CLK-Class Mercedes to rename CLK to E-Class coupe and cabrio?

[Bartek S.]

The Mercedes-Benz CLK (pictured) is something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, it’s also available in both coupe and convertible body styles. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but reports are surfacing that the German carmaker is planning to end the CLK name and instead brand the car as an E-Class coupe and convertible.
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[GBOY]

It needs to really grow in size to fit that bill.

 

[Centurion]

The CLK is such an esablished name that it would be stupid for Mercedes to dump it.

 

[Gullwing]

If mercedes really want to do that, I would continue with the current format for the CLK and add a convertible version of the CLS.

 

[Tarek]

Really really weird decision if it's true.

 

[Centurion]

Really really weird decision if it's true.

Don't think so, it's just blant speculation.

 

[klier]

Makes sense. CLK cabrio basicly is the old E-class cabrio right

I say ditch it. SLK, CLK, CL, GL, GLK...it's all a bit confusing to the average Joe. With E-class coupé, you instantly know what is meant...

 

[LaArtist]

^okay they could ditch CLK and CL and rename to E class and S class coupe
But what about SLK,GLK,GL ?
What do you have in mind for them?

 

[Tarek]

Don't think so, it's just blant speculation.

Hope so seriously,CLK is as u said is well established and pretty cool too.E class coupe will make the car appeal much more to the older crowd instead the more younger ones.

 

[Centurion]

Makes sense. CLK cabrio basicly is the old E-class cabrio right

I say ditch it. SLK, CLK, CL, GL, GLK...it's all a bit confusing to the average Joe. With E-class coupé, you instantly know what is meant...

It's no more confusing than the names BMW or Audi use.

 

[klier]

Well it's one name, a new name, less. That's something. I would hardly say CLK is that establised anyways, it only exists for a small two generations. IMO E coupé is much better.

I don't know what to do with the othe names, but you gotta admit, G, GL and GLK is a bit confusing for three completely different cars....

 

[Vivaki]

Mercedes have registered the name CLE, so I guess if they do change the model name then the name CLE is a possibility

 

[///K]

I can see why they are doing this. The new CLK from spyshots shares the same front and the side rear fender with the E class, and possibly the rear lights. If they do make it a e class coupe or cabrio, would the price be the same? Changing the name could be an excuse to jack up the price on the new CLK.

 

[siko]

Don't think so, it's just blant speculation.

Confirmed in this press release:
http://www.germancarforum.com/new-mb-models-vehicles/26344-mercedes-benz-conceptfascination.html

 

[modena_360stradale]

The CLK is an E-class coupe (I know we've had this debate time and again..) but the name it was given was given for a reason. In Mercedes' naming heritage 'CL' means "Coupe Light" and the 'K' stands for 'kurtz' or 'short.' The CLK is a small, executive coupe, and so should be named 'CLK'. It's just a simple, logical fact.

Renaming it won't do anything but shorten Mercedes' naming catalogue.

 

[tennmb]

The new CLK and E do not share the same front end. There are similarities in the design language, but they are not the same. Same means they could be interchanged, and they can't.

Calling the CLK and E-class coupe would be appropriate if it shared a platform or chassis with the E, but it doesn't. It will share its paltform with the C-class.

Mercedes might do it, and it's their brand, they can do whatever they want.

 

[cawimmer430]

According to the latest AMS which I am holding in my hand right now, it's official. The CLK name will be dropped and it will now be known as E-Class Coupe.

A little busy right now to scan this but I'll do it tomorrow.

 

[Centurion]

This makes me wonder how they've thought of shuffling up the A,B and C-class line up in three years. I mean, a car like the CLC can't stand as an official E92 competitor. So if the CLK is named E-class coupe it means that it's going a step higher into 6-series territory, or is the CLS the real alternative? I suspect the pricing of the car will remain close to the 3er coupe and A5.

 

[klier]

^ Maybe we'll see a proper C-class coupé and cabrio in not too long....??
I doubt that the E-class coupe will really be as expensive as the 6er, but we'll see

The new CLK and E do not share the same front end. There are similarities in the design language, but they are not the same. Same means they could be interchanged, and they can't.

BMW has been doing this with the 3er since the E36...

 

[klier]

Confirmed in this press release:
http://www.germancarforum.com/new-mb-models-vehicles/26344-mercedes-benz-conceptfascination.html

Yeah, you're right....I just read the release (never read those )

Not content with just indulging the senses, the ConceptFASCINATION de-sign study impresses with its technical underpinnings, too. These are drawn from the future E-Class Coupé and include the new four-cylinder diesel en-gine which features BlueTEC and AdBlue technology and develops 150 kW / 204 hp from a displacement of 2.2 litres.