E-class speedster gets a seriously stylish facelift
SYLT, GERMANY — The EClass, which debuted in 1993 (E standing for Executive), is a prime example of just how much fun it can be to drop the hammer and enjoy life in the fast lane.
The 2014 E’s rework brings a much sharper-looking car — notably, the new twin LED light tubes that form the daytime running lights. In Canada, all Es will wear the AMG look. This brings a stronger face, bolder side sills and a tight tail that accents the twin exhaust outlets.
On the V-6 models, the LED headlights are passive, however, optional on these models and standard on the V-8 E 550, they are active and adaptive. In operation, the headlights are in the high beam mode for maximum illumination most of the time. However, two windshield-mounted cameras change the light pattern to prevent blinding a pedestrian or oncoming motorist.
Inside, the materials take a big step forward, as does the reworked centre stack. The colour palette is also strikingly different. The Cabrio tested was finished in a steel grey with a red convertible top. Inside, the black on Bengal Red (burgundy to my eye) Nappa leather was highlighted by aluminum accents. The combination casts the cabin in a very favourable light.
The E-Class Coupes and Cabrios land in May, in E 350 and E 550 guises. Initially, the E 350 will continue with M-B’s 3.5-litre V-6 engine, with 302 horsepower and 273 poundfeet of torque. Next year, this engine will be replaced by a 3.0L, twin-turbo V-6 — it should make 329 hp and 354 lb.-ft. of torque.
Until then, I would opt for the E 550 and its sublime 4.6L twin-turbo V-8. This thing spins out an effortless 402 hp and, more importantly, 443 lb.-ft. of torque. It shows up at 1,600 rpm and remains clocked in through 4,750 rpm, which is within a whisper of where the horsepower comes online. In Cabrio form, it drops the E 350’s zero-to-100-kilometresan-hour time of 6.4 seconds to a sizzling 4.9 seconds for the E 550. It also sounds the part, especially top down. Both engines also adopt a new idle/ stop system that shuts the engine down whenever the E comes to a standstill.
Both models feature M-B’s seven-speed manumatic transmission. It is dialed in and up to the task of relaying the power to the rear wheels (there is an all-wheel-drive version of the E 350 Coupe) with the desired alacrity. It also features three driving modes — Eco, Sport and Manual. While the modes work as advertised, I would like a normal setting. Eco pulls away in second gear while Sport likes to hold its gears a little too long when tooling around town. The ability to employ all seven speeds without having them held for so long would be nice. Mind you, get out of an urban environment and the Sport mode comes into its own.
The handling is, again, nicely dialed in. All models earn an adaptive suspension that allows the driver to select comfort or sport modes. The sport setting is noticeably firmer, but not in the least bit harsh. Helping things in the Cabrio is the fact there is no cowl shake, regardless of whether the top is up or down. The roofed Coupe is tighter to the feel, but not by much. Both are helped by a competent electrically assisted steering system.
The Cabrio’s top is well sealed and, even when pushing 200 km/h on the Autobahn, it is, remarkably, almost as hushed inside as the Coupe.
Other features include Collision Prevention Assist, Active Parking Assist and four cameras that provide a 360-degree view around the car.
The reworked E-Class Coupe and Cabriolet, especially in V-8 guise, blends the attributes of a sporty speedster with those of a luxurious boulevardier.