Mercedes E-Class coupe Review

Mercedes E-Class coupe

The E-Class Coupe replaced the CLK in 2009, the change in name signifying a slight increase in size for Mercedes stylish two-door model. Style is important in the coupe marketplace and the updated E-Class Coupe delivers, with a sleeker grille, new headlamps, a more agressive lower bumper and a sweeping roofline creating a dramatic shape. It's quite practical too, with a large boot and useable rear seats. The range has been simplified to just two spec levels, SE and AMG. The SE is only available with the entry-level 220 CDI four-cylinder diesel but still comes with leather, heated seats, DAB radio, climate control and 17-inch alloy wheels as standard. AMG models cost around £2,500 more but add more aggressive styling, larger wheels, a sporty three-spoke steering wheel and metal pedals. A wide choice of engines and the two specifications mean there's an E-Class Coupé for almost all tastes.

Drive

Sport versions offer the most engaging drive

With its wide stance and low driving position, you immediately feel more connected to the E-Class Coupe than you do its saloon relative. SE models feel softer than the Sport versions on the road, giving you the choice in the showroom of a comfortable cruiser or a more engaging driver's car. The overriding impression is of smoothness, with the automatic gearbox working swiftly and slickly but it's not as fun to drive as a BMW 3 Series. Avoid the entry-level E200 CGI version if you want effortless performance the E220 CDI diesel model makes more sense. Progressing up the range the engine differences are less notable, with the petrol choices being more responsive and the diesels more flexible yet no less rapid. The 350 CDI is the pick of the bunch for speed- it's smooth and quiet but feels really quick. Acceleration from 0-62mph takes 6.1 seconds but it's the useable power that's impressive. We'd also recommend the relaxed seven-speed automatic gearbox, as it suits the car well and most of the time the gearchanges are smooth and fast. In the updated E-Class the E400 replaces the E500. It gets a 3.0-litre turbo V6 instead of a 4.7-litre V8. It's a tenth of a second slower from0-62mph (5.2 seconds) but feels just as quick. Most importantly it improves economy from 31.7mpg to 37.2mpg, and costs £7,000 less than the discontinued E500. 

Comfort

Rear seats are easy to access and comfortable

The ride in the E-Class is really comfortable, and the seats are firm but they provide excellent support and are comfortable over long distances. The rear seats are comfortable, though not very spacious, and getting in and out of them isnt too much trouble thanks to the wide-opening doors. Wind and road noise are nicely hushed, and the engines are only heard when you push them hard. The diesels sound a bit coarse when started from cold, but they quickly quieten down on the move. Climate control, electrically adjustable seats and full leather upholstery all add to the E-Class Coupe's comfort. A 2013 moved the  gearlever from the centre console to the steering wheel stalk, which might feel odd for some drivers. The AMG models come with adaptive suspension and sports springs, and the ride is quite firm as a result - at low speeds it thuds and jitters over small imperfections, which is annoying when driving in town.

Reliability

Sophisticated safety equipment boosts this car's appeal

Stung by the reliability issues with the previous E-Class, Mercedes-Benz ensured that this version meets the company's exacting reliability standards. The E-Class Coupe doesnt feature in the Auto Express Driver Power survey, but its saloon sibling came an impressive 3rd in the top 100 countdown. Safety equipment includes some sophisticated technology, which not only anticipates accidents and prepares the car for them, but even monitors the driver and suggests a break if theyre drowsy. Anti-lock brakes, airbags and electronic stability control all feature as standard.

Practicality

Its possible to seat four, and the boot is big

The E-Class Coupe is surprisingly practical. The boot is shallow, but itll hold two sets of golf clubs with ease. There's a handy pull-out tray in the boot too, which turns into a shopping stowage container. There's decent legroom in the back, but headroom is only average thanks to the sloping roof line. however it's possible to seat four inside the car, so long as the driver and front passenger dont like to sit too far back. Cabin storage is taken care of by a large glovebox, a lidded bin on the centre console between the seats and deep door pockets.

Value for money

All versions are well equipped

Typically a bit more expensive than its BMW 3 Series Coupe rival, the E-Class feels like a bigger car. All variants are well equipped as standard, but youll have to add some more money if you want desirable extras like satellite navigation. Mercedes' 2013 update to the E-Class added some new technology to the car, including Distronic Plus with Steering Assist which can drive you through traffic jams, a 360-degree camera and Adaptive High beam Assist Plus which allows the high beams to be on all the time without blinding other drivers. This extra equipment is worth over £2,000, but it has brought up the car's price by about that much. The E-Class coupe comes with more equipment than ever but prices have also risen steeply and it looks expensive compared to rivals like the more conservative Audi A5.

Running costs

Choose the diesels for the best resale values

The E-Class is expensive to buy, but running costs should be palatable. The updated E250 CDI has emissions of 119g/km (down from 134g/km) while fuel economy is up to 61.4mpg from 55.4mpg. The four-cylinder petrol engines return 32-38mpg. V6 engines cost more to run, but new electric power steering and a new actuator have cut emissions and fuel economy on all models. Choose a diesel if you want to recoup the most money when you come to sell on. 

Last updated: 15 Jul 2013