Mercedes E-class coupe (2009) revealed

By Tim Pollard (artist's impression by Larson)

Spy shots

17 October 2008 11:31

Mercedes-Benz will set the cat among the pigeons with its new CLK replacement – badged the E-class Coupe and in a showroom near you by June 2009. CAR's artist's impressions reveal that the mid-sized coupe will borrow heavily from the look of the recent Fascination concept car, the star of Merc's stand at the Paris motor show.

The E-class Coupe will be shown formally at the Geneva motor show in spring 2009, with UK sales starting soon after. The coupe market has fragmented in recent years, but the new E is aimed squarely at the Audi A5 and rumoured future coupe version of the Jaguar XF.

It's too early to predict prices, but by rebadging the CLK as an E-class we expect the showroom numbers will creep upwards. We'd predict a starting price hovering around £32,000 in today's money.

Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupe: the lowdown

CAR has followed the E-class Coupe's development closely over the past few years, with numerous next-gen CLK scoops. The project is codenamed C206 (coupe) and A206 (the convertible, due six months after the tin-top) and the engineering boffins have dipped into the parts matrix of both the latest C-class and the new 2009 E-class saloon.

That spells a classic Merc package: rear-wheel drive, a pedigree choice of four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines and the very latest in technical goodies from Stuttgart's Q department. Not too many, mind you – Mercedes is throttling back on some of the innovations that made current E-class owners a tad too familiar with their local dealers.

Click 'Next' to read more of our scoop on the new 2009 Mercedes E-class Coupe