History of Mercedes-Benz: E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet

Now we will explore the history of Mercedes-Benz for E-Class and Cabriolets. 

Sophistication, sportiness, and high-end: this is what the two-door coupe and cabriolet variation represent in the Mercedes-Benz E-Class background. 

These automobiles incorporate the timeless qualities of the E-Class. For instance, excellent security and extensive long-distance convenience with unique visual skills.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

These power have actually made the E-Class Coupes and also Cabriolets so useful to now. 

Their straight lines of practice start greater than half a century ago with the “dash-8” sports cars of the 114 series and nearly thirty years ago with the 124 series cabriolets.

Considering that the cars in this part of the Mercedes-Benz market were called the E-Class in 1993. In fact, there was also the custom of high-end engines from Mercedes-AMG.

The efficiency and also car brand name establishes its own concerns with the high-performance variations of the stylish, elegant two-door versions: the Mercedes-Benz 300 CE 6.0 AMG. The coupe variation of “The Hammer” is incredibly stunning.

The dash-8 sports cars were made from 1968 to 1976. Their followers to the 123 series delighted fans from 1977 to 1985. 

In the 124 series, referred to as the E-Class since 1993, there is an advanced coupé from 1987 to 1996. 

From 1991 to 1997, the initial Mercedes-Benz Cabriolet in this section additionally joined with the 124 series.

The E-Class Coupés and Cabriolets’ custom proceeded both CLK series in years: the 208 series (Coupés: 1997 to 2002; Cabriolets: 1998 to 2003) and even the 209 series (Coupés: 2002 to 2009; Cabriolets: 2003 to 2009). 

However, from 2009 to 2016, the 207 series sports cars and cabriolets came from the E-Class. They were renewed by the 238 series that appeared in December 2016.

In November 1968, Mercedes-Benz thrilled its clients with a stylish two-door. 

The coupés of the 114 series finish-off the design series of the 114/115 series, additionally referred to as the “dash-8”, with confidence take the lead. 

This currently makes the option of powerhouse precise: the two-door just features six-cylinder engines.

The version of the M 114 engine with the digital Bosch D-Jetronic gasoline injection in the top-of-the-range 250 CE (110 kW/ 150 hp) is also maintained for the coupes. 

The automotive publications gauge a full throttle of 198-199 km/h for the 250 CE. It nearly gets to the 200 km/h mark that was still exceptional for automobiles at the time. 

It fits that Mercedes-Benz selected the Hockenheimring track for half a century back for sports cars’ performance.

The professionals are likewise excited by the sporty style and also the top-notch inside. As an example, excellent wood cover in the cabin panel and carpet covering. 

On top of that, the coupé also has the homeliness that is missing out on the sedan. A touch of high-end is supplied – in a functional model and reasonable cost.

Technically, the coupe is almost based on the sedan. However, in regards to design, it plainly sticks out from the four-door design.

The front and back windows are flatter than the sedan and provide a dynamic silhouette with the roof (45 mm lower). 

There are additionally frameless and totally retractable side windows at the front and back. By allocating a B-pillar, they lead to significant, open locations. 

The appearance is rounded out in harmony by the bumper that is pulled into the rear wheel cutout.

In 1972 Mercedes-Benz provided the 136 kW (185 hp) 280 CE as a brand-new best version of the “dash-8” sports cars. 

By the end of manufacturing in August 1976, more than 67,000 two-door versions from the 114 series had actually been built. 

One of the most effective versions, with 21,787 units, was the 250 CE created up until 1972. The coupé is a popular alternative overseas because around 60% of cars are exported.

In the future production of the E-Class’s predecessor cars, Mercedes-Benz progressed the sports cars’ victory. 

The two-door versions in the 123 series premiered at the Geneva Electric Motor Show in March 1977. 

Along with the six-cylinder types, 280 C and 280 CE, there is the 230 C and also, for the very first time, a four-cylinder design. 

The target is the smart buyer group. The coupe introduced in Geneva is intended for drivers who appreciate their vehicles’ visual individuality and enthusiasm.

The sports cars express an aesthetic relationship that is close to sedans. 

Nevertheless, they gave themselves far more apart than their predecessors, which is why the journalism mentions “real personality.” 

For example, the body is reduced by 40 mm and represents a reduced wheelbase – 85 mm shorter than in a sedan.

Also, the front and rear windows are more inclined. 

Also, the side window separated by no B-pillar can’t be completely recessed. 

The result is an extended dynamic character for the viewer and implies an extraordinary presentation not affected by anything.

This equipment is based on the leading sedan design. 

All three types of coups have rectangular-shaped broadband headlights, chrome-plated air intake grille in front of the windshield, and a chrome strip under the backlight.

Significant technological improvements that contrast with its straight precursors are far better safety for passengers with a rigid roof system structure, high-strength roof posts, and more solid doors. 

