The result is an impressively smooth ride-at least on the nearly faultless roads of southern France where we drove the car.īut the sports coupe is no more sporting than the sedan. All U.S.-model sports coupes come with 16-inch wheels bearing 225/50VR-16 performance tires. The standard tuning of the coupe's strut-front and multilink-rear suspension approximates the C-class four-door's optional Sport package, although specific spring rates and shock valving differ slightly. It's vaguely French-looking, almost Renault-like. Only the rear view will be seen as controversial. Viewed from anywhere but behind, the sports coupe is distinctive and attractive, with an aggressive wedge shape. Mercedes is counting heavily on this fact to convince shoppers that the sports coupe isn't just a budget-minded C-class but is something with a distinct image. Unlike BMW's failed U.S.-market hatchback, the Mercedes sports coupe does not share any body panels with its C-class donor sedan. The "sports" portion of its name is justified, Mercedes says, by the car's rakish styling and its standard sport suspension tuning. The sports coupe is based on the 2001 C-class sedan, sharing its 106.9-inch wheelbase, suspension, steering, and brakes. Forget for a moment that Mercedes sells a proper coupe, the CLK. "Hatchback" is such a marketing cuss word that Mercedes officials wince at the mention of it. That explains the calculated misnomer Mercedes has given to its new "sports coupe," although it's obviously a hatchback. Best Sports Sedans for $15K: Window Shop with C/D.
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