Mercedes to trim cabriolet and coupe line-up for EQ expansion

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan and wagon have similar styling as the S-Class. Photos: Mercedes-Benz

Just as Mercedes-Benz launches the C-Class sedan and wagon, the German brand is deciding whether to cull some of its coupe and convertibles from its line-up.

It is the top-selling model range globally for Mercedes and it has had a redesigned C-Class with larger body style plus advanced safety.

The C-Class also comes with a new mild-hybrid powertrain featuring an electric motor to boost the 2-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, and 9-speed automatic transmission.

Since the introduction of the still current generation in 2014, over 2.5 million sedan and wagon models have been sold. All in all, over 10.5 million Mercedes-Benz cars in this category have been delivered to customers since 1982.

Designers drew elements of the recently redesigned S-Class sedan's interior to incorporate into the C-Class, including a new digital dashboard.

The C-Class gets an upgraded interior, including new screens.

The vehicle gets the remade Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice assistant capability and 50% more processing power than its predecessor.

The centre console is equipped with an 11.9-inch touchscreen, while the traditional analog instrument cluster is replaced by a 12.3in  digital panel.

Safety features include an advanced version of adaptive cruise control plus an active steering assistance system that will help keep the vehicle in its lane at speeds of up to 210km/h (suitable for autobahn use).

But there’s not all good news. While Mercedes is committed to offering coupe and cabriolet models in the future, according to chief operating officer Markus Schafer, it  will trim back and refocus its line-up of such machines, according to AutoCar UK.

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the brand’s top selling model globally.

With Mercedes currently expanding its line-up of EQ-branded electric models, Schafer said the firm needed to rationalise and focus on higher-volume machines.

“We reached a portfolio of close to 50 vehicles last year, and there’s more to come on the electric side with our EQ line-up,” said Schafer. 

“We have some limitations in terms of what we can do in research and development … We will not give up the segment because it’s very important to use as a brand-shaper, but maybe in a more limited offering.”

Pricing and specifications of the new C-Class will be announced closer to the launch date in New Zealand, which is expected to be in the last quarter.

The C-Class comes with a new mild-hybrid powertrain featuring an electric motor to boost the 2-litre engine.