Revealed: next Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupé

Its first-generation Cabriolet counterpart is set for launch at the 2016 Geneva motor show.

Styling cues from the four-door saloon are numerous, especially around the front end, but from the frameless doors back the car closely mimics its S-Class Coupé stablemate, with a plunging roofline, rakish glasshouse, sleek rear window and high-set bootlid.

Use of the latest Mercedes-Benz MRA (Modular Rear Architecture) platform allows expanded dimensions over its predecessor, by 95mm in length and 40mm in width. These are claimed by the maker to allow “more shoulder, elbow and headroom in all seats”.

All four chairs are individual, with the unique front sports versions featuring integral headrests. Standard kit includes an automatic belt feeder, Bluetooth-compatible audio, Attention Assist and the combined Collision Prevention Assist and Adaptive Brake Assist.

Optional Distronic Plus autonomously steers the Coupé to keep it in its lane at up to 124mph.

UK buyers will be offered two petrol and one diesel engine at launch, all four-cylinders. Mercedes-Benz claims they’re up to 27% more efficient than units in the previous Coupé.

The base petrol C180 has a 156bhp 1.6-litre, while a 2.0 puts out 184bhp in the C200, 211bhp in the C250 and 245bhp in the C300.

Diesel lovers can get a 2.1 in two states of tune: 168bhp in the C220d and 201bhp in the C250d.

Power will go to the rear wheels as standard, via a six-speed manual or optional seven or nine-speed auto boxes.

4Matic four-wheel drive will be available with certain engines. Meanwhile, planned six-cylinders include a 362bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6 in the C450 Sport.

Mercedes-Benz’s new in-line six-cylinder petrol and diesel units will eventually be adopted. Four-link front and five-link rear suspension is shared with the C-Class saloon, but here it boasts elastokinematic properties and rides 15mm lower.

Standard-fit hi-tech variable damping can be set to comfort or sports modes, while air-sprung AirMatic suspension is optional. Smart 18in or 19in alloys are optional over the usual 17in rims.