Covers come off next CLK

Text: Will McManus / Photos: Automedia

21st January 2009

The wraps are off Mercedes’ next-generation CLK – and even its name has changed!

The new model will sport an E-Class Coupé badge, bosses have confirmed, plus some sharp new styling.

Despite the firm’s best efforts to keep the newcomer away from prying eyes, our spies snapped it during testing.

Inspired by the current C-Class, the newcomer aims to combine sporty styling with the sophistication and comfort of an E-Class saloon.

There are larger wheelarches and more aggressive body creases, plus a redesigned front end which incorporates new headlamps as well as LED-style foglights.

The ‘low-nose, high-tail’ looks of the current model have been revamped, while its increased width should allow passengers more space inside. Technology will include Mercedes’ adaptive damping system, as well as adjustable steering and body control settings and a COMAND media interface.

The car will share its underpinnings with the C-Class and be rear-wheel drive. Engines will also come from the saloon, ranging from the 1.8-litre petrol found in the C180 to the 3.0-litre V6 diesel powerplant in the C320 CDI. Diesels are expected to make up the majority of sales, and prices should be pitched closely to the E-Class Coupe’s main rivals – the BMW 3-Series and the Audi A5 – starting at around £26,000.

The new model is expected to arrive in showrooms later this year, with a range-topping 63 AMG 6.2-litre V8 and a limited-edition Black Series set to follow in 2010.