2012 Mercedes C250 Coupe Review

2012 Mercedes C250 Coupe Review

It’s taken long enough for Mercedes-Benz to become truly serious about taking on the BMW 3 Series Coupe. There have been CLKs and E-Class Coupes, but they inevitably suffer from focusing on two targets: the entry-level models aren’t priced appropriately, and top-end versions are more grand tourer than sports coupe. Never mind that the all-out M3 has been offered as a two-door right from its first generation, while hot C’s are always more staid sedans.

Amazingly, the Coupe is 110 lb heavier than the sedan, but you wouldn’t know it. The power ratio is pretty good – not insane, but not slow as Mercedes-Benz’ other small coupe: the Smart Fortwo. It’s a perfect car to learn the driving techniques required for rear-wheel-drive fun. While learning, the C250 has all the usual Mercedes-Benz safety technology, including all the expected driving aids – ABS, brake assist, traction and stability control – and 11 airbags should you spin into the weeds.


MODESTLY PRICED
Pricing starts at a reasonable $37,220 – about $2,000 more than an equivalent sedan; there is a less expensive C250 Sport Sedan, but all Coupes come in Luxury trim with more standard content including dual-zone climate control, 14-way power seats, rain-sensing wipers and a smart-key. Our tester also had the $1,995 Premium 1 package, which includes heated seats, an upgraded harmon/kardon seven-speaker sound system, satellite radio and an iPod interface.

Other ways to spend plenty of money include active bi-xenon headlights, full leather seating and a package that includes blind-spot warning and lane-keep assist. The big-dollar multimedia package includes a seven-inch LCD screen, a 10GB hard drive, navigation system and rear-view camera. Standalone options include parking assist and keyless ignition.


Get stupid with the options, and you’ll hit $50,000. But keep things reasonable, and you can stick to the low- to mid-forties without much trouble.


THE VERDICT
Benz’ big target, the BMW 328i coupe, begins at $38,500, and uses a 230-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six, which even with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, is quicker to 60 mph by three-tenths. And it is the outright sportier choice. But the 3 Series is aging rapidly – the new sedan has just arrived and BMW will likely introduce a two-door version in the next year.