Currently reading: Mercedes plans C-Class Sportcoupe and cabriolet

At least two extra models will be added to the new Mercedes C-Class range to broaden its appeal

Mercedes-Benz will launch a Sportcoupe and cabriolet version of its new Mercedes-Benz C-Class as part of an expanded model range.

Slated for sale from 2015 is a C-class liftback, which insiders hint will resurrect the Sportcoupé nameplate. But unlike the earlier three-door Sportcoupé based on the third-generation Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the new one will receive a five-door layout similar to the Audi A5 Sportback and BMW 3-series GT.

Details remain scarce, although sources suggest the new C-class Sportcoupé will use the same lengthened wheelbase as the Chinese-market C-class saloon, providing it with additional levels of rear seat legroom over the standard saloon, estate and coupé models set to be offered in the UK.

Also under development but yet to receive a definitive production date is a C-class cabriolet. Conceived around what will be the second-generation C-class coupé, the BMW 3-series convertible and Audi A5 cabriolet rival is earmarked to use a fabric hood. 

Revealed: The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet is unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motorshow

Topping the line-up will be a replacement for today’s C63 AMG, running a newly developed twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine — the same unit earmarked for use in Mercedes’ performance division’s upcoming Porsche 911 rival, the C190.

Following the launch of the diesel-electric E300 and S300 Bluetec Hybrid, Mercedes also plans to add an ultra-frugal new C300 Bluetec Hybrid to its ranks.

Expected to form part of the launch line-up, the C300 Bluetec Hybrid is set to use the same driveline as its larger siblings, with an OM651 ECO 2.2-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine combined with an electric motor mounted in the gearbox housing to provide combined average fuel consumption of close to 70mpg.

Also under development is a new C300 plug-in petrol hybrid model. Again, nothing is official, but insiders suggest it will use a 2.0-litre version of the M274 four-cylinder petrol engine in combination with an electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack boasting plug-in compatibility for a zero-emissions range of up to 37 miles. 

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Flash Harry 21 October 2013

Those with more money than

Those with more money than taste will be over the moon!!!! An answer to a question no one has asked,

Jinx59 21 October 2013

Nice car

MB are getting their act together. I love the Class S Coupé and this looks nice too. For someone who has steered clear of MB, they are beginning to produce cars that I would buy. The swage lines look much better here than they do on the A, B and CLS.

Walking 21 October 2013

Made up image

It has autocar written on the image so just a made up image of a car. With Audi and BMW already doing this a simple business case for MB to decide whether to jump in on this or not.