iyeoh

I don't speak any German, but these links got my attention.

From what I understand, the E-Class Cabriolets aren't doing too well. They always looked too non-sporting to me.

My guess is that the non-AMG C-Class Coupes will get a larger engine (550?), plus a cabriolet version.

http://www.motor-talk.de/forum/neuer...-t3942091.html

http://www.handelsblatt.com/auto/nac...r/6670138.html

Rudeney

Use Bing to translate (the handlesblatt site):

"HamburgMercedes 2014 brings the new c-class on the market according to "Auto Bild". New is also the variety of driver assistance systems, with which the c-class in full Assembly could go almost alone. Priced the new model should follow its predecessor, which currently costs at least 33.025 euros as a sedan. Four variants are planned: notchback sedan, wagon station wagon, CLK Coupé and CLK Cabriolet. A so-called midsize sports tourer, short MST addition may be called."



My guess is the the term "CLK" is being used to describe a new A207 and not that MBZ is going to bring back the CLK class.

Glyn M Ruck

I think you are correct Rudeney. I've read conflicting reports. Benz wants to bring back the CLK moniker on their new scaleable C Class platform.

I've seen the above before & I've seen speculation that the CLK will be between the C Coupe et al & the E Coupe/Cab.

I see your prediction as the most likely. Benz seems hell bent on having a vehicle in every conceivable segment however.

Kevwood

Maybe I stand alone, but I think the E coupe is a really sharp looking car, a true replacement/next generation for the 209 CLK. I really wouldn't complain too much if I had a '12 4.8TT as my next project car.

Glyn M Ruck

I'm still trying to get used to the chiselled looks of the E Coupe. To me the styling works better with the Cabrio whereas with the W209 I have always felt the styling works best with the Coupe.

Rudeney

I definitely like the new E coupe/cabriolet better than the sedan. What I don't like on the sedan is the rear end - it looks like it was pulled from a cheap Japanese car. I still prefer the CLK and the prior model E, though.

Kevwood

Yeah, the 209 CLK is far better looking than the same gen E sedan, I really disliked the look of both the 208 CLK and that gen E, the front end just looked so out of place on the car, much like how the back end on the current E looks to Rod.

CLK550AMGpkg

They should have never gotten rid of the CLK nameplate in the first place. Now the E-class coupe/cabrio gets accused of being deceptive and misleading considering it's not really an 'E' and the slightly smaller and cheaper C-class coupe is canabalizing its sales.

I agree with some of the comments about the new E coupe's style. I think the front end looks terrific and aggressive compared to the 209 CLK, but overall the CLK might look better considering it had a nicer side profile and meaner-looking rear end. It looked similiar in shape to the c215 and c216 CL (which is how a Benz coupe ought to look).

The C-coupe doesn't even look like a Mercedes, period. Looks like an Accord coupe.

Glyn M Ruck

Yep! I don't mean to be critical of the W209 Cabrio either. I think it is very pretty top down. Somehow top up, to make the folding top work, it loses the pleasant C pillar line of the Coupe & pleasant shape of the Coupe's rear window/screen.

These things are of course very personal.

mis3

I own my w209 for almost 9 years and I never get tired of the look. IMO, the other good looking coupe is the A5.

I am not biased because my previous car was the last generation Honda Prelude and while the car was a fun car to drive, I always thought it was ugly.

Rudeney

As much as I like my cabriolet, I have to agree. But that's the price we pay for the ability to go topless.

elijah

I'm with you on that point!!

Again. Totally agree

I was hoping we would be the last CLK owners. Let's see what happens

user 823908234

I drove a 1987 Volvo 741GLE 4 door, 4 cyl, 4 speed OD for 24 years...the "Aerodynamic Brick". Now, THAT was style!
I sold it and got the W209 1.5 years ago. Now I run my hand lovingly over the lines, and stare at it in the garage. I like it better than the E coupe, it seems to look tighter and leaner. Just my opinion.

Glyn M Ruck

Well at least topless it looks fabulous!

Rudeney

Yes, the car looks good topless. Me? Well, not so much anymore.

Glyn M Ruck

Me neither!

user 823908234

Yalin

İ really like the Clk because it looks really cool from every angel. Without b-piilar it looks really so sexy!
Before this car it was first generation mazda 6 for me even it might be odd for many ppl. This is my first Mb, used to drive 3 different mazda. İts really hard to buy a brand new or even a young looking Mb cause the taxes rocks here! (İ paid nearly 50k for my 2008 W209 200 komp 2 months ago). Even i were very rich to buy expensive cars i would keep my Clk. E-coupe looks good but somehow something is lacking... İ would prefer the steering for sure but dont know what to say about the rest.

Fatz

Well, the engine in the E550 is something to lust for..... I agree with you on the CLK however. It is my dream car and I think I may buy a few more pickup trucks in the future, and the wife may get a small BMW or a Jag, but I have no thoughts about parting with my CLK.

Now, I may spend half the original cost upgrading and modifying it ( ), but I plan to have it at least 5 more years or more.