2010 Mercedes-Benz E

If the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan's styling isn't controversial enough for you, meet the E-Class Coupe. While the new coupe, like the CLK it replaces is based on the C-Class, its sheetmetal and engine choices tie it to the all-new E-Class sedan. The E-Class Coupe is more relaxed and less sporty compared with the 2009 CLK, and along the way it drops out as a competitor for BMW's unbeatable 3 Series coupe.

In the same fashion as the E-Class sedan's rear fender treatment is designed to recall the "Ponton" Mercedes of the early 1950s, the E-Coupe's rear fender flares pay homage to the Ponton coupe, a rather obscure car in North America. Less obscure, the new coupe's look evokes stolid two-door Benzes like the '68 C114 and the later C124.

2010 Mercedes Benz E Class Coupe Front Three Quarters View
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The unusual coupe styling leaves a lot of sheetmetal behind the door opening, as if you could draw rear door cutlines just ahead of the C-pillar and create the second-generation CLS. Unlike the CLS, the E-Coupe is priced below the E-Class sedan, Mercedes's bread-and-butter car. The E350 Coupe starts at $48,925, which is $550 less than a '10 E350 sedan, and the E550 Coupe is $55,525, or $1650 less than an E500 sedan. Either coupe comes standard with a panoramic sunroof, the glass extending from the front header to the top of the C-pillar, though the part that opens is about the size of a regular sunroof. This glass top lifts up and over the glass behind it and comes with a nice, thin sunshade, saving front-seat headroom, although average-size American males will want the driver's seat in its lowest position.

Compared with the CLK, the E-Coupe is a half-inch lower (thanks to the suspension), 1.8 inches longer, and 1.8 inches wider. It's still shorter, narrower, and about 350 pounds lighter than the sedan. E350 and E550 Coupes are cheaper even than the '09 CLK350 and CLK550, respectively, and offer greater value because of added standard equipment. Of course, greater commonality between E-Coupe and sedan, versus CLK and C, helps Mercedes's profit margins. The maker loaded the new coupe with plenty of distinguishing features, anyway.
POSTED BY mr.KAKAR