Mercedes-Benz is well aware of the fact that their CLK has never really made an impact when compared to other sporting coupes on the market. That is not to say that the CLK was a bad car, it isn't. In fact some of the specialty models like the first generation CLK55 and subsequent CLK63 have made a positive impression on enthusiasts, and the CLK63 Black Series is bona fide race car that you can buy off the showroom floor.
But pricing on the specialty models is steep, and as such those models truly were niche models delegating back to the lesser models to compete with the likes of BMW, Infiniti and recently Audi.
And since the current CLK has grown long in the tooth, a new model was inevitable and Mercedes isn't going to disappoint with the next generation, this time based off the new for 2010 E-Class platform. Moving up in platform along with Mercedes naming, the CLK will soon transform into the E-Class coupe, a car that clearly has set its sights on the BMW 3-Series coupe, the Infiniti G37 coupe as well as the new Audi A5.
We often get criticized for the way we wax poetic over the 3-Series, but the fact is that unless you have driven the 3-Series you really aren't in a position to criticize those of us who have - especially when we do point out how good the 3-Series cars are. And no matter how you feel about BMW, the fact remains the 3-Series is the benchmark that ALL the others are chasing, a benchmark that BMW refuses to leave idle.
Infiniti has done a great job of chasing down the 3-Series, with the addition of the convertible G37 offering a full lineup that goes head to head with 3. Sized closer to a E-Class, the G37 has made many friends and stolen quite a few sales from their German rival.
Audi has been in and out of the coupe market for years. Recently they reentered the market with the A5/S5 coupes. Stunning styling coupled with powerful engines, these coupes lean more to a grand touring coupe versus a hard edge sports car, however with the 3-Series clearly in the cross hairs, the A5 certainly has won more than its fair share of new customers on looks alone.
NONE of us have driven the new E-Class coupe yet, however photographs show this to be a stunning looking car. Strong shoulders flank the rear quarter panels while aggressive fender flares up front combine with steeply raked front and rear glass creating a truly unique silhouette that is fresh and new, but at once instantly recognizable as Mercedes-Benz.
But is a pretty face enough to win customers? You could certainly make the case that Audi has worked that formula with pretty good success, and since we haven't driven the new car yet, that pretty face is a major factor in deciding.
So do you think Mercedes-Benz has a winner on their hands that will impact the sales of the competitors? And in answering that question, which car would you choose to drive if you were spending your hard earned dollars?
Check in and let us know what you think, and lets let Mercedes know what you think of their newest coupe.
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