MERCEDES has unveiled a new coupe to breathe sporting life into its E-class line-up. The CLK four seater will be available with a choice of three engines and two trim levels and goes on sale in the UK next summer.

An all-new 3.2-litre V6 engine, which makes its debut in the E-class saloon range next spring, will be included in the line-up along with a new braking system. The Brake Assist system reduces stopping distances by automatically retaining the initial pressure applied to the pedal by the driver until the car stops or the pedal is completely released. The system was developed after Mercedes discovered that drivers often failed to use a car's maximum braking potential in an emergency stop and has been extensively tested by a whole range of drivers.

Midway between the E-class and C-class saloons in overall length, the CLK has similar frontal styling to E-class, but shares the C-class's width and wheelbase. The Elegance and Sport versions will be available with the new V6, the four-cylinder 2.0 litre or the 2.3 litre supercharged engines with prices starting at around £25,000.