Mercedes-Benz sharpens its pencil

German prestige car maker Mercedes-Benz is planning a style assault in the third quarter, with new versions of both the SLK and C-Class two-door coupes scheduled for arrival in August, followed a month later by the range-topping C63 AMG Coupe.

But if you were hoping to be one of the first to drive the all-new C-Class Coupe, you might be disappointed, with strong interest meaning the first shipment of cars is already sold out, according to Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson David McCarthy.

"It'll be available in August and the initial batch is all sold," McCarthy told the Carsales Network. "It was about 150 cars and they all have names next to them. It's a mix of the C180 and C350 in the first batch. The next lot of C-Coupes are on the water now, and they'll be here late August."

Pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class will begin at $58,900 for the C180, powered by a 115kW/250Nm 1.8-litre turbo engine, while the range-topping C63 AMG, driven by a 336kW/600Nm 6.2-litre V8, will cost $154,800.

The C250 (petrol and diesel variants) is priced from $69,900 and the C350 starts at $99,900.

Drivers keen to get their hands on the hardcore new C63 AMG will have to wait until September, and McCarthy says that the company already has orders for that car as well.

"We've marketed the car ourselves, but the Internet is a wonderful thing," he said, of the strong demand for the C-Class Coupe.

"The images get out there and basically the dealers start getting enquiries. [The Internet] has had such a huge impact on people's buying patterns and for them to know about the product [so early], it's amazing."

Mercedes-Benz new SLK convertible sports car has fresh faced appeal and will also be arriving locally from around late August.

The SLK 200 and SLK 350 will arrive first in late August, followed by the SLK 250 and SLK 55 AMG in the first quarter of 2012. Pricing starts at $82,900 for the SLK 200, while the SLK 350 is from $118,900.

Benz has slashed almost $10,000 from the price of the current $91,450 SLK 200, and McCarthy hinted that the equipment list has been increased as well.
"I've driven the SLK 200 and at that price it's excellent value ... There's a significant difference in what we add as standard equipment; with SLK, we're going to be aggressive (with features)."

The SLK 200 will pump out 135kW/270Nm while the SLK 350 takes it up a notch to 225kW/370Nm.

Mercedes-Benz will show off its new C63 Coupe and SLK Roadster at the Australian International Motor Show in early July as a taste of what's to come.

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