Looks and luxury meet

now — is the E400 4Matic with a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, head-up display, panoramic sunroof and 13speaker Burmester audio. The extra kit and performance helps inflate the price to $145,900.

The closest challengers to the E coupe aren’t fellow Germans. Instead the competition comes from the Infiniti Q60 Red Sport at $88,900 and Lexus RC350 Sports Luxury at $88,280 ON THE ROAD On the basis of driving the petrol versions (and in the absence of a diesel at the launch), the 2.0-litre is a delight to drive quickly over long distances, providing there’s a passing lane or no one in front of you.

If you’re stuck behind someone doing 90km/h on a hilly 100km/h section of road, the E300 needs a bit of room of wind up, so the operation is less instant overtaking and more considered passing.

This is a big car with a 2.0litre engine. Turbos are terrific but they can’t work miracles.

More capacity and another turbo can, so the 3.0-litre twinturbo E400 lifts the dynamic performance another step. The exhaust note is also more in keeping with a car of this character. Comfort mode dulls throttle response in both vehicles — sports mode does a better all-round job. The air suspension is still pliable at low speeds but becomes progressively firmer.

Behind the wheel, the feel is composed confidence. Driven at less than manic intensity, the four-seat Benz drives as well as it looks, with a cabin ambience few cars can match. VERDICT The looks, the luxury and the ride are the key elements in a premium coupe and the Benz EClass delivers. It’s head-turning rather than neck-snapping. If you want the latter, head for the AMG-badged sedans.