Yet another new Mercedes?
Yes, this time it’s the new CLK – codenamed C206 – out in 2009, that we’ve caught on test in the first snows of the German winter. The financial importance of the CLK cannot be underestimated for Mercedes-Benz – the mid-size coupé commands E-class money even though it’s based on (new) C-class underpinnings.
That means a big fat profit margin for a smaller car that’s less expensive to build and relies on subjective qualities like beauty, style and prestige to sell in decent numbers. Mercedes is hoping that along with the C-class saloon, estate and sport coupé variants, total combined C-class sales volumes will lift from 395,000 units in 2006 to 535,000 pieces by 2010. That’s a lot of cars – and a lot of profit.
Let’s hope it looks better then the current CLK?
Good point. Today’s CLK is a somewhat awkward and gawky-looking slab of metal that doesn’t quite carry off the upper-echelon image Mercedes is so keen on. Take a close look at our spy pictures though, and things don’t look too good for the next-gen CLK.
The windscreen is a little less rakish to boost passenger space for four (helped by a longer wheelbase) but the CLK’s flanks shows some wince-inducingly ugly blisters inspired by the F700 concept car, which had everyone drooling over it for its technology rather than its looks. Running from wheelarch to bumper, they make the car look frumpy and bloated. Not a good start for a premium model.
Will it be any better on the inside?
Well, for a start it will feel far more special than the current model’s. Our sources claim there will be a significant increase in perceived quality, with the same level of build quality found in the new S- and CL-classes, helped by a bespoke cabin layout.
Rather than simply borrowing the C-class dashboard architecture, the CLK gets a bespoke layout with an integral sat-nav screen that’s more S-class. Other goodies include massaging, ventilated, heated and active front seats with an easy-entry inward tilting system, and a hard-drive equipped digital sound system.
Presume there will be an open-topped version in the mix?
Yes, as with today’s CLK line-up, a convertible – internal name A206 – will arrive six months after the coupe bows in. Rather than opt for the now almost obligatory folding metal roof, the open-topped Mercedes will feature a traditional cloth roof.
To reinforce its premium image, the cabriolet will be equipped with a heated fabric roof, called ‘Silent Top’ that will cocoon passengers on even the coldest day, as well as a more advanced neck-warming Airscarf system and a semi-automatic wind deflector.
Presume there will be an open-topped version in the mix?
Yes, as with today’s CLK line-up, a convertible – internal name A206 – will arrive six months after the coupe bows in. Rather than opt for the now almost obligatory folding metal roof, the open-topped Mercedes will feature a traditional cloth roof.
To reinforce its premium image, the cabriolet will be equipped with a heated fabric roof, called ‘Silent Top’ that will cocoon passengers on even the coldest day, as well as a more advanced neck-warming Airscarf system and a semi-automatic wind deflector.