No more Mercedes CLK after 2010

Mercedes-Benz will discontinue the CLK after 2010 and replace it with a coupe and convertible based on the new E-class.

The coupe will debut when the E-class sedan is launched in mid-2009, says Ernst Lieb, CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. The convertible will follow about a year later.

The CLK is based on the previous-generation C class.

Market segments for the CLK and E-class coupe are similarly sized, but Mercedes-Benz wanted a two-door that could better compete with the larger coupes that are being launched by competitors.

Audi's A5, which went on sale last year, is selling well. And Porsche will launch the Panamera, a sporty four-door with a coupe roofline, next year.

The E-class coupe likely will cost more than the CLK, but Lieb wouldn't give specifics. The existing CLK starts at about €40,000 in its German home market .

The nose of the E-class coupe will be similar to that of the Fascination concept that was so well-received when shown last month at the Paris auto show.

Although the concept was a station wagon, Mercedes executives said the front end is a preview of what to expect on the new E-class

source: autonews