Do you hear that? That’s the jostling of a Prada bag and a soy latte inside the the last Mercedes CLK as it cruises into what is commonly referred to as “oblivion.” It’s being replaced by the brand new E-Class Coupe. Or rather, it’s not really a replacement; the new car is a reset of expectations from Mercedes’ middle coupe, distinguished from its CLK niece with more size, more features and more brawn, and distinct from its E-Class sedan big brother by unique architecture and body panels. Our question was: could it distinguish itself? Follow the jump to find out.

The E Coupe is roughly an inch-and-a-half longer, two inches wider and three inches lower than the CLK. Compared to the sedan, the Coupe is about seven inches shorter, four inches narrower and three-and-a-half inches lower. Notably, the E350 is close to 400 pounds lighter than its sedan stablemate, and the E550 is 340 pounds down on curb weight versus the V8 sedan. Its bespoke dimensions and body panels indicate that it should not be looked at as simply an E with two doors. When GM of product management Bernhard Glaser was asked if the E Coupe rode on the same platform as the sedan or used the same architecture, he responded twice, “I wouldn’t say that.” Asked to make some sort of comparison between the two cars, he informed us, “I would say it’s a member of the E Class family.” As such it gets all of the E-Class safety doodads we mentioned yesterday, along with the same language and general proportions, but wrapped in a stance and attitude all its own.

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With all eyes trained on the Big Apple for this week’s New York Auto Show, it struck us as odd that Mercedes-Benz would release two new models on the eve of the event, neither of which will make an appearance in NYC. But here they are: the 2010 Mercedes-Benz S600 and the S400 Hybrid, the first series production gas-electric model from the automaker.

Both models benefit from a subtle exterior makeover that includes redesigned front and rear fascias, a new grille, chrome below the air intakes and bi-xenon headlamps with LED indicators, while inside, the 2010 S-Class hosts a myriad of high-tech appointments, including a 6.5-inch color display, a revised COMAND system, navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and a Zagat-rating system for local restaurants. But the tech doesn’t stop at helping you eat better. Many of the safety systems that debuted on the E-Class have found their way into the S, including optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist that recognizes vehicles ahead and dims the headlamps, Lane Keeping Assist (self-explanatory) a new Active Body Control (ABC) system that compensates for crosswinds and a drowsiness detection monitor that will warn drivers if they’re getting too tired to pilot their two-plus-ton behemoth.

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Stuttgart’s BMW M5 and Audi RS6 rival was officially revealed today ahead of the sport saloon’s world premiere at the New York Auto Show, open to the public April 10-19, 2009 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan. At the heart of the new E63 AMG is a 6.3-liter V8 engine packing 525-horspower and a peak torque of 630Nm or for the U.S. spec model, 518HP and 465 lb.-ft. torque. The engine is hooked up to a new 7-speed automatic transmission and according to Merc, the E63 AMG accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155mph.

Not that anyone interested in the E63 AMG cares, but the German automaker claims that despite 11HP of additional output versus the preceding model, fuel consumption in the model has been reduced by around 12 percent to 12.6 lt/100km (18.6mpg US).

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If you must have the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class and can’t wait for the AMG version, BRABUS has something to show you. The German tuning firm has launched its new program for the redesigned luxury sports sedan, the highlight of which is an enlarged 6.1-liter version of the V8 found in the E550 that now produces 462 hp compared to the original’s 382 hp.

BRABUS clearly didn’t stop there, fitting an aero package to the new E-Class that replaces the front bumper with a new design that reduces lift and incorporates LED daytime running lights and fog lamps. The exterior also features new fender vents, rocker panels, a spoiler and rear apron housing a pair of chrome tailpipes. The entire look is rounded out by new BRABUS Monoblock wheels that can be had up to 20 inches in diameter.

Additional performance hardware includes an augmented braking system with larger rotors and more powerful calipers, an optional limited-slip differential and BRABUS-tuned sport exhaust. The interior, likewise, can be fitted with optional equipment like illuminated BRABUS sill plates, a different “sport” steering wheel and complete mastik and alcantara leather interiors.
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Three weeks before its official introduction at the Geneva auto show, Mercedes released pictures and information on the 2010 E-class coupe, which will replace the snazzy but none-too-macho CLK coupe in June of this year.

The new E coupe is not really a two-door version of the E-class sedan, but rather a blend of C- and E-class mechanical components. It hews to the styling of the 2010 E-class sedan—which also makes its official debut in Geneva but was previewed at an off-site event during media days at the Detroit show last month—closely enough that no one will question the relationship.

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