Leaked: 2010 Mercedes-Benz E Class Coupe Pictures

Almost as if they have no regard for embargo dates in the automotive journalism industry, Autoblog.nl published some leaked pictures of the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe this morning.

The E-Class Coupe is obviously a 2-door variant of the new 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto show. The E-Class Coupe will be the successor to the previous CLK Coupe, which was a mixture of C-class and E-class parts.

The Coupe inherits the angular, upright front styling from the new-generation E - which to me is the weak point in this vehicle's design.  While the square, staid styling seems to fit the image and overall mission of the E-Class - which basically exists to prove that Mercedes hasn't forgotten how to make a solid, dependable, superbly engineered car yet - it seems to clash a little bit with the smoother, more organic lines of the rest of the design.

around back, the new E-Coupe gets a rather massive pair of LED taillights.  If you rear-end one of these cars at night, you have no one to blame but yourself.  The sweeping greenhouse line looks vaguely Audi-esque to me, which these days isn't a bad thing.  What really elevates this to "interesting design" territory is the treatment of the side surfaces - the twin rising strakes on the side add a bit of needed surface tension, while intersecting gracefully with the flared rear fender - the shape of which has a hint of Bentley Continental GT, or perhaps an Aston Martin Vanquish.

Expect the engine lineup to be identical to the E-Class sedan in the US.  An E350, with a 3.5L 306bhp V6, an up-level E550 with a 5.5L 382bhp V8, and an E63 AMG - with the monstrous 6.2L 32v V8 making 500+ horsepower.

Autoblog.nl also published a shot of the interior, which looks pretty sumptuous.  Well, what were you expecting?

The E-class coupe is aimed at BMW's aging-but-power 6-series, the Audi A5 and S5, and probably the Infiniti G37, although Mercedes wouldn't be inclined to mention that piece of information.  More details as they're forthcoming... stay tuned!