Cramped creature comforts
There's no denying that the cockpit of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe is well-appointed. Decked out in black leather with chromed trim accents, my tester was looking dapper and oh-so modern. New for the C-Class coupe this year is an integrated entertainment screen in the dash instead of a pop-up number. This helps the flow of the dash and keeps the look of the interior intact.

The cockpit of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe is well-appointed. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com)

Perhaps one of my favourite features on any Merc is the simplistic gauges behind the race-inspired, flat-bottomed steering wheel. Sophisticated and no-fuss, I love that they're there for a purpose: speed, revs, gas and temperature. Done. No faffing about with unnecessary information like so many companies are apt to do these days.

Equipped with an iDrive-esque knob to navigate the COMAND onboard entertainment and navigation system, the C250 was not my favourite in terms of technology. The system is rudimentary and almost too simple. It could stand to see a serious overhaul in future models.

As this is a two-door model, that's also been lowered for the 2012 MY, space in the back is cramped. Front-seat occupants will be happy with their seating arrangements, however, anyone in the rear will want the trip to end as quickly as possible – no matter how much they're enjoying the sound of the C250's exhaust.

Merc welcomes back the 4-cylinder
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz C250 Coupe's engine features the long-lost four-cylinder. Outfitted with a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged number, the C250's performance figures might not seem that impressive (201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque), but they do the job quite nicely.

I will admit, I was a little annoyed with the lazy throttle response when the car is in “E” mode (eco), but pop it into “S” (sport) and you're good to go. Coupled with Merc's seven-speed autobox, the C250 can be quite responsive. I did long for paddle shifters on the steering wheel, and think they'd make piloting the baby C-Class coupe much more exhilarating.

With a 1.8L four-cylinder turbocharged number, the C250's performance (201 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque) do the job quite nicely. (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com)