First drive: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe/S63 AMG

The C-Class Coupé and C63 AMG are hugely important models for Mercedes, helping it to compete with Audi and BMW for younger executive drivers.

The brand wants to get its average customer age down from 55 to 35-45.

The C-Class Coupé is Mercedes’ most accessible model for younger customers alongside the £29,980 SLK roadster.

The styling does take the brand in a more youthful direction, but it’s still got some way to go to compete with its German rivals.

The new model is 41mm lower than the saloon and all UK models come with a muscular AMG Sports package as standard, which adds 18-inch alloys, AMG body kit, intelligent light systems with LED daytime running light and an Audio 20 sound system with satellite navigation, DAB radio and six CD auto-changer.

The Coupé is positioned £1,600 above the equivalent saloon.

Interior quality is high with finely detailed controls and fittings.

Drivers with a smart phone 3G connection can use the Comand Online system to surf the net.

There is a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines and all are equipped with ECO stop/start function.

The C180 petrol was extremely capable despite being the entry level 1.8-litre petrol engine and obviously the C63 AMG offers some blistering performance with 457bhp and a 0-62mph time of 4.5 seconds.

The top of the range C63 AMG features ramped up interior and exterior styling with performance steering wheel, aluminium gear shift paddles and AMG sports seats.

Customers will also get the Race Start mode for a particularly quick getaway.

Automatic versions of the C-Class Coupé feature a rapid shifting 7G-Tronic Plus transmission which makes driving it at speed effortless.

The steering is speed sensitive, so it’s firm and connected at higher speeds and lighter when it needs to be.

Mercedes still has a big task if it wants to see the same popularity in sales with younger customers, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.