Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe 2010

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

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.
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.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG Sports Package

Sunday, June 21, 2009

For the first time, there is an AMG Sports package for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the CL-Class. With revamped AMG bodystyling, attractive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels and special interior details, both top Mercedes-Benz models can now be made more striking than ever in terms of sportiness. The appealing combination of exclusive equipment features, many of which are not available separately, is proving increasingly popular with customers. The AMG Sports package is now available for five Mercedes model types.
New AMG bodystyling, including a front apron with large air intakes, enhances the visual impact of the S-Class and the CL-Class. The rear apron with a striking black insert and integrated, rectangular tailpipe trim in polished stainless steel is also eye-catching. AMG side sill panels round off the AMG bodystyling. 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with a five-spoke design and wide-base 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres fill the wheel arches perfectly and provide optimum contact with the road. 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels are available as an option in a twin-spoke design with 255/35 and 275/35 tyres. Mounted on the front axle there are perforated brake discs and silver-painted brake callipers featuring Mercedes-Benz lettering; the V6 models have a more generously proportioned braking system.
Wood trim and the wood/leather steering wheel in black ash give the high-quality vehicle interior a dynamic feel. The AMG Sports package also includes velour floor mats with AMG lettering and sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs.
The AMG Sports package is available for all S-Class models with a short or long wheelbase, as well as for the CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC. It costs between 5831 and 7973 euros (including 19% VAT); the market launch commences in June 2009. In addition to the S-Class and CL-Class, the E-Class Saloon, the E-Class Coupé and the C-Class can be equipped with the AMG Sports package.