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Mercedes CLK (2010) scooped
By
Mark Nichol and Georg Kacher
Spy shots
22 February 2008 11:39
This is the new Mercedes CLK, taking a breather after some undercover ice-dancing with an Audi A5. Perhaps it’s practicing for the main event – a showdown with the 3-series Coupe when the C-class-derived two-door is launched in early 2009. We’ve also snapped the car testing in Germany and bagged the first interior shots of the CLK.
Like the current CLK, the next generation coupe will sit on the new C-Class platform, but with boast a bespoke cockpit to justify its premium over the saloon.
How will it look under all that cladding?
Out goes the E-Class-in-a-tracksuit ambience of the current car and in comes design cues lifted from the CLK’s siblings. Sharp, jutting lines hark back to 1980s Mercs when the build quality was second to none. Our shots in the snow give us the clearest look yet at the rear of the CLK, while the front will mirror the C-class and CLC.
Will the CLK continue Mercedes’ recent upturn in quality?
Yes. Mercedes knows that a Benz has got to be bombproof to cut it these days. Gone are the cheapo plastics, the boy-racer instruments and dodgy ergonomics of the current coupe, replaced by an exclusive, C-class inspired dash and some nice touches like massaging, ventilated, easy-access chairs. The CLK is majoring on luxury, because the 3-series coupe has the ‘sport’ thing wrapped up.
