Correction: Mercedes E-Class Coupe is “more than 60 percent” based on E-Class
05/20/2009, 5:26 PM
By Andrew Ganz
Despite yesterday’s numerous reports to the contrary, Mercedes-Benz issued a statement today clarifying that the all-new E-Class two-door is indeed mostly based on the E-Class sedan, not the smaller C-Class. Some confusion arose over comments made by Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Ernst Leib.
According to Mercedes-Benz USA’s PR department, the E-Class coupe shares more than 60 percent of its “components and technology” with the E-Class sedan, but it does use the “Agility Control” suspension found in the Sport version of the C-Class sedan.
Much discussion has been had over the new E-Class sedan, which Leftlane reviewer Mark Elias recently drove. In his first drive report, Elias correctly pointed out that the new coupe is E-Class based, unlike its CLK-Class predecessor, which broke tradition for two generations by being based on the smaller C-Class architecture.
05/20, 5:27 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Uhuh.
05/20, 5:39 PM
posted by:
The Stig
Who cares if it’s 60% or more or less. It’s still gonna be unreliable and overpriced.
05/20, 6:02 PM
posted by:
04focus
Grafting the E class nose and tail and interior and engine onto a C class is 60%, right? It’s gotta be.
05/20, 6:08 PM
posted by:
aesir
Do the E-class and the C-class have entirely different frames? Or is the E-class just a modified frame?
05/20, 6:11 PM
posted by:
6ix
Whatever….it still looks cool. Be a hard choice between an A5, 335ci and this.
05/20, 7:24 PM
posted by:
mentir
Me thinks the lady doth protest too much.
05/20, 7:33 PM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
Looks B.A.
05/20, 8:59 PM
posted by:
JoseIICordero
I think that the headlights look like a C-class’ with a strip of metal in the middle. So I could see why LLN or anyone thought that this was a C-class based car.
05/20, 9:00 PM
posted by:
fan
methinks writers should not just blurt out any rubbish they pick up on a night out boozing, then they wouldnt have to write so many disclaimers…
05/20, 9:16 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
I don’t think so Stig, it would cost a lot, but it worth it.
05/20, 11:12 PM
posted by:
Get Real
No matter, obama’s tailpipe plans will kill it off.
05/21, 1:44 AM
posted by:
scratchy
i don’t care what this is based on , if it doesn’t get an AMG version it sucks.
05/21, 7:20 AM
posted by:
DeansterTJ
Nice car –
Should do well amongst the endless sea of 335s.
05/21, 8:34 AM
posted by:
Dindel
That PR guy is blowing smoke. That common 60 percent includes engines, transmissions, electronic architecture and dashboard subassemblies like HVAC and COMAND multimedia system. Those things are common to ALL models, from SLK to GL.
The remaining 40%? That’s the chassis and bodywork – in other words the car to you and me.
Besides, the C-class story has backing from very well informed motoring writer Georg Kacher from Auto Bild, CAR and Automobile Magazine.
05/21, 10:38 AM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
I’m sure Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton will be glad it’s 60% E-Class rather than C-Class after they crash they latest ones. Hollywood actresses and trophey wives will love it all the same
05/21, 2:27 PM
posted by:
iluvamcars
um…. guys, this does not compete with the 335, because the 335 is a class smaller, it is closer to the 6-series, despite the 6-series being a grand tourer and this fbeing a basic mid size luxury coupe.
05/21, 3:01 PM
posted by:
shane train
I wouldn’t line this up with the 6 series so quick.
I would think it’s closer to what would be more of a dedicated coupe version of the 5. The 6 is just a few pegs above the 5, rather than one peg, I’d say.
I don’t know if there is a 100% CLEAR BMW equal.
05/21, 3:44 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
BMW and MB have always differed with their models rivalry, though some are obvious e.g. E vs. 5, S vs 7 etc., there are several that cannot be placed against. I’ve seen CLS vs 6 series comparison tests, I’ve seen the same CLS against 5 series and CLK (Now E-C.C) vs 6 series, so how’s this?
I guess you’ll have to analyze what you need/want and then buy whatever you like.
I’d take an M6 over E-Class Coupe AMG, but I’d take an E-Class Coupe 500(?) over a 645.
05/21, 11:45 PM
posted by:
Other Man
Still think bringing the E63 AMG Coupe here would be nice. Ge the V-8 and twin-clutch from the sedan with some more hardcore tuning to take on the new M6.