The front and rear crumple areas’ absorption capacity is significantly increased due to the deformability regulated in the trunk and back areas.

Versions of 230 C (80 kW / 109 PS), 280 C (115 kW / 156 PS) and 280 CE (130 kW / 177 PS) were completed in September 1977 with variations of the 300 CD diesel and five-cylinder engine (59 kW / 80 PS ) which, however, is ordered for export to the United States and Canada. In 1981, 300 CD turbodiesel (92 kW / 125 hp) changed this first diesel coupe. 

The making of carburetor versions 230 C and 280 C was completed in 1980. However, 230 CE (100 kW / 136 PS) with fuel injection was included in the variant.

The manufacture of the C 123 was completed in August 1985 after 8 great years and a total number of 99,884 units. 

The rarest variation is 280 C, which has only been developed for 3.5 years, with 3,704 cars produced, one of the most effective of 280 CE with 32,138 units.

The appeal of this classy two-door version still exists today. This shows placement as a younger classic car. What Mercedes-Benz wrote in the 1982 sales brochure is still in use today.

The Mercedes physical coupe is very striking and beautiful. Without fuss, without a contemporary short life. The streaming lines are prominent and incorporated directly into the car’s overall image with the best consistency and simplicity.

In March 1987, Mercedes-Benz introduced the latest 124 series coupe at the Geneva Motor Show. Starting in the summer of 1993, it will undoubtedly be called the “E-Class Coupe.” 

But a stylish and beautiful car with a tempting contemporary line is not the only particular two-door version in the series: in 1991, a convertible was followed for the first time in this segment.

Both of these types have long been coveted young classics. While the first coupe in this series has had a classic car certificate since 2017 and thus has received an H plate, it will be so far for new cabriolets starting next year.

This latest 124 series car continues the living tradition of four passenger seats from Mercedes-Benz in this market sector. 

Like its predecessor, designers and developers use limo as a technology base and design coupes to four-door cars. However, people saw the coupé as an independent, sporty, and classy car at first glance.

The four-door version of the chassis and the wheelbase is reduced by 85 mm, as in the 123 series, to 2,715 mm. It highlights a short and stylish coupe line. 

The sides, roof cover, and rear have also undergone significant modifications, with the coupé only taking over from the front end and not changing much from the sedan.

Apart from substantial intervention in the chassis, Mercedes-Benz makes no concessions when it comes to secure safety: the engineers compensate for the negligence of the B-pillar, for example, with improved A-pillar, side skirts and doors, and also the percentage of high strength sheet steel that is very high.

There is also a new way to close the roof covering. The indoor trim is pulled slightly below the back window. This improves passenger safety and comfort. 

Certain layout aspects that emphasize the coupe’s freedom in contrast to various other body variations in this series are the protective side strips with longitudinal threshold panels.

The design variations initially consisted of 230 CE (97 kW / 132 PS) and 300 CE (132 kW / 180 PS). In 1989, a fully modified version premiered at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt. 

The leading engine is 300 CE-24 with 3.0 kW (220 hp) four-valve four-valve engine from 300 SL-24 (R 129) cars. 

It consists of lightweight wheels, power windows, leather steering wheel, leather gear lever, wooden elements, and exit lights on the door. 

With the discussion of the design series that changed from the 124 series with new engines and device information in the fall of 1992, sports cars were genuinely transformed into modern four-valve technology.

The current engine variations were 320 CE (162 kW / 220 hp) with a four-valve 3.2-liter engine from the 140 series S-Class.

Mercedes-Benz offered a classy 124 series convertible at the IAA in 1991. It combines the agility of open-top driving with the benefits of the series. 

The four-seat open seat with a soft top is the earliest car of this type from the Stuttgart brand name after twenty years of disruption.

Soft top construction with a mass of 43 kg is based on the bond of 27 parts with 34 joints. Even when folded, the soft top leaves enough space in the trunk. 300 CE-24 Cabriolet has initially been available from spring 1992.

Engineers founded Cabriolet from Coupé with a high-level style initiative. 

Notably, they tense up the body to make a four-seat chair comfortable and safe for other family members. For this purpose, around 1,000 components will definitely be increased in total.

The supporting structure is made of thick or high-strength steel sheets. 

Highly stressed areas get additional support in the form of multipliers, gusset plates, or supports. It also consists of slanted struts understood from SL cars from the R 129 series.

A resonance damper on the left shock-absorbing leg covers the structure and side recesses on the roof. 

They minimize disturbing body resonances, which can occur in open cars due to loss of roof truss.

The general plan of the procedure makes the risk-free Cabriolet such as a sedan, estate, or coupe if there is any impact in front, rear, or side. 

In the case of a rollover, pillar A is bound directly to the stable unit to make it safe. Also, rollover protection is extended automatically to provide a better level of safety.

