Mercedes-Benz has produced another coup. Yet, it would be fair to say that the new CLK-Class Coup, due in Britain in June, looks like being in a class of its own, and already advance orders are pouring in for a car that was launched at this year's Geneva Motor Show.

Prominent styling include frameless, fully-lowering side windows that don't use a B-pillar, a classic Mercedes radiator grille with central three-pointed star, a new interpretation of the twin-headlamp face and the sweeping curve of the coup roof.

There are six engines with power outputs ranging from 163bhp to 367 bhp.

Complete with its newly developed chassis, more powerful engines and the ultimate in Mercedes-Benz equipment and technology, the new coup should meet the aspirations of any driver.

Five of the six engines on offer are new developments or further improved models, providing up to 27 bhp more power and 15 per cent more torque than their pre-decessors.

Yet, on average, the new CLK models consume six per cent less fuel than before.

Topping the new CLK range are two V8 models that deliver performance on a par with a typical sports car: the CLK 500 and the CLK 55 AMG with a further developed powerplant that now produces an impressive 367 bhp.

The high-power engines propel these CLK Coup models from 0 to 62 mph in just 6.0 or 5.2 seconds respectively.

Three engines will initially be available when the new CLK-Class Coup arrives in Britain in June: the CLK 240, CLK 320 and CLK 500.

The remainder will all be available later in 2002.

There is also a new generation four-cylinder engine to celebrate its debut.

In terms of power delivery, torque characteristics, re-finement and fuel con-sumption, the powerplant sets new standards in this displacement class.

The CLK 200 Kompressor develops 163 bhp.

A Twinpulse system combines numerous techno-logies including balancer shafts, supercharger, intercooler, variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder to ensure low fuel consumption, sheer driving pleasure and a level of refinement similar to that of a six-cylinder model.

Once sulphur-free petrol becomes available in UK service stations, Mercedes-Benz will introduce its new direct injection CGI engine to the British market.

This engine will be available from launch to customers in mainland Europe.

Mercedes has added a second six-cylinder engine to the new CLK-Class line-up, in the form of the tried-and-tested 2.6-litre model with an output of 170 hp. The 3.2-litre V6 version remains part of the engine range.

An innovation in this coup class, the high-powered CLK 270 CDI diesel model has a sophisticated five-cylinder engine with common-rail injection beneath its bonnet.

It develops 170 hp and, with a fuel consumption of just 42.2 mpg , it is one of the most economical engines in its class.

Further advances in body technology have ben made, particularly with respect to safety and aerodynamics.

In addition, substantially reduced body lift on the front and rear axles means the new model has what it takes to provide an extremely high level of active safety and directional stability.

Standard equipment in the new Mercedes CLK-Class Coup includes a range of state-of-the-art occupant protection systems: adaptive front airbags, sidebags and windowbags as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats.

For the first time, passenger weight is one of the factors taken into account before the two-stage front-passenger airbag is deployed, to ensure an optimum level of protection every time.

The CLK-Class therefore displays the practical features of the Mercedes safety concept and, at the same time, meets the strict requirements of the latest crash tests.

Compared with its predecessor, the new CLK-Class Coup is 71 mm longer, 18 mm wider and 42 mm higher.

The wheelbase has been extended by 25 mm and now stands at 2715 mm.

These enhanced dimensions afford the occupants even more space and comfort in terms of the space.

New interior developments such as the instrument panel, centre console, door panelling and seats further emphasise the unique character of the CLK-Class.

All the controls are within easy reach while the main dial instruments speed-ometer, rev counter and clock feature a classic round design.

In the rear of the Coup, the asymmetrically split-folding seat backrests and cushions fitted as standard fold forward individually or together, enabling variation of the luggage space.

The rear loading area is completely flat when the seats are folded down.

Although final UK specification is yet to be announced, all cars will have window bags, automatic belt feeders, power-operated rear windows, Headlamp Assist, rain sensor, mixed-profile tyres (larger at the rear than the front) and a multi-adjustable steering column.

The package also includes a highly effective automatic climate control system.