Mercedes mulling 3-Series GT-fighting C-based hatch?

A report coming out of Germany indicates that Mercedes-Benz is busily developing a five-door hatchback that will go head-to-head against the BMW 3-Series GT that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last March.

Tentatively called C-Class Sports Coupe, the hatchback will ride on the same rear-wheel drive platform as the next generation of the C-Class but it will boast a considerably longer wheelbase in order to offer a generous amount of rear legroom.  Headroom will also increase thanks to a tall silhouette, and the hatchback body style will enable the Sports Coupe to offer more cargo space than the current C-Class wagon.

Mechanically, the Sports Coupe will be available with a wide palette of gasoline- and diesel-burning engines ranging from a frugal 170-horsepower four-cylinder turbodiesel to a twin-turbocharged gasoline-burning V6 rated at over 330 horsepower.  Two hybrid drivetrains plucked directly from the next C lineup will also be on offer.

If the rumor proves true, the C-Class Sports Coupe will arrive in Mercedes showrooms towards the end of 2016 and cost more than a similarly-equipped C-Class sedan.  It will be slightly late to the upmarket hatchback segment as rival Audi is believed to be working on a 3-Series GT-fighter called A4 Vario that will debut in late 2015.