2013 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe

Last year Mercedes-Benz brought us an all-new C-Class Coupe powered by a small turbo-4 and new for 2013 is an available AMG Sport Package Plus adding some extra sauciness to the C250.

In many ways, this is really a different kind of car for Germany’s more buttoned-up brand. This is one of their least-expensive cars, styled aggressively with AMG cues, energized by a punchy 4-cylinder turbo and weighing less than any other 2-door the company sells.  The rear drive layout, subcompact dimensions and powertrain offerings ostensibly pit the C-Class Coupe against 2 others; the Hyundai Genesis and BMW 3-series.  Based on the sedan but with a 1 ½” lower roofline, the C250 with the new Sport Package Plus adds an AMG, racing-inspired front suspension featuring more rigid components and exclusive geometry, speed sensitive sport steering, 18” AMG twin 7-spoke wheels, a performance-tuned exhaust with a sportier engine sound, upsized front and rear brakes – the largest on any non-AMG C-Class, a quicker shifting sport shift mode for the 7-speed auto with downshift rev matching, a rear lip spoiler, deeper front and rear aprons and bolder side sill panels.  Inside there are exclusive-design front sport seats with suede-like inserts, red seat belts, a flat-bottom performance steering wheel with silver paddle shifters, and red top stitching throughout the cabin.  At an added cost of only $2,800 it’s a package that’s surprisingly value priced and one I think most owners of a sporty coupe would surely appreciate.

Though the 1.8-liter engine isn’t going to wow anyone with its off-the line power, once the turbo has spooled up and you’re playing with the 7 gears in Sport mode, the C250 feels quick and nimble with paddle shifting control, that while not particularly responsive, at least provide better control while allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel.  Rated at an unspectacular 201 horsepower and 229 pound feet of torque, a 7.1-second 0-to-60mph run is all you can expect, but the C250 hangs its hat not on sheer power, but in its ability to cut up a country road and put a smile on your face while doing it.  Because this is the first C Coupe I’ve driven, I can’t compare and contrast its drive to the non-Sport model, but this car has that tightly sprung ride quality you’d expect that doesn’t cross the line to uncomfortable.  Its steering is direct and organic and its handling safe and secure without any oversteer spookinees.  At 3,538 pounds, it plays relatively small and eager during spirited driving and quiet and efficient in everyday driving…rated at 22mpg city/31mpg highway on premium.  It’s not an easy car to get in and out of though the front seats handily slide out of the way to allow for reasonable access to the rear seats with sufficient breathing room for 2 more.  There’s also 12 cubic feet of trunk room, expandable into the rear.  But, if you’re an owner, who likes lots of goodies, be prepared to pay even more.

With a sticker price approaching $45,000, you’d be hard-pressed to find another vehicle at the price point that doesn’t include such things as intelligent key, a backup cam or a navi.

While those items and more are available, the fact that they don’t find their way in here with this sticker is confounding.

Stellar looks that drew admiration all week, a youthful exuberance with an excitable drive and a sport package that delivers makes the C250 a compelling choice – though a more powerful 4-cylinder motor and a lower overall price would make it even more so.