Mercedes adds new engines, coupe to C-class lineup

Maine -- With a new four-cylinder engine and a coupe offering in its C-class lineup, Mercedes-Benz aims to challenge BMW in the compact-luxury segment.

According to KHABAR KHODRO, The freshened 2012 C class, which went on sale this month, gets the first four-cylinder Mercedes has offered since the 2005 model year. And the two-door coupe is the first since Mercedes entered the compact segment in the United States with the 190E in 1984.

"We have been asking for the coupe for a long time," said Todd Grieco, Mercedes-Benz USA product manager for the C class. "It is purpose-built for the United States and it is incremental volume. It expands our scope and our relevance in the segment.Grieco expects the sporty coupe to lure younger customers to the C class, whose average buyer is 50 years old. The low-slung coupe sits 1.5 inches lower than the sedan and has body side cladding that has been available only on AMG sport models.

Grieco would not forecast sales for the new C class but said Mercedes expects the coupe to account for about 10 percent of total U.S. volume.