Found at http://cars.uk.msn.com.
News of the next-generation Mercedes E-Class has already been made public. But these are the first official pictures of the coupé version.
Set to replace the existing CLK range, the new E-Class Coupé is decidedly more luxurious and looks more like a junior CL.
Gallery: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé
This harks back to the pre-CLK age of the late 80s and early 90s, the E-Class of the period boasting coupé and cabriolet versions that are still popular among Mercedes enthusiasts to this day. And whereas the CLK was intended as a rival to the 3 Series coupé this new E-Class two-door has its sights set elsewhere.
The BMW 3 Series coupe and forthcoming Infiniti G37 cater to sporty types, the Audi A5 and the E-Class Coupé decidedly more upmarket and luxurious in feel. As such the new E-Class Coupé will go against the likes of the Jaguar XK and even the BMW 6 Series, leaving the CL to its true role of luxury flagship.
Most aerodynamic car in the world
The front end and sculpted flanks of the E-Class Coupé are clearly based on the recently revealed saloon and are likely to be just as controversial. But the overall profile is classic Mercedes two-door, with the trademark swooping and pillarless roofline, the stance and overall shape clearly influenced by the CL.
With a drag coefficient of just 0.24 Mercedes claims the E-Class coupé is the most aerodynamic production car in the world, somewhat taking the wind out of the sales of ‘green’ cars like the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. It certainly demonstrates slippery streamlining and elegance aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive.
The E-Class Coupé makes a fair stab at eco credibility with the engine line up to, all bar the flagship V8 E500 carrying Mercedes’ green BlueEfficiency branding to reflect various efficiency boosting technology. The E250 CDI BlueEfficiency uses the new Mercedes diesel engine previewed in the C-Class last year, the 350 CDI a version of the existing V6 diesel.
Petrol engines comprise BlueEfficiency direct injection 250 CGI and V6 350 CGI, the tech fest continuing inside with innovations previously announced for the next-gen E-Class such as the drowsiness beating Attention Assist system. Luxurious SE and AMG influenced Sport spec choices will be available, the car due on sale in the UK from June with pricing yet to be confirmed.