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Mercedes-Benz planning true C-Class Coupe?

06/19/2009, 12:46 PM

By Drew Johnson

Mercedes-Benz’ mid-size coupe offerings have been a bit confusing over the years – with the lines between the E- and C-Class being a blur — but the German automaker could finally sort things out by 2011. Mercedes recently launched the new E-Class Coupe – replacing the CLK-Class – and a new report indicates a C-Class Coupe could also be on the way.

Although it was recently revealed that the E-Class Coupe was still at least partially based on the C-Class’ architecture, a true C-Class Coupe could be on the way for the German automaker. According to Auto Motor und Sport, Mercedes is planning on replacing its CLC with a true C-Class Coupe in 2011.

The Euro-spec CLC is essentially a three-door liftback version of the C-Class, but is actually based on the previous-generation car. As such the CLC is due for a mid-cycle refresh in 2011 – bringing its styling in line with the new car – at which time Mercedes will likely replace it was a new C-Class Coupe model.

The C-Class Coupe would be available in the U.S. – going head-to-head with the BMW 3-Series coupe and Audi A5 – and could also spawn a convertible version. Like the recently launched Lexus IS convertible, the C-Class convertible – believed to be dubbed the CLR – would use a retractable hardtop.

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06/19, 12:56 PM

posted by:

mayer_ray_nagin

From the company called Mercedes Blows it will no doubt be a “true 4-door C class Coupe”

06/19, 1:26 PM

posted by:

TL

Finally, some distinction from this company! Isn’t that the new E-Class Coupe on the main picture of this article? It looks really good! ^.^

06/19, 1:36 PM

posted by:

spg900

They lost me a long time ago with their 73 different models.

06/19, 1:57 PM

posted by:

zfenderguy

Agreed, I’m lost. Good thing I’ll never have the desire to drop that kind of coin on one of those snobby looking things.

06/19, 2:33 PM

posted by:

pavlindrom

I don’t want to speak for any one, so I will say it for me. The comfort I found in a Merc is on another level from all the competition. I don’t like the Lexus suspension. Now it’s a last-gen-BMW-wannabe. BMW has too sporty feels all around. Just a little move of the steering wheel will be felt on the road. Audi is nice, but I don’t like their interior except the A8 which is too expensive. Thus, Merc suits me very well indeed. I drove every single model for all makes mentioned (and many more) and Merc is the only car whose ride impressed me. That’s why I don’t look at the whole range of their models. I made up in my mind that I will buy a C-Class in a while after I save some money, a CLS if I get a good raise, and an S-Class if I become an overnight success.
The moral of the story, who cares what MB does? I know what I want, and I know my own driving character.

06/19, 2:53 PM

posted by:

TornadoGTI

@ pavlindrom – I do understand what you are saying but have to point a few things out. Granted, your tastes are yours, but are quite different from the masses, media, press, editors, etc. Audi is celebrated for having the best interiors around while MB is always getting flack for having very plasticy and otherwise cheap and bland looking interiors.
The feeling you are referring to in the BMW is a GOOD thing. It is called steering feel and steering response. That is why they are so praised for having some of the best driving cars out there.
I have always seen BMW as the sporty choice, MB as the luxury choice, and Audi as the blend of the two. My pick will almost ALWAYS be Audi.

I’m just saying.

06/19, 2:56 PM

posted by:

JakeK66

So- in reality this is just the replacement to the C-Class Hatchback we had like 5 years ago? It would be a very interesting model if they made it so the price was more like that model – making an affordable C-Class under $30k. Mercedes isn’t only luxury car maker in many countries, it’s more of a VW in some ways, with the Sprinter and A/B Class cars, we only see their premium offerings under the Mercedes logo though – although I have seen people switch their Dodge Sprinters into a Mercedes.

06/19, 3:02 PM

posted by:

Bankruptcy2009

Zfenderguy your right. but I rode in one that my cousin owns very posh but most have the look of arrogance about them. People who drive them are usually snobs. Oh your so Right pavlindrom Mercury’s Milan Hybrid is probably the best thing Mercury has to offer. If they brough back a revised 67 Cougar Ford Motor would do well and its Mercury Division More Prestigious along with snapping up Mercury Marine Motors to divest the company and Make Mercury more attractive.

06/19, 3:04 PM

posted by:

Bankruptcy2009

The Point is if you say Merc- you really mean Mercury. IF you say Mercedes- then say it with the Benz. Suffix stop trying to steal Mercury’s name.

06/19, 4:05 PM

posted by:

corvette

Bankruptcy-or you can be talking about Mercer

06/19, 4:38 PM

posted by:

Blakkarr

You notice how this MERCEDES is starting to look like a CADILLAC? Strange.

