Mercedes-Benz ’ now-defunct CLK-Class was historically positioned as a coupe version of its E-Class Sedan, but in reality had more in common with the lesser C-Class. Mercedes attempted to remedy that discrepancy by supplanting the CLK with the all-new E-Class Coupe, but a new report reveals the new E-Class Coupe isn’t that far removed from its predecessor.
The new E-Class Coupe was believed to be based on the E-Class sedan – as the name change would seem to imply – but Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Ernst Lieb recently revealed to Automotive News that the new car is still based on the C-Class’ architecture. Lieb says Mercedes used the C-Class platform to underpin the E-Class Coupe to give the car a stiffer chassis, netting better overall performance.
“You can expect a stiffer car with a bit more performance,” Lieb told Automotive News. “Customers want that.”
The E-Class Coupe’s C-Class platform also explains the two-door’s pricing. Coupes and convertibles generally carry a premium over their sedan counterparts, but the new E-Class Coupe will list from $48,925 — $550 less than the 2010 E-Class Sedan.
