German Car Zone

I read it, and nowhere does it say that it is sitting on the older C-class platform. If anything, it's saying that the current C-class platform is old compared to the new E-class platform. So where the "older" ie W203 is coming from doesn't make sense. The car is based off the "now old" W204 platform. MB hasn't hidden this, it was said on the first day the pics were shown if I remember correctly.

A journalist is expert at mis-quoting people and making them say what he wants to hear. Especially, the "old" term... This journalist obviously wanted to talk crap about this car.

Fact is, part of the CORE cost-cutting program was also that all MBs had to share a huge lot more. MB doesnt separate its different classes completely any more.

So even the W212 shares a lot with the W204 (and X-204 GLK), and now with the crisis MB is developping "modules" that are destined to be shared among the whole line-up.

Even the term of platforms is not really adequate any more. And that not only for MB.

In terms of size, structure, the E-Coupe is more C-Class. But it was stated many times than huge components, like the complete front axle, come directly from the E-Class. And these are defining the driving impressions.

This debate is only a marketing/journalist one, not an engineer-one.

No what he is saying that the W204 platform is older the W212 platform, nothing to do with the W203. The W203 isn't even mentioned.


M

What do you expect, it's motor authority. In reality they have zero authority at all. They've delivered some highly questionable "facts" in the past.

Well it is sat on the W204 C-class platform isn't it?

Its the reason why we won't see the E63 AMG coupe

Might be because the sales were low. Personally I never perceived the CLK55/63 to be off good value. Price was just under 100k which is absolutely insane for a car that was predominantly E-class based. Performance was not well spoken of and the car handled poorly compared with the near 40% cheaper M3 which is a better buy from any aspect. Most individuals who wanted a classy Benz Coupe chose the CLS55/63 which was just a few coins more expensive but had more exciting looks. There is like 10 CLS55s for every CLK55 on the road. MB got the pricing and positioning completely twisted and consumers didn't bite. And I can't imagine anyone wanting to pay 100k for the new E Coupe either.

Yep that was exactly it. Too expensive and didn't deliver on its coupe looks for the performance set, a group that isn't going to look at a CLK anyway.

The CLK's odd pricing position works on the Cabriolets, but not for the Coupes.

M

Yeah, I know, but the way they worded the headline (to attract visitors) is that the E-coupe is based on the older C platform, not that the current C platform is older than the newest E, which is a "No sh!t, genius" kind of statement.

I kinda think you read too much into it, but either way this new E coupe is anything but. Its a CLK with a new name.

M

I didn't read too much into this; I just hate sh!tty "journalists".

As for it being CLK with a new name. C'mon, we've all known that from before it was even introduced.