Mercedes-Benz’ mid-size coupe offerings have been a little confusing as of late. The German automaker first decided to replace its C-Class-based CLK with the all-new E-Class-based E-Class Coupe, but Mercedes officials recently revealed the E-Class Coupe is only about 60 percent based on the E-Class’ architecture. As if the line between the previous CLK and current E-Class Coupe wasn’t blurred enough, new reports are now surfacing that the CLK will not necessarily be discontinued.
According to Top Speed, Mercedes-Benz has plans to revive the CLK nameplate in 2011. However, the next-generation CLK will likely move down-scale from where the last CLK was positioned. Whereas the CLK was traditionally marketed as an E-Class coupe — despite its C-Class underpinnings — the 2011 model will wholeheartedly embrace its C-Class roots.
The next-generation CLK-Class will reportedly take on the styling of the C-Class Sedan, essentially creating a true C-Class coupe. The new model will give Mercedes-Benz a legitimate entry-level sedan, and could also give some Audi A5 and BMW 3-Series Coupe buyers reason to take a second look at the CLK.
However, despite the model’s move downscale, the new version is expected to grow 5 centimeters over the current car. It remains unclear what engines will motivate the new-age CLK, but the coupe will likely reflect the offerings of the C-Class Sedan.
05/26, 7:25 PM
posted by:
Kaizen
Meh.
05/26, 8:17 PM
posted by:
iluvamcars
So C-Coupe.
05/26, 8:22 PM
posted by:
iluvamcars
When they say that the E-Class coupe is 60% based on the E-Class, they do not mean that the other 40% is based on another car. The E’s are on the same platform, however the coupe’s version is different from the sedan’s, in size and etc. The 40% is mainly the differences. Powertrains, engines, and even certain sheetmetal characteristics could be different.
05/26, 8:24 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
The C-Coupe already exists and it’s been sold in europe for around 13 years .
05/26, 8:29 PM
posted by:
Rafa LL
http://www.thetorquereport.com/2009_mercedes_benz_clc_17.jpg
05/26, 8:48 PM
posted by:
qpt_dude
Rafa LL, that is the hatchback (even though it’s called the coupe).
It’s body is hatchback and technologically, it’s exactly the same as the normal C-Sedan.
The 2011 CLK will be much more powerful, sportier, and be more distinguished from the sedan.
05/26, 8:53 PM
posted by:
dracolnyte
like what qpt_dude said, the clc is a c hatchback with 3 doors, not 2 like the clk.
05/26, 9:27 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
They’ve already got waaaaay too much product.
05/26, 9:31 PM
posted by:
Hyperion
I’m in agreement with Madcapp.
05/26, 9:48 PM
posted by:
spg900
I can’t understand how a marginal manufacturer (in terms of market share) can have so many bleeping models. Can anybody explain how they stay afloat?
05/26, 9:54 PM
posted by:
leftwingagenda
don’t know why, never been interested in mercs…well, ok, back when the AMG Hammer came out, that was cool…since then, not so much…oh, i guess that gullwing thing was nice back in the day…but since the 90s? not so much…
05/26, 10:09 PM
posted by:
American_Cars_Crap
Last week I rode in an AMG C63 and all I have to say is WOW! I thought my new Nissan 370z was fast, but the Benze is a whole other level!. Not as sweet on tight turns as my Nissan, but straight line highway runs is truly orgasmic! Driving it made me realize whats wrong with domestic cars, they just don’t know how to build a package that both delivers jaw dropping performance and smooth quiet drivability. And for those domestic fag boys who want to mention the Caddy V series (the only domestic performance luxury car) Cadillac is total crap in terms of quality, refinement and reliability. My friend had a V series caddy and he already had to replace the engine after only 70k! My boss has a 2002 AMG benze with 150k on it and still runs like a beast on all original drivetrain!
05/27, 1:25 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
American_Cars_Crap,
you sound like you’re 13 year old!!
05/27, 7:23 AM
posted by:
carstuff
Since we are discussing reliability I see that both Mercedes and Nissan are below the average for reliability.
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2009043
05/27, 8:31 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
i kind of laughed when I noticed scion below hummer, when people diss hummer for not being reliable, but praise scion for being reliable! SCREW SCION!!
And with audi too! WHat was that about them not being reliable NMOFGM?? I don’t think so!!! Looks to me like they are the best out of their direct competition(audi,merc,bmw)!
My favorite brands still remain the same, Audi, porsche, lexus, and infiniti!
05/27, 1:39 PM
posted by:
A4
Seriously MB… quit it with all the names. Even Lexus can keep their “IS-Line” all under one roof… and they usually can’t do much of anything right.
05/27, 4:56 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
Rafa LL,
That C-Class Coupe is as qpt_dude called it, a hatchback, and is actually just a refreshed version of the one we had here a little while ago based on the previous gen C-Class and not the current one.