MERCEDES-BENZ is breaking new territory with a coupe version of its latest E-Class executive model.
The car will be unveiled at next month's Geneva Motor Show just as German rival BMW reveals its all-new Gran Turismo coupe cum SUV based on its 5 Series range.
The E-Class Coupe will be on sale in June and will be the first time Mercedes has offered such a style in the exec range.
Featuring a range of new four cylinder engines said to be capable of averaging almost 20 per cent improved fuel economy, the coupe will arrive only weeks after its saloon counterpart hits the streets.
Mercedes has already announced that the saloon will be priced no more than the current model which is available from £27,500.
The coupe will cost more although prices have still to be announced.
When it goes on sale the coupe will be available either as an E350 diesel capable of averaging 41.5mpg or a petrol version at 32.5. CO2 emissions are 179g/km for the diesel and 203 for the petrol. Both models use Mercedes' BlueEFFICIENCY economy system.
A potent E500 will also be available said to average around 25mpg.
More versions will follow including an E250 CDI averaging more than 53mpg with 139g/km emissions.
Full performance figures have yet to be announced.
Mercedes is claiming that the new coupe will be the most aerodynamic production car with a drag figure as low as smaller hybrids such as the Toyota Prius.
All versions of the coupe will be fitted with a new suspension system which automatically adjusts to road conditions.
As with the saloon, the coupe features the new Attention Assist device which monitors driver reactions to warn of tiredness.
The new E-Class Coupe will sit between the smaller CLC models and the luxury CL range which has its underpinnings based on the larger S-Class cars.