Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sports Coupe to Sell for $24,950

       High-Value New Sports Coupe Will Go on Sale in U.S. This Summer

    MONTVALE, N.J., June 4 When the 2002 C-Class sports coupe
attracted so much attention at its U.S. debut during the Los Angeles Auto Show
in January, the big question was, "How much will it cost?"  Now on the eve of
its retail launch, Mercedes-Benz USA has just announced unprecedented value
pricing -- when the new sports coupe arrives this summer at Mercedes
dealerships around the U.S., the suggested retail price will be $24,950.
Visually distinctive and different from both the C-Class sedan and the highly
successful CLK-Class, the sporty two-door coupe version of the highly
successful C-Class will represent the least expensive Mercedes-Benz car in
modern times.
    (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20010604/NYM024 )

                          Supercharged Engine Power

    All U.S. versions of the new sports coupe will come with the 2.3-liter,
192-hp supercharged engine that powers the popular SLK roadster.  The new
sports coupe can be distinguished by its high back with a functional
aerodynamic spoiler (for extra stability at cruising speeds) and a tinted
polycarbonate 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 more than 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 divided and can be folded forward either individually or together, to make
38.9 cubic feet of cargo volume.  Low liftover height makes easy work of
loading this spacious cargo area.

                Windows Between the Taillights And in the Roof

    The lightweight 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
glass sliding sunroof.  From the front windshield to the rear spoiler, almost
everything is glass.  Just press a button, and the front half of the roof
glides over the rear, leaving an opening that is about a third larger than a
conventional sunroof.  And because the panorama sunroof slides over the
outside of the car, it doesn't significantly reduce headroom.  Two power
roller blinds on the inside can shade the interior from the sun when the roof
is closed.

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

    All the technical innovations that are making the C-Class sedan such a
trendsetter 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.  The long list of sports coupe safety features includes
the same basic body structure as the C-Class sedan, which was recently rated a
"Best Pick" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety based on its
outstanding performance in their 40-mph frontal offset crash test.

                           A Growing C-Class Family

    The new sports coupe is the first step in the evolution of the C-Class
from a sedan family to a comprehensive model line.  In addition to the popular
sedan and soon-to-arrive sports coupe, a versatile wagon and a
high-performance AMG sedan version will also be added to the 2002 lineup in
the fall.