“Me-too-itis” is really contagious. MERCEDES was patient zero, HYUNDAI has a serious case of it, The Tiburon looked like a baby bastard Ferrari and the GENESIS Sedan looks like a Cross between a LEXUS and a BMW or a BMW done by LEXUS. Toyota and the one Chinese firm copied the HUMVEE. LEXUS turns around a copies the 1990s 300ZX…

Just saying is all.

06/19, 4:40 PM

posted by:

pavlindrom

Well, I talk about Mercedes-Benz. I’m just saying that there are people for whom Mercedes-Benz offers exactly what they need. I like large interiors and to feel comfortable more than feel rich. I forgot to make sure I don’t offend anyone by saying I don’t like Audi interiors. About the BMW steering thing: yes, it’s good, but I want the steering wheel to have a f(x) = x^(1/2) curve to it. BMW seems to have it 1:1 and every jerk of the hand gets noticed. I certainly don’t want the cop to know I am shaking a bit more than natural… if you know what I mean. Also, thanks for acknowledging that Mercedes-Benz is a luxury brand. Many people seem to have this dark image about the brand and not accept that Mercedes-Benz has positive traits somewhere under that entire technological shell, which reminds me to say that I love over-engineered vehicles. Makes me sleep better, and drive more relaxed.

06/19, 4:43 PM

posted by:

pavlindrom

Sorry, I believe the function I really want is f(x) = x^2, as in on [0;0] to [1;1]. Sorry, math is the best way to explain what I feel right now.

06/19, 5:42 PM

posted by:

leftwingagenda

i think another way to explain it is that you like progressive steering as opposed to linear steering…linear meaning if you turn the wheel you get an immediate effect, but a progressive system would dampen the initial off-center turn of the wheel a bit and only provide more steering as you turned further…that would smooth out the jitters and keep you on center…good for straights, maybe not what some folks want in turns…to each his own…

i’ve never been much of a merc guy, although the old AMG Hammer was a cool concept back in the day…i have to admit some of the merc engines sound amazing, though…the deep rumbling eff you v-8s and such…personally, i was won over by the steering feel of a friend’s bmw…but i fall on the sporty side of that sport vs lux equation…maybe in decade or two that’ll change…

06/19, 7:51 PM

posted by:

scratchy

i noticed as i grow older i like Merc(edes Benz made by Daimler AG, to avoid confusion for some people)s more…

06/19, 8:14 PM

posted by:

Bavarian_818

MBZ: Enough is Enough!!!
Sedans=C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, E-Class Wagons
Coupes=CLK, CLS, CL, CLK-Convertible
Roadsters=SLK, SL, SLR,
Crossover=R Class
SUV=GLK, M, GL, G

IMO WTF R U MBZ

06/20, 2:54 AM

posted by:

status

ish a no brainer!

06/22, 10:51 AM

posted by:

pavlindrom

@scratchy: the scary thing is that I’m only 22 and I love Mercedes-Benz. Thing is, I’m the royalty type of person, aka on the geeky side of the people spectrum.
It’s also a family thing, since everyone in our family has driven many cars (due to a job we all got at some point in our lives at a large auto auction) and no one has ended up liking BMW or Audi or any other competition more than Mercedes.

06/22, 1:50 PM

posted by:

Bankruptcy2009

Blakkarr you have to be smoking something to say that. Cadillac has been no where. Sure GM has pumped lots of money into them. However their is NO WAY that Mercedes follow a cheap cadillac. I think and by most other people. Its Cadillac trying its best to emulate Mercedes Benz

06/22, 11:23 PM

posted by:

athens

I am suspect of this story. First of all personal compact luxury sporty coupes are selling horribly at this time. They sit right behind SUVs as the segments having taken the largest hits in sales volume.

Since the E class coupe is built on the C-class chassis (not merely a bit of C-class) I suppose a “true” C-class coupe would have to be named B-class. No, that can’t be right because the B class is already a 5 door compact MPV built on a FWD chassis, sold outside the US.

As to going head to head with its BMW counterparts, the E class coupe certainly doesn’t compete with the BMW 6 series. That role goes to the SL and the Jaguar XK-R. Instead the new E class coupe competes with the 3 series coupe. And the A5, and the G37. It received the E class name (and styling) to justify its $48K base price which is $11K more than that of the 328i coupe. It’s only that consumers had a tough time shelling out $50K for a sporty compact coupe with the C class moniker.

Mercedes is having a hard time selling anything costing more than $50K these days, which is about 70% of their US market lineup.

With the lower priced B class already being built in Mexico, Mercedes may be readying the mini “R” MPV for the US (it is currently sold in Canada). How about a coupe derivative off that B-class platform to compete with the likes of the Mini and Fiat 500.

 
 
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