• Interior design is attractive, if a tad dull
• Digital cockpit is legible and easy to use
• New steering wheel controls a backward step

The interior is dominated by an optional 12.3-inch digital dashboard, which offers several viewing options. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe is only really bettered by the Audi A5 in this class, and the large 10-inch centrally-mounted infotainment screen brings it within touching distance.

Analogue instrumentation is very clear and can be supplemented by a sharp, but optional, head-up display unit to project key information such as speed and sat-nav instructions onto the windscreen.

Controlling the infotainment system via the rotary controller is less intuitive on initial encounters than the iDrive system in BMW’s 4 Series Coupe, but is excellent with familiarity.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe: comfortable cruiser

Front and rear seats aside, it’s very similar inside to its Saloon and Estate siblings, meaning a stylishly swooping centre console broadens out with a trio of air vents and a tablet-style infotainment screen atop it.

Getting comfortable behind the wheel is an easy task, regardless of whether or not the seat and steering column are manually or electronically adjustable. The front seats are unique to the Coupe, with integrated head restraints making them look more like traditional sports car bucket seats. They’re very supportive without feeling too snug or overly firm.

The 2018 C-Class Coupe also gets a new steering wheel, which has many more functions than before. Mercedes-Benz traditionalists will take time to come to terms with the cruise control having been re-sited from the simple stalk control of old, but the company says it was responding to customer demand.

Behind the wheel: Mercedes-AMG versions

The C 43 and 63 get a far sportier cabin design than the regular C-Class Coupe. The new-for-2018 steering wheel features controls for the traction and stability control systems and drive modes along with buttons to control the multimedia on board. We were fond of the ‘wheel’s finishing in particular, with Dynamica false-suede applied to the bits you grip.

• Impressive ride comfort on most models
• Air suspension really improves things
• Refined and quiet drive, engine note disappointing

If you want to get the best from your Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe and want the last degree of comfort possible, you’re going to need to specify the optional Airmatic adaptive suspension. Although the standard C-Class set-up is good, with the air suspension set-up, it serves up cossetting ride quality and unruffled composure through demanding bends.

The standard metal-sprung suspension will ultimately feel less comfortable than the air suspension, although it’s remains satisfyingly compliant over most surfaces.

Front seat occupants get a better deal than the pair in the back, with sporty chairs complete with integral headrests. Although the shaped rear seat is generously proportioned for a two-door coupe allowing two adults to get comfortable, headroom is at a premium.

Is the C-Class Coupe comfortable on the move?

You bet. Out on the road, the facelifted 2018 C-Class Coupe cabin’s impressively hushed, thanks largely to an aerodynamic coefficient of Cd 0.26 allowing it to cleave easily through the air. There’s very little noise from turbulence around the windscreen pillars or door mirrors and, even with the frameless side windows lowered, it’s not especially blustery.

Engine-wise there’s no debate – the petrol motors are significantly quieter than the diesels, although they sound disappointingly unrefined. The diesels continue the Mercedes-Benz tradition of being quiet and gruff sounding.

Comfort: Mercedes-AMG C 43 and 63 Coupes

As a performance model, the C 43 and 63’s ride quality is understandably firmer than the regular Coupe. This isn’t as bad as you may expect, though, thanks to adaptive damping that allows AMG’s engineers to create a Comfort mode that is actually relatively forgiving.

The only real downside is a disappointing amount of road and wind noise. Dial up to Sport, Sport+ or Race (S models only) and the suspesnion gets far firmer, eradicating bodyroll for the flattest cornering possible.