2016 Mercedes C220d AMG Line Coupé, car review: A grand car for high days and holidays

What goes on behind the new and swoopy lines?

The new C-Class Coupé doesn’t look so much like the old one as it does the S-Class Coupé, only smaller of course. On the other hand it’s also bigger than the old C-Class Coupé with both bodywork and wheelbase being lengthened as well as a bit of extra girth added for good measure.

It must be said it hides those extra centimetres rather well with a stylish, swooping bodywork that replaces the old more angular design with curves and indeed chrome – tastes further East being rather fond of chrome.

Although it doesn’t look like the C-Class Saloon, it does use a modified version of that car’s multi-link rear suspension, joined by a new four-link suspension system at the front. As standard, that drops the car by 15mm but in the AMG Line trim you get extra tautness in the handling as well. You also get the option, of which we availed ourselves, of fully adjustable air suspension which is the first time you’ve been able to have that in this coupé class. At £895 it represents pretty good value.

It must be said that the 2.1-litre turbodiesel is fairly fast, but it’s also a trifle rough which is not what you want in such a car. When you’re pushing hard you’re most aware of it, but at less throttle it burbles along nicely. Thanks to the gearing in the optional nine-speed auto box, you can travel at 70mph with the engine turning over at only 1350rpm which takes a lot of the drama out of travel.

Mercedes-Benz C220d Coupé AMG Line

On sale: Now 
Price: £36,460
Engine: 4 cyls, 2143cc, twin-turbocharged, diesel 
Power: 168bhp at 3000-4200rpm 
Torque: 295lb ft at 1400-2800rpm 
Gearbox: 9-spd automatic 
Kerb weight: 1615kg 
Top speed: 145mph; 0-62mph 7.5sec 
Economy: 68.9mpg (combined) 
CO2/tax band: 109g/km, 21% 

The handling too is excellent, running flat and settled in fast turns. It’s very stable and balanced even if it’s over a rough road and you’re pressing on. For the best ride it’s preferable to switch it to Comfort at which point the air springs relax a bit and you can indeed waft along in some comfort. It’s better than a BMW 4 Series Coupé, even though this is the AMG Line model.

Steering is the usual – it works well but doesn’t give much feedback. It seems to be the norm these days. However the driver doesn’t have much to complain about in the different, sumptuous and high quality interior. It looks great although we do have to record a couple of examples of poor build, with the odd squeak and things not aligned, so Mercedes-Benz need to make sure they don’t slide.

So overall it’s a four-star review thanks to a tiny question about build integrity and a bit of a pouting lip at the way the engine delivers its performance. Perhaps the C250, which would deliver its power in a more relaxed way as there is more of it, would be a better bet. Either way, this is a mighty fine coupé which, with the optional adjustable air suspension, would make a grand car for high days and holidays.