Review: Mercedes-Benz CL203 C-Class Coupe (2001-07)

Review: Mercedes-Benz CL203.I C-Class Sports Coupe (2001-04)

Overview

Released in August 2001, the Mercedes-Benz CL203 Series I (CL203.I) C-Class Sports Coupe was a three-door, four-seat liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive CL203 C-Class Sport Coupe range initially consisted of the C 200 Kompressor, with the C 180 following in November 2001. In October 2002, the C 180 was replaced by the C 180 Kompressor, C 200 Kompressor was fitted with a new 1.8-litre supercharged four-cylinder petrol engine and the range was expanded by the C 230 Kompressor. In August 2004, the C 320 was released.

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the W203 C-Class sedan on which it was based, the CL203 C-Class Sport Coupe was 183 mm shorter (at 4343 mm), and 20 mm lower (1406 mm), but width (1728 mm) and wheelbase length (2715 mm) were unchanged. Furthermore, the CL203 C-Class Sport Coupe had rack and pinion steering, MacPherson strut front suspension with three links and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the CL203 C-Class Sports Coupe included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), door-mounted front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for all seats.

Features: Mercedes-Benz CL203 C-Class Sports Coupe

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz CL203 C-Class Sports Coupe included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, climate control air conditioning, contoured sports seats, cruise control, front fog lights, automatic headlights, split and folding rear seats, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, trip computer and immobiliser.

The C 230 Kompressor was further equipped with leather seats, while the C 320 featured 17-inch alloy wheels, Mercedes-Benz’s COMAND system with satellite navigation, six-disc CD player and power adjustable front seats with memory settings.

The C-Class Sports Coupe was also available with an optional panoramic sliding sunroof, which consisted of glass from the front windscreen through to the rear spoiler. At the press of a button, the front half of the roof would retract towards the rear; furthermore, two power-operated roller blinds could shield the interior when the sunroof was closed.

C-Class Sports Coupe: Evolution and Evolution AMG packages

The C-Class Sports Coupe was also available with an optional Evolution package which included 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 wide-profile tyres, lowered sports suspension and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Beyond this, the Evolution AMG package also included body and chassis components from Mercedes-AMG including AMG alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 front and 245/40 R17 rear tyres.

Review: Mercedes-Benz CL203.II C-Class Sports Coupe (2004-07)

Overview

Released in September 2004, the CL203 Series II (CL203.II) C-Class Sports Coupe introduced mechanical upgrades and, for the manual transmission, improved shift quality. Furthermore, the CL203.II C-Class Sports Coupe was fitted with newly developed front and rear axle bearings (for greater cornering agility), a more direct steering ratio and revised suspension settings.

Visually, the CL203.II C-Class Sports Coupe could be identified by its clear-lens headlamps, new front bumper with a larger lower air intake and radiator grille with three more obliquely angled transverse slats. Inside, there were new sports seats (in black or alpaca grey), a new instrument cluster with a chronometer design and chrome surrounds, new three-spoke steering wheel with silver-coloured buttons and chrome trim on the centre console; the Evolution and Evolution AMG packages included special aluminium centre console trim and synthetic ‘Artico’ leather seat bolsters.

Safety equipment and features

Compared to their CL203.I predecessors, standard safety equipment and features were largely unchanged.

February 2005: C-Class Sports Coupe update

From February 2005, the C-Class Sports Coupe was fitted with rear parking sensors and rain-sensing wipers. Furthermore, all models other than the C 180 Kompressor were also fitted with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.

2005 Mercedes-Benz C 200 Kompressor Sport Edition

In June 2005, a limited-run Sport Edition was released of the C 200 Kompressor. The Sport Edition featured 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, 225/45 R17 front and 245/40 R17 rear tyres, sports suspension, larger perforated front brake discs and calipers, bi-xenon headlights with washers and a power-operated panoramic glass sunroof. Inside, there was full leather upholstery, contoured sports seats, steering wheel gearshift buttons, silver instrument dials and black floor mats with silver edging. Visually, the Sport Edition could be identified by its AMG body-styling package (including front and rear aprons, side skirts and rear spoiler), silver-painted radiator grille, chromed tailpipes and body-coloured door handles.

2007 Mercedes-Benz C 180 Kompressor Super Sport Edition

In April 2007, a limited-run Super Sport Edition was released of the C 180 Kompressor. The Super Sport Edition featured 17-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension, bi-xenon headlights with washers and panoramic glass sunroof. Inside, there was a leather-wrapped gearshift lever with an aluminium-finish knob and black velour floor mats. Visually, the Super Sport Edition could be identified by its silver radiator grille with chrome finish, AMG body-styling (front apron, rear apron, side skirts) and polished stainless steel exhaust pipe.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz W203 C-Class