Mercedes-Benz will expand its coupé range early this summer when the new C-Class Coupé reaches UK showrooms. Set to be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the neat two-door model slots underneath the E-Class Coupé, giving even more choice for style-conscious buyers in the Mercedes-Benz range.

Crucially, the C-Class Coupé gives Mercedes-Benz a car to rival BMW's 3 Series Coupé and Audi's A5, both of which sell very well. Replacing both the CLC and CLK models, the C-Class Coupé borrows heavily from its saloon namesake, riding on the same platform and sharing its styling.

Inside, the C-Class Coupé's interior is shared with the recently revised saloon too, with the dashboard and instruments almost identical to the four-door's. The engine line-up will also be largely shared with the saloon, with two diesel and three petrol choices. All will feature stop-start to improve their eco credentials, with the C 220 CDI BlueEfficiency achieving 64.2mpg and 117g/km of CO₂. Even the range-topping C 350 V6 petrol model with 306bhp manages 41.5mpg on the official combined cycle, despite its six-second 0-62mph time and (electronically limited) 155mph top speed.

Three-link suspension at the front and multi-link rear suspension combine with the standard AMG Sports Package, sports suspension and speed-sensitive sports steering on UK cars.

Lower by some 41mm over its saloon relative, the Mercedes C-Class Coupé features a steeper rake on its windscreen to give it a sportier profile. All UK cars' styling will be enhanced by AMG 18-inch alloy wheels.

There's no official line on whether AMG is preparing a high-performance C 63 model, but we'd be amazed if the engineers in Afflaterbach have not considered a hotter example for release later this year.

Kyle Fortune - 12 Feb 2011