Wraps come off E-Class Coupé

By Jack Rix

17th February 2009

Prepare to want one! Mercedes has turned on the style with its new E-Class Coupé – the CLK replacement– and these are the first official pictures of the German stunner that has the Audi A5 firmly in its sights.

Described by Mercedes as a sporty interpretation of the E-Class saloon, it shares an almost identical front end with its bigger brother. The sharper double headlights, sculpted bumper and grille are all borrowed, with the only difference being the three-point-star mounted in the middle of the grille, and not on top of the bonnet.

From the front wheels back, though, the Coupé has a shape of its own, with a pillarless glass area and flowing roofline. As with the saloon, the rear wheelarch is very detailed, with a crease framing the wheel and finishing at the LED tail-lights.

A raft of new gadgets are fitted, including Attention Assist, which monitors the drowsiness of the driver, adaptive suspension and auto-levelling headlights. From launch, three engines will be offered – a pair of four-cylinder units, one diesel and one petrol, and the flagship E500, which delivers 383bhp. This model is seen here wearing the AMG Sports Pack.

The eco-friendly E350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY has to be the pick of the bunch, though. It churns out 228bhp and 540Nm, while returning 41.5mpg and emitting 139g/km of CO2.

The car goes on sale in the UK in June, with a convertible following six months later. It debuts at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

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