BMW BLOG

Well, that was my first thought, but after seeing the official photos and reading the technical specs, I am not sure that Mercedes-Benz was actually trying to be in a direct competition with the BMW's best seller: the 3-series.

The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class sports coupe/hatchback, which is a replacement to the vehicle formerly known as the C-Class Coupe. It is still built to look like the new C-Class sedan, even though the CLC is still being based on the previous model type.

Interesting fact

More than 1,100 components were specially made for the CLC, including some that have been refined from the previous model. The new CLC was given a direct steering system for increased handling and the coupe will also feature a new infotainment system.

Engine Power

The basic CLC180 Kompressor and CLC200 Kompressor are powered by four-cylinder engines, delivering 143 horsepower and 184 horsepower, respectively. The upper models, CLC230 and CLC350 are a totally different breed. The CLC230 has a 2.4L V6 engine that delivers 204HP while the CLC350 offers 272HP from a 3.5L, still V6 engine.

There are also a couple of diesel models, CLC200 CDI and CLC220 CDI, with a way less horsepower, 120 respectively 150.

The transmission choices are as follows:

• basic models – 5-speed Automatic o r 6-speed manual
• V6 models – 7-speed Automatic with paddle shifting

So, what do you think? What market are they going after?

Mercedes-Benz CLC Gallery