Despite new Mercedes-Benz E-Class coupe, rumors of a new CLK persist
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery
According to a puzzling report from L'Automobile Magazine in France, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch a new CLK coupe even though that model would undoubtedly compete with the German automaker's own just-released E-Class coupe. Ostensibly, there's a gap in the automaker's lineup that could be filled by a coupe that's slightly smaller and a bit less expensive than the new E-Class, but the rumor continues to confuse by suggesting that the revived CLK would still be longer than its predecessor by five centimeters.
Styling would reportedly draw from the design of the current C-Class sedan, including the oversized front grille with Three-Pointed-Star emblem, rising character lines along the sides and chiseled head- and tail- lamps. In other words, it would look suspiciously like a downsized E-Class coupe. Powering the new CLK would be a range of gasoline and diesel engines, all featuring direct injection and stop/start technology and many force fed by a turbocharger.
Considering how much this supposed CLK would overlap the new E-Class coupe, we're happily going to assume there's not much truth to these rumors. If we're wrong, you may just see the new CLK in dealerships sometime in 2011.
Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe
[Source: L'Automobile Magazine (translated) via Top Speed]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
artandcolour 6:21PM (5/26/2009)
what the should come out with is a C-class hatchback coupe, to replace the dated CLC. give it a better, more upscale appearance, and the added utility of the hatch would negate any inter-family sales stealing. the E class buyer wouldn't be looking for a hatch, and the C class buyer wants an entry level coupe.
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Dennis 6:36PM (5/26/2009)
Where have you been? Google "New CLC". They should release it in the US for sure.
Jimbo 7:01PM (5/26/2009)
I think artandcolour was trying to say that they should drop the CLC and come out with a new coupe/heatchback based on the recently newest C-class, just like they dropped the CLK for the new E-class Coupe. The "new" CLC is still based on the last generation C-class with the new-look C-class front tacked on.
Quantumphysics 8:57PM (5/26/2009)
AWESOME CAR.
I think Mercedes is definitely doing the right thing here - making an E-class with everything the last S-class had: Distronic Plus, driverdynamic seats, Command, etc.
P.V. 7:32PM (5/26/2009)
I hope not. I think it's been well established that the E-Class Coupe is based on the C-Class but is priced at around $50000 due to its E-Class-like styling and plethora of new features.
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Alex 7:41PM (5/26/2009)
I think that there is space for this vehicle.
Think of it this way:
The E-class coupe, at $50,000, is a coupe version of the E-class (even though it's a C class underneath)
This rumored car, to be priced around $35,000, is a coupe version of the C-class. Kind of like the 3-series sedan is to the 3-series coupe. They should call it C-class coupe instead of CLK. CLK just confuses people.
I just really hope that all the news about the E-class coupe not being based on the E sedan are not true. But even if they are, it means that the E coupe and this rumored CLK/c-class coupe will share many a component.
Jonathan 1:18AM (5/27/2009)
@Alex
I don't think is room for a smaller coupe. Mercedes obviously realized a real E-Class coupe with real E-Class underpinnings resembled the CL too closely, and to avoid cannibalization they stretched the C-Class and made an E-Class coupe. Another C-Class based coupe would have to be a lot shorter. MB hasn't exactly found beauty with that line of thinking:
http://www.netcarshow.com/mercedes-benz/2004-c320_sport_coupe/800x600/wallpaper_10.htm
Aloysius Vampa 8:42PM (5/26/2009)
If it is indeed a coupe version of the C-class, with C-class /styling/ and a price just above the C-class, and it's called the "C-class Coupe," it could work.
If not, no.
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danotoriousb 9:01PM (5/26/2009)
This has bad idea written all over it, I dont see Mercedes doing this.
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Other Man 11:21PM (5/26/2009)
What they need to do is what they should've been selling all along: an E-Class Coupe (finally again) and a C-Class Coupe.
It's not that difficult, Mercedes .....
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Venom 5:17AM (5/27/2009)
I like this car and it is half the cost of a CL.
As an owner of an S class I can't say that I would not buy an E class sedan, but when it comes to the coupes, I don't think the CL is worth the price.
I would rather have this or the Audi A5/S5 (gorgeous car).
I wish BMW made a 5 series coupe. I think the 6 series is ugly and overpriced.
I am still baffled by the CLS, it is kind of ugly and kind of good looking, kind of a coupe and kind of a sedan. And the back seat is horrible, cramped and small.
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Alex 10:59PM (5/27/2009)
@Jonathan
I agree. I guess I'm just hoping that MB gets it act together and starts to properly name things - the E-class coupe should be named the C-class coupe.
Same thing with CL - a S-class coupe.
And then they can make an E-class coupe based on (wait for it...)
the E-class sedan!
It's not so hard! What gives MB?
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waiownsyou 4:40AM (5/29/2009)
looks great
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