2019 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and Cabriolet gain mild hybrid tech

Mercedes-Benz has announced a significant upgrade to its two door C-Class coupe and cabriolet variants, including the AMG C43 derivative, which bring new powertrains, improved handling and E-Class-like equipment levels.

The two-door models bring everything from the recently revealed sedan and wagon updates, including digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch panoramic infotainment screen, Dynamic Body Control suspension system and S-Class-level active safety features.

While details of all powertrains for the four-door versions are yet to be revealed, the two-door versions will come with new petrol- and diesel-turbo engines, with the former being coupled with a new EQ Boost mild hybrid system, and optional all-wheel-drive.

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Connected to the new C200 petrol engine, EQ Boost comprises a 48-volt battery and motor combination that couples to the starter-alternator and offers the engine an extra 10kW and 160Nm for brief periods. When used it gives the 135kW/280Nm 1.5-litre C200 considerably more grunt than the outgoing 135kW/300Nm 2.0-litre version. Benz says it also means improved fuel economy, but is yet to release consumption figures.

The entry-level C200 is also available with 4MATIC all-wheel-drive

A new 2.0-litre petrol version is expected down the track, which will make up for the subtraction of the C300 from the range.

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The new version of the C220d turbo diesel produces 143kW/400Nm, which represents an 18kW power boost over the outgoing 2.1-litre engine, and slightly better fuel economy (4.4L/100km down from 4.7).

The AMG C43 coupe and cabriolet meanwhile come with a 287kW/520Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 that permanently drives all four wheels and is good for a 0-100km/h time of 4.7 seconds on the way to a top speed of 250km/h.

Exterior changes across each version include updated front and rear styling and an extension of the chrome trimmings on the body. LED headlights house ‘Multibeam’ technology; meaning they can shut down isolated segments of the headlight so as not to blind oncoming motorists, and all variants come with Benz’s ‘Dynamic Body Control’ system that gives drivers a range of driving modes to choose from.

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All cars come with Keyless-Go for hands-free entry and start, and the cabriolet has an optional remote roof control which uses Near Field Communication technology that essentially turns a compatible smartphone into a car key.

The updated C-Class range is expected to arrive in latter half of the year, with local pricing and specifications to be announced closer to launch.