The outgoing Mercedes Benz CLK has been in production for 12 years and has sold 460,000 units over two generations.

The two-door coupe will be all-new and based on a modified version of the recently redone E-Class sedan. The previous generations were built on modified C-class platforms. Mercedes is hoping to take the new E-class coupe further upmarket to leave room for a lower end C-class coupe.

The new E-class coupe has strayed away from the traditional Benz look to incorporate a very prominent grille, twin headlamps, a clamshell hood, and frame-less doors. The exterior is 1.8 inches longer and wider while being an inch lower the the outgoing CLK. Mercedes is also releasing a E-class convertible in 2010.

Inside, the E-class coupe has a dash layout similar to the E-class sedan with a regard to confirming Mercedes's quality standards and building materials. It is indeed impressive.