The Future Of The Mercedes-Benz C-Class And CLK-Class

Built on the current C-Class platform, the model is rumored to feature a folding cloth roof, a range of three diesel and four gas engines with outputs ranging from 170 horsepower to 306 horsepower (including Mercedes' new 2.2-Liter four cylinder diesel powerplant), and the wealth of technological and safety features already found on the current C-Class. Luggage capacity is expected to be about 450 liters with the roof up, while even with the roof open, the model is still expected to hold around 400 liters.

Adding a touch of credibility to the C-Class convertible rumors is Mercedes' recent announcement in both the Mercedes C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and Mercedes ConceptFASCINATION articles that an E-Class Coupé is coming. This, of course, leads to speculation that the E-Class Coupé will, in all likelihood, be a rebranded CLK, meaning that when its convertible counterpart debuts, it too will bear some form of an E- moniker. By making the name change, Mercedes would avoid some of the confusion that would likely result stemming from two relatively similar convertibles bearing two relatively similar names, while at the same time further establishing the CLK as the more upmarket of the two.
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bmwdrvr - 9/12/2008 12:40:02 PM

+3 Boost

but will the new CLK continue to be a coupe version of the C class, at a huge premium or will it be like the original E class coupe, a legitimate 2 door e class????

Bmw8ter - 9/12/2008 1:15:48 PM

+6 Boost

It is a pretty considerable premium over the C class. However, it's more of a niche vehicle that can be a tough sell so there's more room to haggle.

I bought an '05 CLK500 about 3 weeks ago, for $28k(34k on the odo). I probably could have talked another $2k off of that price. Because of the car market slowdown, you can get some pretty killer deals on used vehicles you would never have been able to afford a year ago.

bmwdrvr - 9/13/2008 8:55:52 PM

+1 Boost

on a used sure....but brand new to brand new...it is not a conservative premium over the c class...for what is essentially the same car with 2 doors, and a light difference in styling with the same interior and engine lineup
a new C350 starts at: 39,000
a new CLK350 starts at almost: 48,000
9,000 for the less pratical version of a car lol is far from conservative, the CLK is a huge profit center for mercedes I read a article that it actually costs less to build but is almost 10,000 more its all business, but you have to be pretty nieve to fall for that

HSCenterconsole - 9/12/2008 1:05:41 PM

+5 Boost

The current W209 CLK is nice looking, but it has very feminine lines and is really considered a "chick car." I hope the next generation returns to the more sculpted and masculine look of the W208.

TauronB2G - 9/12/2008 1:17:28 PM

-1 Boost

The new CLK will be a legitimate E Class coupe. I am just really hoping that the interior will not be what they have illustrated here.
T

B7FAN - 9/12/2008 2:07:26 PM

+2 Boost

looks good to me I would like to see the finished product but they have my go ahead. this is something I would purchase but I am still a 3 series fan so I would get that over the CLK

Type707 - 9/12/2008 4:10:57 PM

-4 Boost

CLK's will ALWAYS be the ugly ones in the Mercedes bunch.

Bmw8ter - 9/12/2008 6:33:01 PM

0 Boost

And the Ml, Gl, and R are so much prettier.

Agent63 - 9/13/2008 4:17:22 PM

+2 Boost

The R Class will always be the ugly member of the family for me.