The all-wheel-drive C coupe comes in just one flavor: C350 with an automatic transmission. Its engine is identical to the 3.5-liter found in the rear-wheel-drive C350 sedan and coupe, producing 302 hp at 6500 rpm and 273 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm. But the C350 4MATIC coupe is a unique combo; in the C sedan, all-wheel drive is for now offered only on the C300 with its less powerful, 228-hp, 3.0-liter V-6.
To route the power to all four wheels, Mercedes-Benz uses an in-house design that integrates the transfer case into the seven-speed automatic transmission. In dry conditions, power distribution is set at 45:55 front to rear; when the system detects slippage, a locking center differential controlled by a 37-lb-ft spring-loaded clutch handles any imbalance between the two axles, sending up to 70 percent of power in either direction if necessary. The system is supplemented by an electronic traction-control system that brakes individual wheels in the event of slippage. Mercedes-Benz says that the latest 4MATIC setup carries only about a 150-pound weight penalty on most of its cars (121 pounds on this particular example), partially because the rear axles and differentials are downsized on the all-wheel-drive cars; that nominal power distribution results in less torque sent rearward, allowing for lighter-duty and lighter-weight components. The German manufacturer also is proud to note that there is no EPA fuel-economy penalty on the C350 coupe. Both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions carry the same 19 mpg city, 28 highway ratings on their window stickers.
The only differences: The all-wheel-drive C350 boasts a heated windshield-washer-fluid system and a 4MATIC badge on the interior. Oh, and it costs an additional $2000. Excepting the extra cost, the C350 4MATIC coupe offers some additional capability with little compromise.
reference : caranddriver
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