cherokee (or at least the engine is more suited to the vehicle size).

Unassuming Price Tag

While it’s not as inexpensive as that Honda Accord, the luxury C-Class Coupe, with a base price of $42,650 MSRP, is within reach for many. Compared to other luxury two-door vehicles, like the Boxster (with an automatic-transmission base MSRP of $59,000) or a Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe (with a base MSRP of $61,400), the price difference is notable.

Drawing Conclusions

For consumers seeking to save some money, the C-Class Coupe is definitely not a bad choice. It carries many of the technological features of the Porsche and Jaguar coupes, several additional safety features, thirty miles to the gallon, and a sunroof to let plenty of crisp autumn wind inside. Additionally, the design of the car is chic and sleek, catching the eyes of other drivers on the road. The four-passenger car proves to be a complete luxury package at a lower price point than some of its similar counterparts.

About this 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

2.0 Inline 4-Turbo Engine

241 Horsepower

7G-TRONIC 7-Speed Automatic Transmission

ECO Start/Stop

Panoramic Sunroof

Bluetooth Connectivity

Front Seatbelt Presenters

Rain-Sensing Intermittent Windshield Wipers

Attention Assist

Collision Prevention Assist

Adaptive Brake Technology

LED Headlamps and Running Lights

Rearview Camera

Polar White Exterior

Saddle Brown Interior

Sport Package

Night Package

Premium 3 Package

Price: $55,895

Test drive the 2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe at Baker Motor Company in West Ashley or Mercedes-Benz of Mount Pleasant.