Spy Shots: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

Viknesh Vijayenthiran

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Vik is an Editor at High Gear Media and contributor for a number of sites within the High Gear Media network. He was a co-founder of... More

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2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible spy shots

The previous Mercedes-Benz CLK is something of an enigma--built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the U.S., but the car is on its way out, being replaced by the recently launched 2010 E-Class Coupe and upcoming 2011 E-Class Convertible due in the middle of next year.

Latest spy shots show an undisguised prototype of the Convertible model testing in Germany, and as expected it draws heavily from the recent ConceptFASCINATION. The car will be about four inches longer than the CLK Convertible that it replaces and it sticks with a traditional folding soft top.

The engine lineup should mirror the Coupe, which means four, six and eight-cylinder units with outputs from 200 to 382 horsepower--the top end model being the E550.

The decision to move the CLK to the E-Class platform will allow Mercedes to introduce a new entry-level coupe and convertible based on the C-Class, finally providing the automaker with a direct competitor to BMW’s popular 3-Series two-door models. You can see a preview of such a car in our previous story by clicking here.

The story doesn’t end there, however, as Mercedes is also expected to launch a new ‘shooting brake’ model based on the ConceptFASCINATION, although no official details about its release have been mentioned.