Found this at JES MERCEDES.DE

Mercedes is planning to build a coupe based on the new E-Class. It will be the first Mercedes Coupe to have 4 doors and will premire in '04.



What do you guys think?

 

wheres that pic from? probably a picture of the CLK but slightly modified, since how would MB show the e-class coupe so early if they don't even want Americans to see the CLK in person yet?

 

It looks like a 2003 CLK w/ larger time and tires.

 

thats a clk with little lines drawn in the back to simulate another door like that saturn coupe with 2+2 tiny doors.....why would mercedes come out with a coupe based on the e-class when they already have a clk coming 2003.....

 

I think it looks like a E46 M3! But I doubt if MB will build a car like this!? Dont know which market group shall they be targeted!

 

doesn't the word "coupe" mean 2 door? what the heck is a 4 door coupe?

I always thought of the CLK as a E coupe. This picture is a CLK.

 

I've read some place that coupe is more of a description of the roof line rather than number of doors, but I'm not sure about that.

 

I think that because of CLK/E coupe similarities, the CLK will be dropped.

Hence, 2004/5 line-up would present
three MB coupes:

1. C Sports Coupe - Base MSRP $30,000.-

2. E Class (new) - Base MSRP $50,000.-

3. CL Coupe - Base MSRP $80,000.-

All Models with the Panorama Sunroof option.

 

karl,

You think MB is going to put out only 1 year of the new CLK and that's it? I mean I know some people think it's ugly but it's not THAT bad.

 

doubt that MB will discontinue the clk line....its just too popular....perhaps when the new clk line has taken its five year run....MB will upgrade the class to embody the e-class chassis and thus have no similarities to the c-class.....but the clk line i think will be there unless demand for it really sags

just my 2 cents

 

Discontinue a new line after one year? NO WAY! Do you know how much money goes into developing a new model? Most UK publications couldn't rant or rave more about the 2003 model. This is from auto express (UK publication):



Mercedes-Benz Mercedes CLK


As the temperature rises in the prestige coupé market, and Audi's stunning two-door A4 prepares to break cover, Mercedes is set to launch a devastating summer counter-offensive – the all-new CLK will arrive in showrooms in June. And if our exclusive test drive of the exciting four-seater near the firm's Stuttgart HQ is anything to go by, this time Mercedes has struck gold.

At the heart of the stylish newcomer is the C-Class's acclaimed rear-drive platform, which has so far spawned the Sports Coupé and the C-Class saloon and estate. It will also underpin the next SLK, due here in March 2004.

Unlike its smaller siblings, which are limited to four-cylinder petrol and diesel units, the CLK boasts seven engine options. These include two new 2.0-litre supercharged petrol four-cylinders, a 2.6 and a 3.2-litre V6, and a pair of V8s – a CLK 500 and a 367bhp CLK 55 AMG to rival Jaguar's XKR.

Of most interest to UK buyers – particularly in light of the recent company car tax laws – is the £29,685 270 CDi turbodiesel, out in December. With its swooping roofline and SL-inspired front-end styling, the CLK is probably the most desirable machine ever to drink from the black pump. Of particular note is the superb rear-end detailing and the absence of B-pillars, which gives the car a flowing, organic look with the windows down. Inside, the Mercedes tradition of sophisticated design and understated opulence continues. Even in the dubious cream and wood finish of our Elegance model (the more tasteful metallic Avantgarde trim is available at no extra cost), the cabin oozes style. And while there were signs of cost-cutting on our pre-production car – such as a wobbly glovebox and sunroof switch – the fit and finish is better than other C-Class variants'.

The platform's extra length is put to good use inside, freeing large amounts of rear leg and shoulder room for a coupé – not to mention a sizeable boot. However, six-footers will find the roofline a little close for comfort. As with all coupés, though, the CLK is primarily concerned with satisfying the needs of its pilot. The driver's seat is comfortable, low-slung and has a position to suit all sizes, while stereo and trip computer settings can be controlled via four easy-to-use buttons on the steering wheel.

Elegance and Avantgarde models are identically equipped, with climate control, seatbelt mounts which slide forwards when the door is opened, front, side and window airbags, ESP stability control and rain-sensing wipers as standard. Several hi-tech features from the S-Class are options, including Distronic radar-assisted cruise control, Linguatronic voice command and keyless entry and ignition.

The greatest attraction, however, is the 2.7-litre, five-cylinder, common-rail diesel engine – appearing in the CLK for the first time and the only such unit fitted to a prestige coupé. With 170bhp and 400Nm of torque on tap from 1,800rpm, the CDi offers a superb blend of mid-range muscle and flexibility.

Unlike many other Mercedes models, which suffer from a 'dead zone' in the first inch of throttle travel, the newcomer offers a linear, progressive power delivery and virtually no turbo lag. Combined with the smooth, responsive five-speed auto fitted to our test car – optional on the 270, but worth every penny in light of the standard manual's unpleasant shift action – this makes overtaking as instinctive as slipping on a pair of shoes.

Drivers used to the BMW 330Ci's razor-sharp dynamics might find the CLK lacking in involvement, however. The steering is a touch light at speed and doesn't turn the car into bends with the conviction of a true sports coupé. But the Merc grips well in corners and, with a rear track that's 10mm wider than the C-Class's, felt utterly stable at speeds of over 100mph on German autobahns. And barely a whisper of wind, road or engine noise invades the well insulated cabin. Keen drivers can also opt for a sports suspension pack, which tightens up the car's body control without compromising its remarkably supple ride. Euan Sey

 

I do not think that MB is going to continue with FOUR coupes.

As the topic of this particular thread:

'04 4dr E-Class Coupe looks like new CLK!

points out, there are too many similarities between these two coupes.

That presents a problem in marketing: Product differentiation/delineation.

Therefore, I believe that the logical one to be discontinued would be the CLK. Maybe not in 2005, but thereafter.

MB would present three coupes built on the C, E, and S platforms:

1. C Sports Coupe - Base MSRP $30,000.-

2. E Class (new) - Base MSRP $50,000.-

3. CL Coupe - Base MSRP $80,000.-

All Models with the Panorama Sunroof option.

That in no way affects my love for my 2002 CLK55 AMG, whose production stopped in January, -- and was produced for only (2) two years: 2001 and 2002!

Auto express (UK publication) and perhaps other trade publications, will have positive reviews on the new CLK, just as the CLK55 AMG enjoyed an exhuberant press for only 2 years...

The following thread in the new E-Class forum addresses the same/similar issue(s): E coupe/CLK dilemma. It reaches similar conclusions/suggestions.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...0&pagenumber=2