The next Mercedes Black Series project will be a heavily reworked, high performance version of this – the E-Class Coupé.
These latest spy shots reveal the standard Coupé with less cladding than we’ve seen before. The convertible model gets a folding hard top, but is still called a Coupé, and will replace the current CLK in Mercedes’ line-up.
Based on the next W212 E-Class platform, the Coupé will be around 10cm longer than the outgoing CLK and is likely to be heavier because of its metal-folding roof mechanism.
Sweeping lines should set the four-seat E-Class Coupé apart from the standard car. We’re also expecting a C-Class Sport style grille and sharp CLS-style rear light arrangements.
For the Black Series, however, the rear seats will be removed and a roll cage added with a fixed roof. The whole car will be lightened, lowered, stiffened and powered by AMG’s 6.2-litre V8.
The rest of the engines from the current E-Class range are likely to be shared with the Coupé, and a range-topping 500 version is likely as well.
Expect the E-Class Coupé to arrive in early 2010, a few months after the next generation W212 E-Class launches. We’re expecting the Black later the same year.
