Mercedes-Benz C250 d AMG Line Coupe, car review: Air-suspension option makes a great all-rounder a class leader

The £895 extra addresses the basic models's suspension issues without detracting from the fun

The new C-Class Coupe is so much more than ‘simply’ a two-door version of the saloon

Mercedes’ new C-Class Coupe is so much more than ‘simply’ a two-door version of the saloon.

Boasting mainly unique body panels, riding 1.5cm lower, and with its own steering and front suspension set-ups, it’s an accomplished model in its own right. It also has – by coupe standards – a surprisingly roomy four-seat cabin and good load space.

We drove the C250 d AMG Line Coupe, with its strong, if slightly coarse-sounding bi-turbo diesel. Merc’s latest nine-speed automatic transmission is very precise, and hesitates momentarily only under the harshest of acceleration.

In its basic form the C250 d AMG Line Coupé is a great all-rounder

It’s another departure from the C-Class – which uses the more traditional seven-speed auto – while the Coupe’s steering is an improvement as well.

Mercedes-Benz C250 d AMG Line Coupé

• On sale: Now
• Price: £37,615
• Engine: 4cyl, 2143cc, turbodiesel
• Power: 201bhp at 3800rpm
• Torque: 369lb ft at 1600-1800rpm
• Gearbox: 9spd automatic
• Kerbweight: 1645kg
• Top speed: 153mph
• 0-62mph: 6.7sec
• Economy: 67.3mpg (combined)
• CO2/tax band: 109g/km, 19%

When it comes to suspension, our AMG Line’s firmer set-up was fidgety and the tyres even came unstuck a couple of times over mid-corner bumps.

The answer is the £895 optional air-suspension, which addresses these issues without detracting from the fun, and is capable of handling the diesel’s 201bhp and more. We’d strongly recommend any potential buyers add it to their extras list.

Inside the swanky cabin you’ll find sports seats plus a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with sat-nav, DAB, Bluetooth and the latest connectivity apps.

The swanky cabin has a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen

In its basic form the C250 d AMG Line Coupé is a great all-rounder; efficient yet pokey, with a quality feel. Add that air-suspension and it really is a class leader.