Mercedes-Benz is apparently planning on replacing the CLK 2-door coupe and convertible. Having launched the new E-Class Coupe as a supposed replacement for the CLK, Mercedes-Benz actually moved the car up a segment. Where it used to compete with the likes of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Audi A5, the car now sits in a higher class.
At the bottom of the premium coupe pile are the Audi A3 and the 1 Series Coupe, as well as Merc’s own CLC. The CLC is too small to compete with 3 and A5 and so Mercedes is currently completely left out of that segment. The plan is to plug that hole with a new C-Class Coupe within the next two years.
Having changed its nomenclature policy to name coupes after the sedans on which they are related and/or based, the German company now has an S-Class Coupe instead of a CL-Class and of course the E-Class Coupe instead of a CLK. As such the name CLK will not be used for the C-Class Coupe.
The car will be based on the C-Class platform, feature two doors and an artillery of new engines. Among these will be a brand new lightweight 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8 which, according to our sources, has been tested at around 400kW (544hp). Presumably it would be featured in the AMG models, both Coupe and Convertible versions.
The C-Class Coupe would naturally benefit from all available technologies including the AGILITY CONTROL package with a rear limited slip differential, COMAND interior control system and the 7-speed automatic gearbox. The upcoming Audi RS 5 could have its hands full trying to keep up.
*Mercedes-Benz CLC and CLK 63 AMG Black Series pictured
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