The current Mercedes Benz CLK is something of an enigma - built around the C-Class platform, styled like the E-Class, and priced in between the two, the car sits in its own unique segment and has no direct competition from its rivals. Its sales history has been a strong success, especially in the United States, but the car is set to meet its demise with the arrival of the new E-Class Coupe and the Cabrio one year later.

Mercedes’ U.S. chief Ernst Lieb recently confirmed the new E-Class Coupe would make its debut alongside the next-generation E-Class sedan in the middle of the year. The cars are expected to debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March and will be followed one year later by an E-Class Cabrio, which means the open top version won’t arrive in showrooms until 2010.

Recent spy shots show a prototype for the Cabrio model testing in Germany, and as expected it draws heavily from the recent ConceptFASCINATION. The car will be about 10cm longer than the CLK Cabrio that it replaces and it also picks up a new folding hard-top. The included computer generated rendering gives a good indication as to what the new model could look like.

Powertrains should include the new 272hp (203kW) 3.5L V6 engine as well as Mercedes’ 5.5L V8 for the E500 Coupe flagship. An even more powerful AMG version is guaranteed, sporting a 481hp (359kW) version of the hand built 6.2L V8 engine. The E-Class Coupe will be offered with optional 4Matic AWD and could possibly come with a new mild-hybrid option further down the track.

The decision to move the CLK to the E-Class platform will allow Mercedes to introduce a new entry-level coupe and convertible based on the C-Class, finally providing the carmaker with a direct competitor to BMW’s popular 3-series two-door models.

The story doesn’t end there, however, as Mercedes is also expected to launch a new ‘shooting brake’ model based on the ConceptFASCINATION, although no official details about its release have been mentioned.