PREVIEW: The All New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé (C 238) to be revealed in the next period

After more than a year of intensive on-road development, the all new generation E-Class Coupé under the C 238 model series is quickly nearing the completion of the final experimental phase (FEP). As we get closer to the moment of the unveiling, we learn that the new two-door executive vehicle Mercedes-Benz model could actually be revealed in less than a month, prior to the official premiere scheduled for the NAIAS Detroit in January 2017. This means that we are a few weeks or even days from seeing series production E-Class Coupé, as a teaser video with the C 238 is expected to be released on Wednesday, December 14.

To be positioned between the two-door C-Class and S-Class beauties, the new E-Class Coupé has been been developed on the sedan's MRA platform which allowed for a consistent increase in size. The new C 238 will be about 20 centimeters longer than the current C 207 model, while also being 100 kg lighter thanks to the extensive use of high-strength aluminium for the chassis and body. The looks of the car is a mix between the C-Class and S-Class, with clean surfacing and, for the first time, a muscularly accentuated character line to strengthen the side profile.

The front end has been grafted from the E-Class Limousine, while the tail area exhibits a sensual image with its horizontal rear lights (with the white projectors' line placed at the top) and the chrome line positioned right above the exhaust pipes. The side windows are frameless, and as in the case of the current, the tiny pillar that creates a third, fixed, small-sized window towards the back of the window line is a here-to-stay, standalone design feature of the E-Class Coupé.

The interior will feature the Widescreen Cockpit from the BR213 models and the "jet turbine" air vents from the Concept IAA. According to sources, there will be a host of new interior trims and upholsteries, both standard and design, to customize the inside of the E-Class Coupé. The new model will also debut a new controller-less, touchpad-based COMAND Online infotainment system, while also retaining the possibility to choose the stylish controller-touchpad combination that debuted on the new C-Class in 2014.

Engine-wise, the C 238 will be available with well-known engines, optimized for higher efficiency and lesser consumption figures, right from the start of sales. The new I6 petrol and diesel engines will be progressively added to the lineup from the end of 2017 and in 2018. The entry-level model will be the E 220 d Coupé powered by the sensational OM654 2.0-litre diesel engines that was first introduced on the new E-Class W 213. Mated to the 9G-TRONIC gearbox and offering the choice of 4MATIC, this variant will certainly be one of the sales drivers of the lineup given its impressive, proven eco-performance and dynamic punch it offers to driving addicted ones.

Next on the list will be the E 300 Coupé with 245 hp, whereas the top diesel version will, for the moment, be the E 350 d Coupé with 258 hp from the aging OM642 V6 3.0-litre engine. The E 400 4MATIC with 333 hp will also be available for clients to choose. After the new OM656 and M256 engines (read more details HERE) will be premiered on the new S-Class facelift (W 222) in March 2017, several other E-Class Coupé versions are expected, like a new E 350 d with 286 hp or an all new E 400 d with 313 hp.

V8-powered choices and E 63 Coupé models are also highly possible to be revealed in the next two years, even though recent rumors indicate the contrary. Next year, when Mercedes-AMG GmbH celebrates its 50th anniversary, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz will premiere the first AMG variant of the new E-Class Coupé, which is bound to receive a special title to mark this occasion: Mercedes-AMG E 50 4MATIC Coupé, which essentially is part of the AMG 43 portfolio. The E 50 will be powered by the M256 I6 petrol unit, which will deliver more than 408 hp of peak output.

Image Credits: Autobild

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