(February 13, 2011) The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe will debut at the Geneva Motor Show on March 1 and make its way to U.S. showrooms in September.

The 302-horsepower C350 V-6 and 201-horsepower C250 turbocharged 4-cylinder include the progressive technology featured on the upcoming 2012 C-Class sedan, but packaged in a coupe design.

The V-6 will achieve an average combined 22 mpg and the new 4 will get 30 mpg on the highway with an average combined 24 mpg.

"By extending the C-Class portfolio, we are consciously targeting new customers," says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars. "The new model is youthful, stylish and expressive. What we are offering is an exceptionally sporty way to enter the world of the Mercedes-Benz coupe."

From the side, the new coupe captivates the onlooker with its compact proportions, low silhouette (1.5 inches flatter than the sedan) with powerful shoulders and a narrow C-pillar in a classic three-box design. Typical coupe features include the short front overhang, long hood, steeply raked windshield and long, sloping roof. The greenhouse extends far beyond the rear axle to an aggressive short rear end.

While the wedge-shaped, sloping beltline provides a link to the C-Class sedan, its strong upsweep into the C-pillar is an entirely distinctive element. This part of the beltline trim moves sharply upwards to meet the roofline trim and not only adds an aggressive touch to the side windows but also enhances the powerful shoulders.