Spotted testing on public roads in prototype form since December 2015, the next-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe has just made its unofficial debut thanks to brochure that surfaced the Interwebz via a Belgian website. Featuring a handful of photos and some information in German, the brochure confirms that the upcoming coupe is a shorter, sleeker version of the new-generation E-Class sedan that was unveiled earlier in 2016.

As expected, the coupe is essentially identical to the sedan up front. It features the same styling language inspired by the larger S-Class with sporty bumper intakes, slightly swept back headlamps, but massive trapezoidal grille. The picture shows a model that has the company's diamond grille, which has become the norm on most models, but the automaker will probably also offer the more familiar element with two horizontal slats running into the three-pointed star emblem.

Around back, the E-Class Coupe is yet again very similar to the two-door versions of the C-Class and S-Class. The sloping trunk lid is complemented by a subtle spoiler, long and flat taillights that extend well into the rear fenders, and a sporty bumper with large exhaust outlets at each corner. When viewed from the sides, the E-Class Coupe showcases the sedan's character lines below the glass house and above the side skirts, as well as a different quarter window. Of course, due to the new roofline and shorter wheelbase, it's sportier and more stylish than the four-door.

Not surprisingly, the interior is also identical to that of the sedan. The cabin was designed around the S-Class, which introduced a new gorgeous and elegant interior design back in 2013. Look for the same massive displays in the instrument cluster and above the center stack, wood veneer, tons of leather, smooth plastics, and tremendous fit and finish. Naturally, the coupe is a bit different behind the front seats, where passengers won't have the comfort of proper rear doors or the same amount of headroom as in the sedan. However, shoulder room and legroom should remain largely unchanged given the platform's excellent versatility and Mercedes' excellent packaging seen in smaller cars.

The brochure says there will be an E400 4Matic model. Equipped with four-wheel-drive, this version will use a turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 rated at 333 PS and 480 Nm of torque (328 horsepower and 350 pound-feet), which should translate into a 0-to-60 mph sprint of around 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Other drivetrains will be offered too. Maybe it won't get as many as the sedan, but expect an E250 version with 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine good for 211 PS and 350 Nm (208 horsepower and 260 pound-feet) and a E350d with a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel with 258 PS and 620 Nm (254 horsepower and 460 pound-feet). Naturally, Mercedes-Benz will also launch AMG E63 and AMG E43 variants sometime in 2017.

Speaking of debuts, the E-Class Coupe will be launched officially on December 14 and will make its public appearance at the 2017 Detroit Auto Show in January.

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Why it matters

Around since 2009, the current E-Class Coupe is a bit long in the tooth, especially when compared to the slightly newer BMW 6 Series. What's more, the fact that it was derived from the previous C-Class platform actually makes it a decade old in 2017. A brand-new E-Class Coupe was more than necessary in order for Mercedes-Benz to remain relevant in this segment and this new two-door, which finally gets proper E-Class underpinnings, finally brings the nameplate into the 21st century. If the E-Class sedan is any indication, the new Coupe should become the most advanced vehicle you can buy in this niche.