These days, stiffness of the structure is of paramount importance to auto manufacturers, so the decision that was taken to go with a pillarless design must have caused nightmares for the engineers assigned the task of ensuring the final production version was stiffer and more solid than the old one.

But what a design, Image4 really illustrates the beauty of such a concept, pity not every vehicle can have a roofline suspended in mid-air like that. The previous CLK coupe was a very macho design, low and squat with bulging fenders and a small greenhouse area, this one takes the design in a whole new direction.

The interior materials are typical Mercedes Benz, which is to say first-rate and nothing seems out of place, fit and finish is of course exemplary. I love the depth of the paint, it seems to go on forever rather than just as a thin layer on top of sheetmetal, simply marvelous.

Available in three versions, this coupe can go from quiet sophistication to snarling beast depending on your driving style. The CLK55 version of this coupe comes fitted with a ludicrously powerful 5.5 litre V-8 engine, and the price jumps in proportion to the horsepower increase.

This is not a light and tossable sports car, but rather a composed and capable Grand Tourer type vehicle. It's not going to win any track events, but it can very quickly whisk you from one Spa appointment to another so you don't forget the merits of the first one before checking in at the second.

There are not many reasons one could give for not purchasing this beautifully swoopy 2-door from Mercedes.