Back in March, we confirmed that a new entry-level “Sports Coupe” would soon be coming from Mercedes-Benz, namely a new C-Class Coupe expected to go on-sale sometime in 2011. Months later, we’ve finally had our first look at the new two-door.Reportedly timed to coincide with the C-Class Sedan’s 2011 facelift, the C-Class Coupe caught by our spy shooters flaunts both the C-Class’ new nose and a new two-door body. So too is the 2011 C-Class’ new rear end, which is shared with the Coupe. In fact, the only major difference we can see between the new Coupe and Sedan is between the B- and C-pillars, where the Coupe obviously has no second row of doors.What the Coupe does appear to have is a split rear-side window, which will likely allow the forward part of the window to roll down while the smaller aft portion of the window is fixed, just like the Sedan. The Coupe also appears to get a new character line running along its side below the door handles that’s been obscured by camouflage.


While exact specifications aren’t known yet, our sources tell us that the C-Class Coupe will be nearly identical to the Sedan under the skin. Some refinements to the drivetrain are expected, but there aren’t any rumors of new powerplants or transmissions yet. Assuming this update is cosmetic only, the 2011 models would carryover the 2010 model’s 225-horsepower 3.0-liter V-6, 268-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 and 451-horsepower V-8 in the AMG model, all of which will likely carryover to the Coupe. Of course, all of that assumes that this is actually sold in the U.S., which hasn’t been confirmed either.

This isn’t Mercedes-Benz’s first attempt at a C-Class Coupe. The company originally offered a much less striking two-door hatchback model for the 2002 model year, but it was anything but a hit. The existence of this car suggests that Mercedes sees a more receptive market this time, but also underscores the gamble the company is taking on this model.