We've come to believe that Mercedes now uses a cookie cutter approach to designing its latest cars. However, the situation wasn't as clear until we saw this spy video of the 2021 E-Class Coupe next to the CLS-CLass, which is its four-door cousin.
From the back, there's little separating the two. The coupes boast nearly identical bumpers and trunk lids. Just looking at that crease that represents the trunk spoiler and tells us Mercedes isn't lazy. Same fake exhaust pipes made from shiny plastic? Check. No wonder Chinese knockoff parts are so popular.
And at the front, we have even more CLS influences. For example, the grille sticks out more, while the headlights are narrower. The two models are based on the same platform, are available with the same engines and interiors. In fact, we think the overall is so large that Mercedes will discontinue one of them when it's time to roll out the next-gen E-Class around 2024.
The problem with uniform design is that individual models aren't memorable or iconic. You might look at this from a distance and say "is that a C-Class?" With a Nissan Juke, it might be ugly, but at least the owner can identify it.
Getting back to the E-Class facelift, this should debut in 2020, probably after the launch of the new S-Class. The whole range will be impacted, not just this coupe. Interior upgrades should include the latest steering wheel designs and the MBUX infotainment system, maybe even a new layout.
The engine lineup is pretty much always updated for this car. A more powerful 2-liter could arrive even before the facelift is revealed, probably even a plug-in hybrid with more range. It's all about that sweet EQ boost hybrid tech right now, and the E-Coupe is already playing ball. The company says it will have 20 PHEV models out in the market by the end of 2020, and we're willing to bet this is one of them.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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