Published on August 28th, 2023 |
by Daniel Sherman Fernandez
0
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupes & Cabriolets Were The Best
Did you know that Mercedes-Benz had the best coupés and cabriolets
Elegant, sporty and luxurious: in the history of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, this is personified by the two-door coupe and cabriolet variants.
These vehicles combine the classic virtues of the E-Class exemplary safety and comprehensive long-distance comfort with an aesthetic finesse. Plus let us not forget its success story.
Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 Coupé (C 209), Ausstattungslinie ELEGANCE. Foto aus dem Jahr 2005.Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 Coupé (C 209), ELEGANCE design and equipment line. Photo from 2005.Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series Coupé (C 209). Foto aus dem Jahr 2007.Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series Coupé (C 209). Photo from 2007.Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet, E 500 mit Sport-Paket AMGMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, E 500 with AMG sports packageMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Coupé, E 500, Modelljahr 2013, ExterieurMercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé, E 500, model year 2013, exteriorMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Coupé; 2016; Exterieur: designo kashmirweiß magno, Edition 1, AMG Line, Night PaketMercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé; 2016; exterior: designo cashmir white magno, Edition 1, AMG Line, night packageMercedes-Benz Coupé der Baureihe C 123.Mercedes-Benz coupé from model series C 123.Mercedes-Benz 280 C Coupé, 1977 – 1980Mercedes-Benz coupé from model series C 123.Mercedes-Benz CLK 230 Kompressor Cabriolet (A 208). Foto aus dem Jahr 1997.Mercedes-Benz CLK 230 Kompressor Cabriolet (A 208). Photograph from 1997.Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé (C 209), Ausstattungslinie AVANTGARDE. Foto aus dem Jahr 2002.Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé (C 209), AVANTGARDE design and equipment line. Photo from 2002.Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Coupé (C 209).Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Coupé (C 209).
To this day, these strengths continue to make the E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets so successful. These model series’ tradition began more than 50 years ago with the Stroke/8 Coupes of the 114 model series and almost 30 years ago with the cabriolets of the W124 model series.
Since 1993, when the cars in this market segment from Mercedes-Benz were assigned the E-Class designation, there has also been a tradition of top-of-the-range Mercedes-AMG engines.
The performance and sports car brand had already made a name for itself with its high-performance versions of the sporty, elegant two-door models: the Mercedes-Benz 300 CE 6.0 AMG – the coupe version of the model nicknamed “The Hammer” – is regarded as particularly spectacular.
The “Stroke/8” model series was built from 1968 until 1976 and the successors of the W123 model series delighted fans from 1977 to 1985. The 124 model series, which bore the name E-Class beginning in 1993, included the elegant coupe from 1987 to 1996.
Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 CDI Cabriolet (A 209), Ausstattungslinie AVANTGARDE. Foto aus dem Jahr 2005.Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 CDI Cabriolet (A 209), AVANTGARDE design and equipment line. Photo from 2005.Mercedes-AMG CLK 63 AMG Black SeriesMercedes-AMG CLK 63 AMG Black SeriesMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Coupé und Cabriolet, Modelljahr 2013, ExterieurMercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet, model year 2013, exteriorMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet; 2017; Exterieur: aragonitsilber metallic, AMG Line; Interieur: yachtblau / macchiatobeige; Zierteile: Holz sen hellbraun glänzendMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet; 2017; exterior: aragonite silver metallic, AMG line; interior: yacht blue / macchiato beige, trim parts: high-gloss light brown sen woodMercedes-Benz Coupé der Baureihe C 123.Mercedes-Benz coupé from model series C 123.Mercedes-Benz 250 C (W 114).Mercedes-Benz 250 C (W 114).Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolets (A 209). Foto aus dem Jahr 2003.Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolets (A 209). Photo from 2003.
From 1991 to 1997, it was joined by the first Mercedes-Benz cabriolet in this segment, also from model series 124.
The tradition of the E-Class Coupes and Cabriolets was continued in the following years by the two CLK model series: the 208 model series (coupes: 1997 to 2002; cabriolets: 1998 to 2003) and the model series 209 (coupes: 2002 to 2009; cabriolets: 2003 to 2009).
From 2009 to 2016, the coupes and cabriolets in model series 207 were once again assigned to the E-Class family, until they were replaced by model series 238, which launched in December 2016.
Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet (C 209). Foto aus dem Jahr 2006.Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet (C 209). Photo from 2006.Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse, E 500 Coupé mit Sport-Paket AMG, ExterieurMercedes-Benz E-Class, E 500 Coupé with AMG Sports Package, exteriorMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet, E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCYMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCYMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet; 2017; Exterieur: rubellitrot metallic, 25th Anniversary Edtion, Stoffverdeck dunkelrotMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet; 2017; exterior: rubellite red metallic, 25th anniversary edtion, fabric soft top dark redMercedes-Benz 300 CE (C 124). Foto aus dem Jahr 1987.Mercedes-Benz 300 CE (C 124). Photo from 1987.Mercedes-Benz 300 CE-24 Cabriolet, Baureihe 124, 1991 bis 1993. Die E-Klasse Cabriolets der Baureihe 124 wurden von 1991 bis 1997 gebaut.Mercedes-Benz 300 CE-24 Cabriolet, 124 series, 1991 – 1993. The E-Class Cabriolets of the 124 series were built from 1991 to 1997.Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet (A 208). Foto aus dem Jahr 1999.Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet (A 208). Photograph from 1999.
