A SLEEK and stylish coupe will be joining the Mercedes-Benz C-Class line up by the end of the year.

Due to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the new C-Class Coupe is slightly longer and wider than the saloon on which it is based.

It also has a longer wheelbase, sits more than half an inch lower and comes with a distinctive nose incorporating a ‘diamond-studded' grille similar to that on AMG versions of the smaller A-Class models.

The new C-Class Coupe is due for release in December and will feature a range of four petrol engines and two diesels.

The petrol models will range from a 1.6-litre, four cylinder C180 developing 156hp to a 2.0-litre C300 with 245hp on tap. The diesel options are also four cylinder with the C220d rated at 170hp and the C250 204hp.

Inside, the coupe is a four-seater with a similar layout to that of the saloon. The dashboard is centred on a tablet-style central display while higher specification AMG Line models will come with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, metal finished sports pedals and aluminium trim in the facia.

They will also sit on 18-inch alloys and come with additional AMG style body kit including sporty bumpers and sills.

Air suspension will be an option and so will adaptive cruise control while all models will be equipped with emergency braking systems.

All versions of the C-Class Coupe will have a smartphone hook up facility enabling Internet access and will also be available with the Mercedes ‘connect me' service which gives access to remote online facilities including emergency assistance and breakdown recovery.