These are the latest spy images of Mercedes’ new C-class coupé, including the first shot of its interior.
Set to go on sale in the UK at the same time that facelifted versions of the existing saloon and estate reach showrooms early next year, the new C-class coupé has been conceived to replace the CLK, discontinued earlier this year after 12 years and two model generations.
See the latest spy pics of the new Mercedes C-class coupé - including the first interior pic
The introduction of the C-Class coupé also spells the end for the CLC, a small sports hatch that was only recently updated. Sources indicated the model will be phased out and will be replaced by the new coupé.
The forthcoming two-door eschews a unique body shell and individual styling that made the CLK such a success for a comparatively upright look that draws heavily on the silhouette and detailing of its four-door siblings.
“We went back and studied what made our coupés so popular in the past. If you look at some of the more successful two-door models Mercedes-Benz has produced, you can see a direct relationship between them and their four-door stablemates,” said an insider describing the new coupé’s appearance.
Read more on the Mercedes C-class facelift
Don’t expect the new Mercedes-Benz to have a very long life, though. With engineering of the fourth-generation C-class already under way at the German car maker’s R&D centre near Stuttgart, the new two-door is planned to be sold for a maximum of four years. It will then be replaced by a much more curvaceous model that’s likely to follow the example of the CLS in boasting a more practical four-door layout.
The upcoming C-class coupé will be the second two-door model to be based on today’s C-class. Unlike the E-class coupé, however, the C-class version will not be modified and offered in cabriolet guise.
“We did look at an open-top version, but in the end the costs were too high given the short model life,” revealed Autocar’s source.
Read more on the Mercedes C63 AMG and Black Series models
Mercedes is also planning a C63 AMG version of the new coupé to rival the BMW M3 and Audi RS5. Sources have indicated that a Black Series model could also be created to fill the void left by the discontinuation of the CLK63 AMG Black Series.
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Re: Mercedes C-class coupé - new pics
You think that's why they buy the CLC? I reckon they buy it because it's a cheap way to get into a proper RWD Merc. The hatchback isn't important for most of them.
This is a nice looking car that could be a sales hit if priced correctly.
Re: Mercedes C-class coupé - new pics
This won't appeal to CLC owners as it is doesn't have a hatchback.
Re: Mercedes C-class coupé - new pics
How many times has that been discussed/questioned on here?
Definitive answer on the platform beneath the E Class coupe please....