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Mercedes-Benz to Offer Two-Door C-Class Coupe Next Year

18 August 2000

New Sports Coupe Will Make its World Debut at Paris Auto Show

    MONTVALE, N.J. - As the all-new 2001 C-Class sedan is about to go on sale 
in the U.S., Mercedes-Benz is announcing that it will offer a sporty two-door 
coupe version of the C-Class in about a year.  Visually distinctive and 
noticeably smaller than both the C-Class sedan and the highly successful 
Mercedes-Benz CLK coupe line, the C-Class sports coupe will make its first 
public appearance at the upcoming Paris Auto Show on September 28th.

    Supercharged Engine Power

    A U.S. version of the new sports coupe will come with the 2.3-liter
supercharged engine that powers the popular SLK roadster, and the new model is
expected to be priced under $30,000 when it arrives in the States next year.

    "The name sports coupe really sums up what this fascinating car is all
about," said Professor Jurgen Hubbert, Board Member of DaimlerChrysler AG
responsible for the Mercedes-Benz Passenger Car Division.  "As a two-door car,
it underlines the dynamic and progressive nature of the C-Class particularly
clearly, while its youthful appearance sets new trends for sporty, exciting
driving with the high standards of engineering typical of Mercedes."

    The new sports coupe can be distinguished by its high rear end with an
integrated spoiler (that provides aerodynamic downforce for extra stability at
cruising speeds) and a tinted panel between the rear lights.  In addition, a
three-pointed star in the grill clearly identifies the two-door coupe as one
of the sportier members of the Mercedes-Benz family.

    Shorter and Lower Than the C-Class Sedan

    The C-Class sports coupe is over seven inches shorter than its sedan
sibling, and the coupe is about a half inch lower as well.  However, legroom,
headroom, and elbowroom, as well as the adjustment range of the seats, are
nearly as generous as in the sedan.  The driver and front passenger have
contoured sports seats with extra lateral support, while the two rear seats
are asymmetrically divided and can be folded forward either individually or
together, to increase cargo volume to [convert] 1100 liters.  Low liftover
height makes easy work of loading this spacious luggage area.

    The sporty styling of the cockpit is accented by high-quality aluminum
trim and a three-spoke steering wheel with illuminated control buttons for the
car radio, telephone and other functions.

    Windows Between the Taillights And in the Roof

    The panel between the taillights doubles as a window, giving the driver
extra visibility to the rear, which is especially helpful when parking.  The
new sports coupe will also be available with an optional panorama sliding
sunroof.  From the front windshield to the rear spoiler, nearly everything is
glass.

    Just press a button, and the front half of the roof glides over the rear,
leaving a roof opening that is about a third larger than a conventional
sunroof.  And because the front part of the panorama sunroof slides over the
outside of the car, it doesn't reduce headroom.  Two electrically operated
roller blinds on the inside shade the interior from the sun when the roof is
closed.

    All the technical innovations that will make the new C-Class sedan such a
trendsetter in the U.S. have also found their way into the sports
coupe -- everything from curtain side airbags and the ESP stability system to
the optional COMAND integrated display with GPS navigation and an enhanced
Tele Aid system.