Merc C-Class SportCoupe to crash 3GT’s party too?

Mercedes_C-Class_1

Looks like the BMW 3 Series GT will have not one, but two premium rivals come 2016. First it was Audi that was said to have an A4 Vario in the works, and now Mercedes-Benz too is set to join the party with its own take on an executive premium hatchback based on the next-generation C-Class (current C-Class sedan pictured here).

German auto tabloid Autobild reports that the new model will revive the Merc C-Class SportCoupe nameplate that was last used in the last-gen W203 series. The short-lived three-door hatch was then rebadged as a CLC before being dropped in 2011. The new one will have five doors and will likely resemble the BMW 3 GT in shape and girth.

Little else is known so far, but the report says that it will be larger than the 2014 W205 C-Class, with significantly more head and legroom. The boot should see a big increase in volume too, making it the practical yet still stylish choice in the C-Class range. The traditional Estate will still go on as we know it, with the new variant targeted at a completely different market sector.

If these rumours all prove true, it looks like the BMW 3 GT is BMW’s own industry trendsetter that has its rivals scrambling to react to, much like the Mercedes CLS did in 2004. What do you all think: is Mercedes-Benz expanding in the right direction?

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Hafriz Shah

Preferring to drive cars rather than desks, Hafriz Shah ditched his suit and tie to join the ranks of Malaysia’s motoring hacks. A car’s technical brilliance is completely lost on him, appreciating character-making quirks more. When not writing this ego trip of a bio, he’s usually off driving about aimlessly, preferably in a car with the right combination of three foot pedals and six gears.

 

Comments

  • sales in asia will continue untill someone use it as a hearse

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 2
  • Jimmy on Jun 10, 2013 at 4:19 pm

    BMW Malaysia is the only pariah car company still offering ONLY 2 years warranty. Mercedes at least now have upped it to 4 years. Most Japanese also have upped to 5 years. BMW Malaysia have no confidence in their products because they know, right after the 2nd year, that is when likelihood of the gearbox kaputting is high. Prepare RM80,000 of your hard earned money to replace the gearbox.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 43 Thumb down 12
  • people can bash 3 series GT citing how pointless, how ugly or useless it is but when a car manufacturer decides to develop a new category, others don’t want to left out too. It shows BMW has business sense afterall….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 4
  • This is why I love the Germans. Different manufacturers having ‘healthy’ competition. C63 AMG Coupe vs M3, RS4 vs M3 sedan, R8 vs 911 Turbo, 911 GT3 RS vs M3 GTS, Cayenne Turbo vs ML63 AMG. And now these two.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Jimmy on Jun 10, 2013 at 5:29 pm

    Well, for target customers in the range of below 300k, they will choose C-class saloon, plus, Sharan or equivalently large MPV(reocnd Alphard?) instead of a B-class or Mazda 5 size MPV, if they decide to have only 2 vehicles.
    For S-class customers, they want something like Q7 or R-class or Range Rover.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 11
  • KarthikM on Jun 10, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    Is it 3yrs warranty by BMW..?? I jus went over to the showroom yday which is newly opened in Sban and the sales girl told me that BMW offers 3yrs warranty, which still is on the low side if u compare wif other German marque..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 7
    • Watermelon on Jun 11, 2013 at 11:03 am

      That’s a lie. BMW only offers 2 year warranty. And 3 year is only free service which is not offered with proper mileage attached to it, it’s only 60,000km which most people finish within 2 years.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 0
  • Toe To Toe on Jun 11, 2013 at 1:32 am

    KarthikM, sorry but I forgot, you are a salesman for Cycle and Carriage or Hap Seng Star?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 24
    • kaput on Jun 11, 2013 at 11:08 am

      u r from AB, Ingress or Quill?
      What’s wrong with the comment that the warranty for BMW is not as good as Merc? the longer the better for consumer, regardless the brand, no?

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • If i were to attend the party, i’ll attend mercs one. That BMW 3 series GT is one ugly car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 1
 

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