When Mercedes-Benz elected to redesign its entry-level sports coupe for 2009, it made more than just a few changes. In fact, it redeveloped more than 1,100 of the C-Class Coupe's components -- from the steering system to the infotainment unit -- to create a vehicle that the German automaker believes is improved in nearly every way. And the sports coupe even got a new name along the way: CLC.
At first glance, the most noticeable change in the 2009 CLC is in the styling department. While still instantly recognizable as a direct descendant of the vehicle it replaces, the CLC utilizes current-generation C-Class features beginning, with the prominent front grille with its central trademark Mercedes-Benz three-point star. New projection beam headlamps and LED tail lamps conspire to update the CLC's profile front and rear, while the tailgate and rear bumper are also new and emphasize the new coupe's width.
Inside the 2009 CLC, the atmosphere is decidedly sporty with a three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel, sport seats, and brushed aluminum trim throughout the cabin. Of course luxury hasn't been forsaken either, and no fewer than three infotainment units are available with a variety of features ranging from speed-sensitive volume control and color displays, to Bluetooth mobile phone integration, a six-disc DVD changer with Dolby 5.1 sound, and auxiliary MP3 player connectivity.
For those looking for even more performance from their CLC, Mercedes-Benz offers a sports package to squeeze more grip out of the sports coupe. Consisting of 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with performance tires, headlamps with black liner surrounds, a lower and stiffer sport-tuned suspension, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and dark brushed aluminum trim accents, the package is a nice combination of show and go. The final component to the package is the direct-steer system. Using speed-sensitive power steering and a variable rack ratio that changes in relationship to steering angle, the amount the steering wheel needs to be turned in corners is reduced to provide sharper, crisper, more direct inputs.
Of course, just as with the C-Class sedan, Mercedes recognizes some buyers may prefer luxury over performance, so the Exclusive and Comfort packages are also available. The former includes an automatic climate control system, electronically adjustable front seats, and memory settings for seat, steering wheel, head restraint, and mirror postions. The latter provides auto-dimming mirrors, folding exterior mirrors, a rain sensor, and a tire pressure monitoring system.
Engine choices for the CLC are six in total: four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines ranging from 122 horsepower all the way up to 272 horses at the large end of the scale. Mercedes is particularly proud of its 184 horsepower, 2.0-liter Kompressor engine, up a full 20 horses while achieving better gas mileage than the previous version. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment with all engine options (as we think should be the case in a proper sports coupe), though a five-speed automatic is available with the four-cylinder engines and Mercedes' 7G-TRONIC seven-speed paddle-shiftable autobox is available with the six-cylinder motors.
Mercedes says it has sold around 320,000 C-Class Sports Coupes worldwide since its introduction in 2001 and 70 percent of buyers were first-time Mercedes-Benz owners. Further, 43 percent of those buyers have since moved up into more expensive Mercedes models since their initial purchase -- an impressive figure. That's the good news for Mercedes. The bad news is for us: Mercedes won't be bringing the CLC stateside, having discontinued the C-Class Coupe years ago on our soil. While we wonder if a North American return should be in order, European customers can begin driving their CLCs starting this June.