First AMG and E-Class Engine First

In June 1993, the Stuttgart-based brand name presented a facelifted generation of the 124 series. Coupé and Cabriolet, like all versions of various other series, are currently born with the name E-Class. 

The two-door version was quietly upgraded.

What is new is the cooler badge, which is currently recognized from the S-Class, where the grill is more incorporated in the hood, and also, the Mercedes star is positioned above it. 

A variety of four-cylinder E 200 (100 kW / 136 PS) as well as E 220 (110 kW / 150 PS) along with six-cylinder E 320 (162 kW / 220 PS) types are available.

The new leading engine for Coupé and Cabriolet is E 36 AMG (200 kW / 272 PS) from 1993 onwards. 

This high-performance variation develops exceptional work that is still active in the sporty and stylish two-door E-Class variation from Mercedes-AMG. The main designs have been available since the fall of 1993.

They stand apart in style from a variety of other machines thanks to the more massive discreet add-ons: the front spoiler, side skirts, and also the rear apron are repainted in the shade of the body and also emotionally applied directly into the car body, along with the lightweight 17-inch standard alloy wheels with AMG style.

From 1987-1996, a total of 141,498 sports cars from the C 124 series were produced.
Besides, from 1991 to 1997, a total of 33,952 Cabriolets from the A 124 series. 

Both the style and the sophisticated two-door design were determined by a high export share.

In 1993 Mercedes-Benz offered an extraordinary coupé research study at the Geneva Motor Show. 

The four-seat four-door vehicle provides a new four-face Mercedes-Benz face, which will undoubtedly have the best in the E-Class of the 210 series in 1995.

In 1993 Mercedes-Benz presented an interesting coupé study at the Geneva Motor Show. The four-seat, four-door car features a new “four-eyed” Mercedes-Benz face, which premiered on the E-Class of the 210 series in 1995. 

The concept car is the initial signal of style for product attacks and anticipates many subsequent models’ dynamic design language. Enthusiasts and the specialist public are thrilled.

Though lovers must be patient until 1997. Only then will the CLK Coupé (208 series) appear on the market and is surprisingly similar to the study. CLK premiered in January 1997 at NAIAS in Detroit.

Technically, the two doors are based on the C-Class (series 202) at the time. However, as a full four-seat coupe, this produces a distinctive E-Class Coupé line. In 1998 the Cabriolet CLK also fulfilled the 208 series. 

The coupé engines vary from the four-cylinder type CLK 200 (100 kW / 136 hp) to the upscale CLK 430 V8 version (205 kW / 279 hp). 

Alternative V6 CLK 320 (160 kW / 218 hp) initially recorded peak performance in Cabriolets. In 1999, the two variations of CLK family members were dramatically updated as part of improvement.

The extensive, conventional device now consists of side skirts and safety strips repainted in the color of the car, outside mirror housing with integrated side signs, electric height adjustment and longitudinal adjustment of the front seats, seat belts with automatic comfort, main screen in the instrument cluster, multifunctional wheels for operating sound devices and telephones, exit lights, RDS audio “Sound 10”, ESP, cruise control and also Speedtronic. CLK 55 AMG (255 kW / 347 hp) is available as the latest top-of-the-range engine for Coupé and Cabriolet.

The stylish and fantastic 208 Series proved to be very useful: from 1997 to 2002, Mercedes-Benz built an entire 233,367 CLK Coupé and from 1998 to 2003 115,161 CLK Cabriolets.

The 2nd Mercedes-Benz CLK

In the springtime of 2002, the brand remained its idea with the CLK of the 209 series. Coupé was first introduced at the Geneva Motor Show, and this emphasizes its role as a range of independent models with designs that have been redeveloped down to the last detail.

They show a striking style elements such as a continuous band from a frameless, fully retractable side window, a typical Louver-style radiator grille with Mercedes star-centered, a newly interpreted four-eyed face, and a coupe roof with a confident character.

Cabriolet from the 209 series followed in 2003 in an open and closed style, it awe-inspiring with elegant lines. The three-layer roof offers exceptional heat and noise insulation. 

Available to both variants: the external dimension has grown compared to the previous model. Users benefit from this thanks to the comfort of a better car interior.

The interior grows in size concerning the distance of the seats, headroom, knee space, elbows, and shoulder width. 

There are seven engine variants to choose from for the Coupé and five for the Cabriolet. Performance ranges from 120 kW (163 hp) to 270 kW (367 hp) are identical.

First in the coupe is the CLK 270 CDI with a modern five-cylinder diesel engine, producing 125 kW (170 hp). There are also advances in car body technology. Torsional rigidity of the coupé structure has been increased by 40%.

Cabriolet torsional rigidity, a crucial figure for open vehicles, is about 12% higher than before. The best value is also in aerodynamics. The CW value of the coupe is 0.28, and the conversion is 0.30.

