Although the CLK-class coupe has been replaced by the all new E-class coupe, and an E-class convertible will take the place of the CLK-class convertible, Mercedes will not be replacing its high-performance AMG CLK models.
"We had a good look where it would fit into the line-up and eventually came to the conclusion it would be too close to the CLS63 AMG, both in positioning and price," a Mercedes insider told Autocar at the New York Auto Show.
The CLK63 AMG is a competitor to the BMW M3.
The CLK-class coupe and convertible, which are built on a modified C-class platform, are positioned between the C-class and the E-class. By eliminating the C-class-based CLK - and pushing the E-class coupe and convertible up-market - Mercedes could now justifiably have two distinctly different coupe ranges: the upper E-class coupe (pictured), and possibly a C-class coupe.
If the economy permits, perhaps we will see a lower-than-CLK-priced coupe emerge in the C-class range in the next few years.
Source: Autocar