In many various guises, from four-cylinder diesel to
V8 tyre shredder
off-road estate
new E-Class
has proved a very impressive luxury car. Opulent, clever, very refined and also ludicrously fast in one instance, it will prove a very strong rival for the latest
5 Series
Well of course it looks familiar
But for now, here's the latest E-Class to join the burgeoning range: the Coupe. Described by Mercedes as "combining superb design with agile sportiness and contemporary luxury", the Coupe will again sit in that space between the most expensive C-Class Coupes and then the full luxury two-doors like the BMW 6 Series and Lexus LC.
Indeed this E-Class Coupe has grown in every direction compared to its predecessor, the car now 4,826mm long (up 123mm), 1860mm wide (up 74mm) and 1,430mm tall (up 32mm). That will now place the E actually in between a 4 Series (4,638mm) and current 6 Series (4,894mm) in terms of size, so expect prices to reflect that.
The design has clearly been influenced by the C- and S-Class two-doors, the look said to appeal "equally to heart and mind" with its "clear, aesthetic lines". The most notable new feature is the rear LEDs, now featuring a welcome and farewell feature with the lights illuminating from the centre outwards for the former and the opposite way for the latter. Natty. The lights are also said to resemble a jet engine with crystal optics in the lamps. Like all E-Class Coupes, this car has frameless windows and no B-pillar.
The inside of the Coupe will be familiar from the saloon - certainly no bad thing - with the standard set up comprising a seven-inch colour display for the dials and an 8.4-inch central display. Optional is the interior seen here, with a pair of 12.3-inch screens to create the 'Widescreen Cockpit'. Again like the four-door E-Class, this is configurable through Classic, Sport and Progressive layouts. Don't forget to check out those new vents, influenced by the look of a turbine engine and "styled down to the smallest detail".
Just remember it's not quite this plush as standard
From launch four engines will be offered in the E-Class Coupe: the new E220d four-cylinder diesel, a 184hp E200 petrol, the E300 petrol with 245hp and the V6 E400 4Matic. All come with the nine-speed automatic gearbox. Expect the E350d to join the range at some point plus - hopefully - an E63 Coupe, if previous comments from AMG are
to be believed
As standard the Coupe comes with Mercedes' Direct Control suspension, 15mm lower the normal saloon set up. Dynamic Body Control with adjustable damping is an extra, as is Air Body Control air suspension; along with the usual dynamic parameters, the suspension settings are configurable via the Dynamic Select system.
The roster of assistance feature from the saloon also feature on the Coupe, meaning this is an E-Class that can cruise, park, brake and even book a restaurant table for you, the latter through Mercedes' new Concierge Service. And if that drains your phone battery a worrying amount, it can be charged wirelessly.
In the UK the E-Class Coupe will be launched in E220d, E300 and E400 4Matic guises, with all offered only in AMG Line spec. Prices start at £40,135 for the E220d, with the E300 at £41,025 and the E400 at £50,775. Naturally there is plenty on the options list, but it's worth bearing in mind that for the full widescreen cabin thing you will need Comand Online (£1,495, or standard on the E400) plus the £495 cockpit display. Still, does look rather good, doesn't it?