First drive verdict on Mercedes’ striking E-class Coupé
FIRST DRIVE Does two-door build on strengths of superb exec saloon?
THE all-new Mercedes E-class stunned us when it arrived last year, so we had high hopes for this new Coupé version – especially as it looks sleeker than ever and features the same updated engines and interior as the excellent saloon model.
The two-door E-class has always been a good-looking car, with elegant grand tourer style. But this new model raises the game, with a long, sloping roofline that lifts into a small boot spoiler.
Perhaps the best feature of the latest Coupé’s design is the fact that there’s no B-pillar, which means the window line is unbroken with the glass lowered. This has big benefits inside as well, since there’s no pillar blocking the light. It’s an airy cabin, and all-round visibility is very good.
Thanks to the new platform, the latest version of the E-class is 123mm longer and 74mm wider than before. But for many, the crucial new dimension will be the longer wheelbase, which features an extra 113mm of metal. That means there’s more legroom for rear-seat passengers, allowing adults to get comfortable in the back for the first time. The slow-moving electric front seats are a bit annoying when hopping in and out, though.
The interior is just as plush and upmarket as in the saloon. Everything feels well built with a high-quality finish, and the intuitive infotainment system and comfortable seats mean it’s easy to feel at home inside. The new ‘turbine’ vents look great, but aren’t very good at directing airflow.
Looking out over the bonnet, you’ll notice the two power bulges, which hint at some extra performance, although the E-class Coupé isn’t noticeably sharper to drive than the saloon. The steering is well weighted and accurate, but since the two-door is heavier than its stablemate, it feels marginally less agile in corners. While the difference is small, it’s hard not to expect more from this sporty-looking car.
Where the E-class Coupé excels, then, is on longer journeys. We tested models on standard steel springs as well as the optional air suspension, and both felt very supple at speed, ironing out the lumps and bumps without feeling too floaty.
The air option seems much better at low speed, because the standard set-up felt a little rough on some of the bumpier Spanish roads we came across, and that’s likely to be the same in the UK. Still, there’s not much at this price that can match the E-class for comfort.
It’s very quiet on the motorway, too. Our 220 d’s 2.0-litre diesel remained fairly hushed at 70mph, with wind noise kept out as well. The engine is the same unit as in the saloon and Estate, and just like in those cars, it’s likely to be the top choice, thanks to low CO2 emissions of 106g/km and admirable 70.6mpg claimed economy.
On top of this, performance is decent. It’s not going to set your trousers on fire, but it’ll sprint from 0-62mph in 7.4 seconds – while the 400Nm of torque means the E 220 d feels punchy enough to have some
“Longer wheelbase features an extra 113mm of metal, meaning more legroom in the rear seats”
fun. It’s good for overtaking on the motorway as well, and the smooth nine-speed automatic gearbox shifts quickly, never feeling like a hindrance.
A 66-litre fuel tank and those strong economy figures mean the car makes short work of longer trips, because you’ll rarely have to fill up along the way. There’s also the large 425-litre boot, which will easily swallow luggage for a weekend away.
However, while rear-seat passengers will appreciate the extra legroom, that sloping roofline means a long trip could result in some neck pain. Headroom isn’t great, and taller passengers will have trouble getting truly comfortable back there.
One advantage the E-class has is that if you’re looking for a luxury coupé for around £40,000, it doesn’t really have any direct competitors. You could go for a smaller Audi A5, but the E-class is more comfortable, better looking and even more efficient than that car in S line 2.0 TDI Ultra trim.