The previous Mercedes-Benz CLK was something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sat in its own unique segment with no direct competition from its German rivals.
The new E-Class Coupe, however, is based on the recently unveiled 2010 E-Class platform. That car, previously caught only in spy photos, today leaked onto the web.
The new photos reveal a final product very close in appearance to the preview renderings we brought you back in September. The strong front-to-rear side character lines are met at the rear fender with a bulging flare, and the continuous geometric arch of the roof makes it clear that this isn't a typical E-Class sedan.
The E-Class coupe's predecessor, the CLK, had a strong sales history, especially in the U.S., and despite the expected end of the CLK name, its successor - the E-Class Coupe and Convertible - will likely continue that sales tradition.
The car in the leaked photos is certainly attractive, so given proper pricing and performance, it's a very strong argument for success.
Previously spotted near production-ready test mules for the E-Class Coupe and Cabrio near Mercedes headquarters in Germany revealed much of what the car would eventually look like.
As expected, the car draws heavily from the recent ConceptFASCINATION. For the yet-unseen cabrio variant, it is expected that in keeping with its more upmarket positioning a new folding metal roof will be standard equipment.
Powertrains should include the new 272hp (203kW) 3.5L V6 engine as well as Mercedes’ 5.5L V8 for the E500 Coupe flagship.
An even more powerful AMG version is all but guaranteed, sporting a 481hp (359kW) version of the hand built 6.2L V8 engine.
+ 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabrio Preview
+ 2010 Mercedes-Benz E Class Images
+ 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Official Photos
The E-Class Coupe will be offered with optional 4Matic AWD and could possibly come with a new mild-hybrid option further down the track.
The decision to move the CLK to the E-Class platform will allow Mercedes to introduce a new entry-level coupe and convertible based on the C-Class, finally providing the carmaker with a direct competitor to BMW’s popular 3-series two-door models.
You can see a preview of such a car in our previous story by clicking here.
The story doesn’t end there, however, as Mercedes is also expected to launch a new ‘shooting brake’ model based on the ConceptFASCINATION.
The car will be the first production model based on the new E-Class platform - in the same way that the A5 Coupe was the first iteration of Audi’s new modular platform used in the A4 and future A6. An estate model is also expected.
The new E-Class Coupe and Cabrio are expected to make their world debut at the Geneva Motor Show.
