Verdict
At last, the Mercedes C-Class Coupe has arrived to take on the Audi A5 and BMW 3-Series Coupe. Its handling and comfort is top-drawer, while its engines impress.

Expert rating: 4.1

Pros
• Excellent engines
• Precise, secure handling
• Relaxed cruiser

Cons
• Poor rear seat access
• Only one trim level
• Expensive

1. Exterior: 3/5
The Mercedes C-Class Coupe comes four years after the saloon arrived in 2007. It's a striking car, which is considerably lower (41mm) and Mercedes is expecting it to appeal to younger owners.

2. Interior: 4/5
The interior is superb, with a dark soft-touch dashboard broken up by a white 'porcelain' or carbon fibre swathe of trim. There's a three-spoke sports steering wheel and the instrument binnacle now extends over the centrally mounted sat-nav and information screen. The seats are especially supportive in the C63 AMG version.

3. Practicality: 3/5
The C-Class Coupe is a proper four-seater, but it's a little claustrophobic in the rear. Space is comparable to the A5 and 3 Series Coupe, which means rear seat passengers will be fine on shorter journeys, but access isn't great. The boot measures 450 litres, which is near-identical to the A5 and 3-Series Coupe. Parking sensors are standard, helping to make awkward situations easier.

4. Ride and handling: 5/5
There's well-weighted steering plus smooth brake and throttle pedals while body control is excellent regardless of road or camber. With so much power in the C63 AMG, it can also be a complete hooligan with its driver aids turned off, but only if you provoke it. Ride comfort is good, with small pot holes and motorway creases barely felt in the cabin.

5. Performance: 5/5
The petrol engine line-up ranges from a 156bhp, 1.8-litre turbo to a 457bhp 6.2-litre AMG unit. Both are good to drive, the 1.8 giving 0-62mph in 9 seconds - the rorty and smooth way the engine delivers this makes it enjoyable. The C63 gives 0-62mph in just 4.5 seconds. Two diesel engines are offered, with 170 and 204bhp and impressive pulling power. Both have twin turbochargers and give smooth, refined performance likely to prove exceptionally popular in the UK.

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6. Running costs: 5/5
Every diesel model (including autos) averages more than 50mpg, with CO2 emissions of 133-143g/km. The C180 isn't quite there, with fuel economy of around 40mpg and emissions of 162-169g/km. The C63 AMG emits 280g/km and returns just 23mpg. Residual values are expected to be strong, while insurance groups range between 34 and 46. The C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY is the cleanest, cheapest-to-run offering. It manages an impressive 117g/km of CO2 and 64.2mpg.

7. Reliability: 3/5
Few cars feel as solidly built as the C-Class Coupe, but the C-Class saloon this car is based on has been the subject of five manufacturer recalls between 2008 and 2011, suggesting there's still room for improvement with build quality. Hopefully any faults should have been ironed out with the launch of the Coupe. Mercedes has recently come an impressive fourth in the JD Power survey, suggesting its customer service is excellent.

8. Safety: 5/5
Lots of standard safety equipment is fitted, including anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic stability program (ESP) and driver, passenger, knee, pelvis and side airbags. Blind spot, lane assist and speed limit assist technology are also available to help keep you safe. A pop-up bonnet is fitted to increase pedestrian safety.

9. Equipment: 4/5
Standard kit includes the COMAND Online infotainment system with internet connectivity, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, DAB radio, Bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors, air-con, 19-inch alloy wheels and an AMG bodykit.

10. Why buy? 4/5
The Mercedes C-Class saloon has been highly-regarded since its launch in 2007, so a sleeker and sportier Coupe version is a no-brainer. While there's plenty of derivatives to cater for every taste, the C63 AMG version is a true hot-rod for the 21st Century.