2000 Mercedes-Benz C-Class SportCoupe (CL203) 320 5AT RWD (218 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Introduced in 2000, the oddly named Mercedes-Benz C-Class SportCoupe was the German carmaker’s first real venture into compact premium hatchbacks if we don’t consider the ill-fated two first generations of the A-Class. The model’s original idea was to target a younger audience without alienating those still expecting traditional luxury and comfort from a Mercedes-Benz.

Known internally as the CL203, the C-Class SportCoupe was a distinct departure from the traditional C-Class sedan and station wagon, adding an entirely new body style to the lineup. Design-wise, the model had more in common with the CLK (C209), which was longer and stood between segments but was also based on the C-Class W203 platform.

Unlike the C-Class sedan and wagon, which sported the traditional Mercedes-Benz horizontal bar grille with a hood ornament, the SportCoupe had a star-grille front end, like other two-door Mercedes models at the time, giving it a sportier look.

Combining elements from a traditional coupe with those of a compact hatchback, the model stood out with a sloping roofline, a short rear overhang, and an integrated spoiler in the rear hatch. The wide stance and muscular shoulder line only added to the car’s more youthful and dynamic presence compared to the C-Class sedan and station wagon.

The C-Class SportCoupe was 178 mm (7 inches) shorter than the sedan but had an identical wheelbase. In theory, this should have resulted in a roomy interior, but the low, sloping roofline and the lack of rear doors made the rear passengers get in and out a lot more cumbersome. On top of it, unlike the CLK, the SportCoupe had a B-pillar, while the rear side windows were fixed. That said, the presence of a rear hatch made it a lot more practical than a traditional coupe.

Besides that, the interior was mostly identical to the C-Class sedan and T-Modell, and the overall design combined comfort with a hint of sportiness.

Powertrain-wise, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class SportCoupe shared every engine with the sedan, including two rare versions sporting the supercharged AMG six-cylinder and the C 30 CDI AMG, which was the first and only AMG diesel. This meant you could get it with everything from a 1.8-liter supercharged four-cylinder to a 2.1-liter diesel. All engines delivered power exclusively to the rear and were mated as standard to either a six-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic, which was also optional on some entry-level versions.

Despite its sportier demeanor and lack of practicality given by the lack of rear doors and sloping roofline, the SportCoupe was a lot more versatile than a traditional coupe. Apart from the ill-fated BMW 3 Series Compact, it was also the only compact German car to feature rear-wheel-drive in the early 2000s, while the luggage compartment was more than decent for its segment. Strictly powered by gasoline engines, it was also the smallest C-Class version ever offered in the U.S., a shrinking market for hatchbacks.