Mercedes C-Class coupe (2011-2015) - Interior & comfort

The Mercedes C-Class Coupe's good looks continue inside. While it's unmistakeably a C-Class, the Coupe is distinguished from the saloon and estate by its attractive two-door body and lower stance, which, once you're sat in the driver's seat, really gives you the impression you're in a performance model. Inside, the Mercedes C-Class Coupe's cabin is just as head-turning as its exterior.

Mercedes C-Class dashboard

Climb into the sporty coupe and you'll notice that the dash is pretty much the same as the C-Class saloon's – although that's no bad thing, since it has plenty of soft-touch materials and a robust, built-to-last feel. Taking centre stage is a built-in 5.8-inch colour screen. Rather than being a touchscreen, it's controlled by a swivelling wheel located down by the gearstick.

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There's also a multifunction, flat-bottomed leather sports steering wheel as standard, equipped with all the controls you need for the onboard computer and entertainment system. Compared to what you get in the Audi A5 Coupe and BMW 4 Series, the C-Class dash is fairly conservative, but still has an upmarket feel to it.

Mercedes C-Class equipment

Both trim levels – Executive SE and AMG Sport Edition – come with plenty of standard kit. Choose the entry-level SE and you get 16-inch alloys, bright bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, rain-sensing wipers, Mercedes' Parktronic parking-guidance system, tinted glass, dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, plus DAB digital radio. You also get 'Artico' imitation-leather trim and even the SE boasts stylish sports seats that are unique to the coupe.

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However, it's worth spending the extra cash for the AMG Sport Edition, where the standard seven-spoke alloys co-ordinate well with the side skirts that form part of the AMG bodykit. Also standard – if you choose the automatic gearbox – are black steering-wheel-mounted gearshift paddles. The BMW 4 Series has similar kit – Bluetooth, DAB, leather trim and cruise control – on the entry-level car, but its standard 17-inch alloys are slightly bigger than the Mercedes'.

Mercedes C-Class options

Due to the sloping roof of the C-Class Coupe, the cabin can have a claustrophobic feel to it, so it's worth getting the optional panoramic sunroof to really brighten up the interior, giving it a light and airy feel.

If you want to add to the equipment list, then it's worth going for one of Mercedes' optional equipment packages. The Premium Package, for example, comes with the COMAND online infotainment system, an upgraded seven-inch hi-def screen with 3D sat nav and three-stage heated front seats.

For an even more luxurious feeling, the Lighting Package adds courtesy lights to the exterior mirrors, and when you climb inside, the door handle recesses, footwells and air vent wheels all light up.

The Premium Plus package includes the excellent panoramic roof mentioned above. Audiophiles also have the option to upgrade to a Harman Kardon stereo system.

Choose the C63 AMG and the standard car's adaptive dampers are ditched in favour of gas dampers, the suspension is lowered and stiffened and there's also a sharper steering system. Factor in the car's traditional front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout and you have a perfect recipe for driving fun.