2008 Mercedes Benz CLC

[Drew Dowdell]

it's completely underwhelming compared to the CTS Coupe...

Officially Official: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLC

Mercedes-Benz has officially unveiled the 2008 CLC-Class, the Euro-market successor to the now-defunct C-Class Sports Coupe. Well, we should clarify that. It's not completely defunct in that its architecture has been carried over for the new car, meaning the CLC does not share underpinnings with the new-gen C-Class. Still, Mercedes boasts that the car features 1,100 "newly-developed or enhanced" components, including the direct steering system introduced on the freshened SLK. The changes are intended to give the car a different feel than its predecessor.

At first glance, it's clear that Mercedes is trying to leave the past behind, looks-wise. Sure, the coupe profile is carried over, but the sharp-looking face of the new C-Class finds its way onto the CLC's front end. Out back, fresh taillamps also keep up the family resemblance to the new C. An updated interior greets occupants, with available features like DVD or hard drive-based nav, iPod integration, and an in-dash SD card slot. The entertainment, communications and nav systems can all be operated by voice command, too.

Buyers can choose from four engines -- 2 gas and 2 diesel, all with improved fuel economy -- matched with six-speed manual gearboxes as standard equipment. Drivers who opt for automatics get a 5-speed unit for 4-cylinder engines or MB's 7-speed auto for the 6-cylinders. An available sports package dresses things up with enhancements like 18" wheels and also adds paddle shifters to the steering wheel for cars with automatic transmissions. The Brazilian-built CLC goes on sale in Europe this May. No plans have been mentioned regarding a possible US-market return, and given that the last-gen didn't sell particularly well here, that is completely unsurprising. The Mercedes press release is pasted after the jump.

[thegriffon]

It's ahh, 6 engines: two 4-cylinder diesels, two 4-cylinder gasoline (formerly 3, but the unboosted version has been dropped) and two V6s. Unlike the C-class most are carry-over, with only one of the supercharged gasoline 4-cylinders getting a power boost.

[Drew Dowdell]

... and not going to be available in the US.

[Drew Dowdell]

anyone else think it looks like they ripped the headlights off the Zetas?

[RBB]

But it's RWD! ZOMG T3H EM-PEE-GEES!!!!!!11!!11one

-RBB

[Z-06]

I always liked the old C-class coupe.

[ZL-1]

anyone else think it looks like they ripped the headlights off the Zetas?

The new C-class headlights remind me of the Statesman/Caprice ones

[Duncan]

I always liked the old C-class coupe.

That and the BMW 318ti, known everywhere else in the world as the Compact. Could have done with at least the 2.5L six, sure, but still a neat package.

[Cory Wolfe]

I like the front 3/4, but... That ass is just too high.

Edited January 29, 2008 by blackviper8891

[regfootball]

it really don't look much different than the C series hatch from like 8-10 years ago.

[Z-06]

I like the front 3/4, but... That ass is just too high.

Easier for ingress/egress?

[Cory Wolfe]

Easier for ingress/egress?

Remember... I like things small. Those aren't worries of mine.

Edited January 29, 2008 by blackviper8891

[Z-06]

Remember... I like things small. Those aren't worries of mine.

May be a different style for your substance then.

[Sixty8panther]

The whole reason why I love Mercedes coupes is their HARDTOP greenhouses.

This thing has an ugly B-pillar and is therefore useless as far as I'm concerned.

The last C-coupe "three door" was ugly as sin from the back.

[Intrepidation]

I give it a a "meh". Not very pretty, though not as bad as the last one. The interior looks dated.

[Robert Hall]

I give it a a "meh". Not very pretty, though not as bad as the last one. The interior looks dated.

Reading the article, it sounds like it IS the old one, but with a new front clip that looks like the new C-class...so the old rear quarter treatment remains, updated with new taillights and hatch and fascia shape..

That is odd that M-B would take such a cheapo approach by updating the old model rather than designing a new one on the new platform..

Edited January 29, 2008 by moltar

[Cory Wolfe]

Reading the article, it sounds like it IS the old one, but with a new front clip that looks like the new C-class...so the old rear quarter treatment remains, updated with new taillights and hatch and fascia shape..

That is odd that M-B would take such a cheapo approach by updating the old model rather than designing a new one on the new platform..

That explains the cut light above the taillights.

[The O.C.]

That ass is just too high.

It's waiting for you, BV.....!