Athletic and sporty, the vivid, sensuous design of the new Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe cuts a fine figure on the road and embodies modern luxury. At the same time, its interior elevates beauty and style to a sporty level.

A dynamically configured chassis, with optional air suspension, forms the basis for a high level of suspension comfort, low road roar and tyre vibration, agile handling, and driving pleasure. Lightweight construction to reduce weight, excellent aerodynamics and high-performance, efficient engines likewise play their part.

A host of assistance systems provides safety of the highest calibre. With its high-class appeal and generous interior, the new C-Class Coupe sets new standards in its segment.

As the sportiest variant of the C-Class, the Coupe displays its driving enjoyment-oriented character in an emotive and at the same time formally distinct design. A sporty striking front section featuring diamond radiator grille and long bonnet – the new Coupe is 60mm longer than its predecessor between the firewall and front axle alone – gives way to a crouched greenhouse the lines of which flow into a bold and powerful-looking rear end incorporating the genes of Mercedes coupes. A high beltline and frameless doors with free-standing exterior mirrors underscore the sporty character.

Clean lines and sensually arranged surfaces structure the side sections into vivid light and shadow effects. One particular highlight is the long drawn-out dropping line typical of a coupe. In contrast to the C-Class saloon, the dropping line extends further past the rear wheel arch. To underscore the Coupe’s sporty disposition, the suspension is 15mm lower than that of the saloon, making it a very sporty proposition when combined with the standard 17-inch tyres.

Mario Xuereb, Richard Bonnici Kind, Matthew Galea, Kurt Magro, Steve Camilleri and Pierre Vella.

The interior is likewise a statement of the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of sensual purity and combines emotion with intelligence. Although it exudes athletic and youthful charm, it has grown in maturity. Driver and passengers enjoy an ambience that leans toward the interior of the C-Class saloon yet raises it to a new, sporty level. Flowing forms characterise the centre console as well as the door and rear side panelling, which smoothly merge into one another to emphasise the coupé character. The individually combined trim elements underscore the sporty character of the interior. A seating system including integral sports seats designed specifically for the Coupe offers sporty comfort. An automatic belt extender also offers convenience. The choice of materials and the workmanship have a hand-crafted feel with high-class appeal and deliver a new take on modern luxury: sportiness without compromising on comfort and exquisite style.

Bernadette Bonnici Kind, Eve Arnett, Teresa Testaferrata Moroni Viani and Fleur Balzan.

The unique position of the new C-Class Coupe is emphasised by the special upholstery colour combinations of saddle brown and black, porcelain and – in the Edition 1 – nut brown and black with turquoise topstitching.

With an 80mm longer wheelbase, the C-Class Coupé is 95mm longer and 40mm wider than the predecessor. The increased vehicle volume above all creates more spaciousness for the driver and front passenger. There is more shoulder room, elbow room and headroom on all seats.

Another model launched this week in Malta is the GLE Coupe. Here, the sporty nature of a coupe predominates, rather than the distinctive lines of a pure off-roader. With its flowing side contour, elongated and low greenhouse, striking radiator grille with central chrome louvre and rear end design, the GLE Coupe cites styling features typical of particularly sporty Mercedes-Benz models.

Tonio Darmanin, Bernadette Bonnici Kind, Edmund Vassallo and Chris Sultana.

The GLE Coupe feels very sporty right from the word go. Despite the similarity to an SUV with its raised seating position and an all-round view that is expansive for a coupe, the occupants are led to believe that they are in sports rather than off-road mode. The sound is reminiscent of a sports car, and combined with the spontaneous and direct response to all commands provides an emotional driving experience. Optionally the GLE Coupe can also create a superior feeling of calm, coupled with unshakeably serene driving dynamics. These two opposite worlds can normally only be experienced in two separate vehicles – an agile sports coupe and an easy-going, comfortable SUV.

But the new GLE Coupe, with Dynamic Select, is different. Thanks to Dynamic Select, the feat of combining sporty with comfortable is admirably achieved. The four driving modes available in conjunction with Airmatic ADS, namely Individual, Comfort, Slippery and Sport, and the optional Sport+ mode for the GLE 400 4Matic, are selected using the rotary actuator in the centre console. The variable dynamic control system then activates pre-programmed set-ups. The system networks all the control systems, generating different sets of parameters for distinct driving experiences.