The “Stroke/8” Coupe was the foundation of an excellent tradition in 1968
In November 1968, Mercedes-Benz thrilled its customers with the launch of an elegant two-door model. The coupes of the 114 model series rounded off the top end of the 114/115 model range, known affectionately as the “Stroke/8” series, and confidently led the field.
The choice of engines alone made this clear: the two-door models were available only with six-cylinder engines. In fact, the M 114 engine with the Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection system in the top-of-the-range 250 CE (110 kW/150 hp) was reserved for the coupes.
Two motoring magazines, the “Motor-Rundschau” and “auto motor und sport” clocked a top speed of 123 mph (198 km/h) for the 250 CE, and the Swiss “Automobile Revue” magazine, from Berne, even measured 124 mph (100 km/h).
Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse, E 500 Coupé mit Sport-Paket AMG, ExterieurMercedes-Benz E-Class, E 500 Coupé with AMG Sports Package, exteriorMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet, E 350 BlueTEC, Modelljahr 2013, ExterieurMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, E 350 BlueTEC, model year 2013, exteriorMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Coupé; 2016; Exterieur: designo kashmirweiß magno, Edition 1, AMG Line, Night PaketMercedes-Benz E-Class Coupé; 2016; exterior: designo cashmir white magno, Edition 1, AMG Line, night packageMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet; 2017; aragonitsilber und rubellitrotMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet; 2017; aragonite silver and rubellite redErfolgsgeschichte: Mercedes-Benz Coupés der oberen Mittelklasse. Von links: „Strich-Acht“-Coupé der Baureihe 114, Coupé der Baureihe 123 und Coupé der Baureihe 124 (ab 1993 E-Klasse Coupé). Foto aus dem Jahr 1987.Success story: Mercedes-Benz coupés of the upper mid-range series. Left to right: “Stroke Eight” coupé of the 114 model series, coupé of the 123 model series and coupé of the 124 model series (from the 1993 E-Class coupé). Photo from 1987.Mercedes-Benz 320 CE (C 124), Foto aus dem Jahr 1992.Mercedes-Benz 320 CE (C 124), photo from 1992.Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 CDI Cabriolet (A 209), Ausstattungslinie AVANTGARDE. Foto aus dem Jahr 2004.Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 CDI Cabriolet (A 209), AVANTGARDE design and equipment line. Photo from 2004.
The car thus almost reached the magical mark of 125 mph (200 km/h), which was still outstanding for passenger cars at the time. Mercedes-Benz specifically chose the Hockenheimring race track to present its coupes 50 years ago.
The experts were equally impressed by the sporty design and high-quality interior features, fine wood veneer in the instrument panel, for example and carpeting.
Trade magazine “auto motor und sport” commented after running a test: “The coupe also provides the level of comfort missing from the sedan. A touch of luxury is offered in a functional package at an acceptable price.”
From a technical perspective, the coupe closely resembled the sedan, but stylistically it clearly stood out from the four-door model: the windshield and rear window were inclined more than those of the sedan and, together with the roofline, which was 1.8 inches (45 mm) lower, created a dynamic silhouette.
Additionally, it featured frameless and fully retractable side windows at the front and rear. By dispensing the B-pillar, the overall appearance was generous and less restricted. The bumper, which extended around to the rear wheel arch, provided a harmoniously rounded-off appearance.
Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet (C 209). Foto aus dem Jahr 2006.Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet (C 209). Photo from 2006.Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet, E 500 mit Sport-Paket AMGMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, E 500 with AMG sports packageMercedes-Benz E-Klasse Cabriolet; 2017; Exterieur: rubellitrot metallic, 25th Anniversary Edtion; Interieur: tizianrot / macchiatobeige; Zierteile: Holz Ulme hellbraun offenporigMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet; 2017; exterior: rubellite red metallic, 25th anniversary edtion; interior: tizian red / macchiato beige, trim parts: open-pore light brown elm woodMercedes-Benz 300 CE (C 124). Foto aus dem Jahr 1987.Mercedes-Benz 300 CE (C 124). Photo from 1987.
In 1972, Mercedes-Benz presented the 136 kW (185 hp) 280 CE as the new top model in the “Stroke/8” Coupe family.
By the time production ended in August 1976, Mercedes-Benz had built in excess of 67,000 Coupes of the 114 model series.
The most successful model, of which 21,787 units were built, was the 1972 250 CE. The coupe was a very popular variant abroad: around 60 percent of the vehicles were exported.
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