The next Mercedes Black Series project will be a heavily reworked, high performance version of this – the E-Class Coupé.
These latest spy shots reveal the standard Coupé with less cladding than we’ve seen before. The convertible model gets a folding hard top, but is still called a Coupé, and will replace the current CLK in Mercedes’ line-up.
Based on the next W212 E-Class platform, the Coupé will be around 10cm longer than the outgoing CLK and is likely to be heavier because of its metal-folding roof mechanism.
Sweeping lines should set the four-seat E-Class Coupé apart from the standard car. We’re also expecting a C-Class Sport style grille and sharp CLS-style rear light arrangements.
For the Black Series, however, the rear seats will be removed and a roll cage added with a fixed roof. The whole car will be lightened, lowered, stiffened and powered by AMG’s 6.2-litre V8.
The rest of the engines from the current E-Class range are likely to be shared with the Coupé, and a range-topping 500 version is likely as well.
Expect the E-Class Coupé to arrive in early 2010, a few months after the next generation W212 E-Class launches. We’re expecting the Black later the same year.
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Re: Spied: Merc E-class coupe
Glad to see that Mercedes are taking on board the smaller, more efficient light weight vehicle concept. 10cm larger! They're going to be knocking on SL sizing soon if it carries on this way.
Surely a CLK being based on the C Class floor pan would be more appropiate. It's hardly as if there is an engineering issue with fitting a folding hard top to a shorter floor pan!
Re: Spied: Merc E-class coupe
This car will replace the CLK. I just hope that there will be a conventional fixed roof version to the steel folding hardtop as well though.
Re: Spied: Merc E-class coupe
I'm amazed that Mercedes can make a business case for the E-class saloon, estate (and now coupé), the CLS, and the CLK all occupying the same kind of price range. Yes, the cars share a platform but each has substantial developmental costs nonetheless, and they run the risk of internal competition and a confusing range.