Mercedes has made no secret of the need to prune its product offering. “Complexity adds costs,” as put bluntly by R&D boss Markus Schäfer in 2020 when vowing to “eliminate” the manual gearbox and cut the number of powertrains.
But the move to replace six models with two – the upcoming CLE coupé and convertible – will be the most tangible of any rationalisation efforts.
How will the CLE replace at once the S-Class Coupé, which started at more than £100,000, and the C-Class Coupé, at around £41,000? There will be more accessible variants of the CLE which tap into the market for style-led alternatives to traditional exec stalwarts, and there will be a snarling AMG version at the top end with the firepower and the price to match the outgoing 63-badged two-doors, but the gulf between the two will need to be as tangible in material and potency as it is in price.
Mercedes might have to make concessions and usher in a plethora of trims and powertrains to cover the broad price range or risk buyers being tempted by the still-extensive range of rival BMW two-door models, ranging from the 2 Series through 4 Series to 8 Series.
That seems to go against the rationale that's bringing us the CLE in the first place, but tellingly, Schäfer vowed to "reduce the number of options significantly", suggesting that each CLE will be differentiated from the next by its powertrain and badge, rather than upholstery and audio system manufactuer.
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Logic of a cub reporter. Almost certainly, cheaper, less powerful models will have artificial leather, lesser audio systems, fewer driver aids, cheaper cabin trim, more basic infotainment screens. Whereas more powerful, expensive models will come with things like sunroof as standard or even available.
As an owner of one, I mourn the passing of the SLK/SLC. As much as anything I am saddened to see Mercedes moving away from stowable hardtops. Their advantages outweigh their disadvantages in my eyes.
It's possible that in some parts of the world, cars in this segment still sell in reasonable numbers. However, I am not sure that there is a market in many countries for heavy, luxury, non-performance ICE coupes and convertibles priced below £100K.
At the high end, the Bentley GT is probably as much car as anyone would need. The Rolls Royce equivalents are just too big and silly expensive.
There is a market for high-performance coupes and convertibles but, other than the AMG GT, I don't think that Mercedes can compete against the leading brands in that segment.
Although the SLK/SLC was killed off, I was surprised that Mercedes has kept faith with the SL, which has become a failing car in a shrinking segment.
BMW has the same problems with its two-door cars.