CLK is Heading to Motorsport

The CLK DTM AMG built a bridge to motorsport by debuting as a coupe in spring 2004. Also as a convertible in the fall of 2005. Both versions were made in a small series of 100 units. 

They clearly signify a sporty standard: the drive is provided by a 428 kW (582 hp) AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine. For example, the body shows parallels with DTM vehicles with expressive body kits, including rear wings.

The interior also presents an authentic motorsport style, for example, with AMG sport leather upholstery with a four-point belt and an AMG racing steering wheel with suede cover. 

These two high-performance sports car variants are reminiscent of the prosperous era of the DTM AMG-Mercedes CLK at DTM from 2000. 

Bernd Schneider won 2000, 2001, and 2003 titles in the DTM touring racing car and as runner-up in 2002.

CLK was also present in F1. CLK 55 AMG (C 208) was used as the Official FIA F1 Safety Car from 1997-1999. 

Series 209 was represented by two safety cars. CLK 55 AMG was operated in the 2003 season, CLK 63 AMG, in 2006 and 2007. 

There are some large standard vehicles from Mercedes-AMG that ensure safety in major racing classes around the world. In particular, protection and communication systems were also installed.

At the International Motor Show in Paris in 2004, the brand presented a unique CLK 500 Cabriolet series, limited to only 100 units, with unusual color and material concepts, designed by renowned Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani. 

Extensive model maintenance will take place in early summer 2005. In both variants, the CLK 350 (200 kW / 272 hp) replaces the previous CLK 320, and the CLK 280 is also new with a 170 kW (231 hp) V6 V6 engine.

The coupe is also available as CDI CLK 220 with 110 kW (150 hp). 

Customers can order Cabriolet as CLK 320 CDI. In 2006, the exclusive high-performance CLK 63 AMG with 354 kW (481 hp) made its debut in both body styles. 

CLK 63 AMG Black Series with 373 kW (507 hp), which is only available as a coupe, is a special treat.

In the summer of 2006, the CLK 500 Coupe received a new V8 engine with 285 kW (388 hp). 

The Mercedes-Benz 209 series convinced more customers than the first CLK. From 2002 to 2008, this brand made 240,878 CLK Coupes and, from 2003 to 2009, a total of 140,139 CLK Cabriolets.

Premiere for Series 207

In March 2009, the two-door car officially returned to the E-Class series, thus continuing the traditional line. 

The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe from the 207 series premiered at the Geneva Motor Show. Safety, design, comfort are the new standards in the brand’s core disciplines. 

With a classic coupe side-line without B-pillars and fully retractable side windows, this new two-door vehicle interprets the dynamic design of the E-Class in a very sporty way.

At the same time, this car sets a new record aerodynamic Coupe variant in wind resistance D with a CW value of 0.24. 

Therefore, this model is the most aerodynamically efficient series-production car globally—Cabriolet from the 207 series followed in the spring of 2010. 

The acoustic roof allows the lowest noise level in its class, even at high speeds.

If desired, the innovative AIRCAP system ensures exceptional comfort when open because it reduces interior wind turbulence. 

AIRSCARF headspace heating systems are also available on request. This extends the Cabriolet season comfortably and allows top-down driving, even when outside temperatures are low.

The engine range is broad. There are two new four-cylinder models, the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY with a diesel engine and the E 250 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY with a petrol engine. 

Both rely on direct injection and offer 150 kW (204 hp). 

The previous V6 petrol engine in the E 350 CGI BlueEFFICIENCY was replaced by a six-cylinder with direct injection and 215 kW (292 hp). The top model is the E 500 with a V8 engine and 285 kW (388 hp).

In early 2013, Mercedes-Benz presented the revised 207 series. Coupe and Cabriolet are visually introduced to the new design language of Mercedes-Benz. 

Exclusive and luxurious equipment underscores the individuality of customers and belongs to the E-Class family. Future-oriented assistance systems are being expanded. The engine range has also been revised.

There are six petrol engines with 135 kW (184 hp) to 300 kW (408 hp) and three diesel engines with 125 kW (170 hp) to 185 kW (252 hp). 

New features include a powerful and efficient four-cylinder engine and six cylinders, which for the first time, are also available as E 400 with Biturbo drives and offered 245 kW (333 hp).

Production of 207 E-Class Coupe and Cabriolets series ended in December 2016. A total of 221,556 Coupes were successfully produced from the end of 2008 to 2016. Also, a total of 140,925 Cabriolet units from the end of 2009 to 2016 was made.

The new E-Class Coupe from the 238 series celebrated its world premiere in December 2016. 

It was shown for the first time at an international exhibition at NAIAS in Detroit in January 2017. 

Cabriolet participated in the Geneva Motor Show in March, and Mercedes-Benz continued the success story of sporty elegance.