COUPÉ models play an important role in the Mercedes-Benz product line-up.
Over the years the sleek lines of these designs have created not only head-turning appeal and intrigue, but also grown into stand-alone derivatives next to their saloon siblings.
Models like the CLC, CL and CLS (even with its four doors) have each carved their own unique niche in the market and upheld the high levels of elegance that Mercedes-Benz has become synonymous with.
The new W212 E-Class Coupé, launched as a replacement for the outgoing CLK, slots nicely into this portfolio and is tasked with extending the stylish new E-Class range while at the same time giving buyers in this segment a more sporty option.
The Coupé has an interesting combination of new E-Class technology and mechanicals blended with the dimensions and trim found on the smaller C-Class.
Built on a modified version of the E-Class platform, the new Coupé has the same wheelbase as the current C-Class. It is also shorter and narrower than the current E saloon and, significantly, has a lower roofline. Mercedes-Benz claims that the Coupé shares sixty per cent of its mechanical components with the four-door E.
The sleeker packaging of the Coupé incorporates the latest E-Class design DNA, including an adaptation of the nose and tail treatments that help give the new car an elegant and sophisticated, yet at the same time sporty, stance.
The absence of a traditional B-pillar adds further appeal and there is a more aggressive interpretation of the E-Class grille. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard fitment on the 350 models.
The exterior theme of sporty sophistication is echoed in the cabin, where a mechanical arm passes the driver and front passenger their seatbelts once seated low in well-bolstered, leather-covered seats.
A sporty three-spoke, multi-function steering wheel is rake- and reachadjustable and frames a set of five chrome-surrounded instrument dials – the largest of which is the centre-mounted speedometer, incorporating a comprehensive trip computer. Unlike the E-Class saloon, which has a steering column-mounted gear shift, the Coupé’s selection lever is located in its traditional position on the centre console.
Steering wheel-mounted paddles are also provided, offering manual override, and in Sport mode the system will hold the gear until the right-hand paddle is engaged.
Both front seat backrests fold forward before a painfully slow electronic function slides the cushion forward to allow access to two moulded rear seats. Rear leg- and headroom are fair for this segment but can be tight when passengers are seated behind taller drivers. The rear seat backrests can be folded in a 60:40 split to allow access to the large luggage area.
The smaller of two available engine options, the 3 498 cm³ V6 engine in the E350 Coupé offers a well-balanced compromise between all-out performance and comfortable cruising ability. 200 kW of power is available at 6 000 r/min with a healthy 350 N.m of torque on offer between 2 400 and 5 000 r/min.
Mated with the company’s improved 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, progress is smooth and refined. We achieved a best 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6,87 seconds on our test day. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
With full ABS assistance, the E350 Coupé braked from 100 km/h in an impressive 10-stop average time of 2,88 seconds.
With the Sport button engaged, the standard Agility Control suspension, which constantly monitors driving conditions for maximum comfort, also takes on a firmer setting for improved dynamics.
Overall, we’d rate the E-Class coupé as an extremely capable dynamic package. Weight distribution, front to rear, is close conto the ideal 50:50. Steering is precise and well weighted and the slick transmission ensures that even mid-corner shifts do not upset the balance of the car. The E350 has enough power to satisfy without being unwieldy and is as happy to amble along with cruise control engaged as it is when challenging its 6 400 r/min red line.
There is a wealth of standard safety and comfort equipment, including Pre-Safe, Brake Assist Plus, Attention Assist, ESP and a total of seven airbags.
TEST SUMMARY
The new E-Class has succeeded in recapturing the essence of what an executive Mercedes-Benz should feel like in terms of effortless comfort, solidity and sophistication while offering as many of the latest technologies as possible.
However, the saloon version has met some criticism from press and public in that it achieves these traditional Mercedes traits so well that it foregoes some of the excitement and driver involvement that one or two of its rivals manage to combine with their own levels of sophistication.
With the E-Class Coupé, Mercedes-Benz silences those critics somewhat as, even though the package is slightly compromised by the omission of rear doors, it offers a near perfect balance between the elegance and status commanded by the new E and the dynamic prowess and driver involvement enjoyed by the CLK.
