Mercedes C220d AMG Line Coupé: review

We drive Merc’s latest exec special in sporty AMG Line guise

Mercedes’ latest C-Class Coupé looks every bit the sleek, suave executive toy

30 January 2016

With its curvaceous, mini-S-Class Coupé styling, Mercedes’ latest C-Class Coupé looks every bit the sleek, suave executive toy. It bears little resemblance to the old, angular model, and it’s bigger than its predecessor too, while from the scuttle back it shares virtually no bodywork with the C-Class Saloon.

The swooping bodylines disguise the extra length, wheelbase and width well, and lashings of chrome give a suitably upmarket, classy feel. Underneath the skin there’s a modified version of the Saloon’s multi-link rear suspension, complemented by a new four-link front end. The ride height has been dropped by 15mm. In AMG Line guise, this set-up tightens the handling, and our test car also benefited from the £895 option of fully adjustable air-suspension.

It's bigger than its predecessor too, while from the scuttle back it shares virtually no bodywork with the C-Class Saloon

We were impressed with the 2.1-litre turbodiesel’s performance if not completely satisfied with its delivery, which became slightly rough when really pressing on. More sedate use of the throttle better suits the powerplant’s nature. The optional nine-speed auto box has well spaced gears, allowing a 70mph motorway cruising speed at a hushed 1350rpm.

That suspension set-up gives excellent handling

That suspension set-up gives excellent handling. The car remains flat and settled through quick corners, and the ride is stable even when travelling fast on rough roads. As you’d expect, the most relaxing mode is Comfort, which slightly backs off the air springs. The steering has good assistance in this mode, too, although overall it lacks old-school feedback.

From the driver’s seat, things look good. The cabin is distinctive, well specced, spacious and of good quality

From the driver’s seat, things look good. The cabin is distinctive, well specced, spacious and, in the main, of good quality, although we noticed one or two areas where Mercedes’ usual build integrity has slipped. The occasional squeak and trim misalignment are not what you expect from a premier brand.

That quibble, along with our slight reservation about engine delivery, robs the C220d AMG Line Coupé of one star. The latter question, at least, should be addressed by the more powerful, so presumably more relaxed, C250. Otherwise, this is an impressive machine. Whether you chose it over its BMW 4 Series Coupé rival, though, is purely a matter of personal taste.

Mercedes-Benz C220d Coupé AMG Line

On sale: Now

Price: £36,460

Engine: 4cyl, 2143cc, twin-turbocharged, diesel

Power: 168bhp at 3000-4200rpm

Torque: 295lb ft at 1400-2800rpm

Gearbox: 9spd automatic

Kerbweight: 1615kg

Top speed: 145mph

0-62mph: 7.5sec

Economy: 68.9mpg (combined)

CO2/tax band: 109g/km, 21%

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Mercedes C220d AMG Line Coupé

Mercedes C220d AMG Line Coupé: review

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