Mercedes E-Class coupe (2009 – ) expert review

Mercedes has a heritage of producing two-door coupes and the Mercedes E-Class Coupe takes over the mantle from the Mercedes CLK. From the arrow-shaped front to the muscular rear, via the B-pillar-free middle, Mercedes has been successful in creating a car which references the past while appearing very modern. The twin-headlamp face is based on that of the E-Class saloon. The car also boasts two alternative looks, with the Sport trim adding full AMG styling.

It feels grown-up, classy, substantial and stylish. The dash is classic Mercedes and a transmission-mounted infotainment controller makes controlling the sat-nav, audio and more a breeze.

Entry into the rear seats is no problem thanks to easily-tilted front seats. Some practicality is sacrificed due to the sloping coupe roof and two-door looks, and there are only two rear seats. Even so, we transported two adult rear-seat passengers happily enough and the car still has plenty of cabin storage and a 540-litre luggage capacity.

Adaptive damping, enhanced steering and an adaptive braking system contribute to a smooth ride which lives up to expectations of Mercedes luxury. There’s fun to be had behind the wheel though this is an area where other German rivals hold the aces.

There’s a wide choice of engines. Three petrol and two diesel powerplants make up the range with a pair of six cylinder engines: the E350 CDI Blueefficiency and the E350 CGI Blueefficiency and two four cylinder models: the E250 CDI Blueefficiency and the E250CGI Blueefficiency. The flagship is the petrol V8-powered E500 with its 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds. The E350 CDI boasts a brisk 6.7 seconds while the E250 CGI brings up the rear at 7.4 seconds. All models are electronically limited to 155mph.

Blueefficiency is Mercedes’ name for a raft of fuel economy and emissions-reducing measures which include making the Mercedes E-Class Coupe the world’s most aerodynamically-efficient production car. Fuel economy for the E500 is 25.9mpg but the E350 CDI returns 41.5mpg and the E250 CDI improves this to a credit-crunch-friendly 55.4mpg. On the road prices represent excellent value and if you choose your model with care i.e. opt for one of the diesels, you will recoup a decent chunk of those costs further down the line. The diesels will also reward with a cheaper tax bill.

Mercedes is widely seen as a manufacturer returning to form by concentrating on its core values, one of those being the ability to build very robust, reliable cars. This is a new model but the signs are good for trouble-free ownership.

Seven airbags are standard. Attention Assist, designed to detect and alert the drowsy driver is too. Anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic stability program are linked to the pre-safe system which enables safety devices including seatbelts and airbags to respond more quickly to a potential accident. Adaptive high beam assist, standard on sport models automatically chooses the best headlight setting, removing the need to dip for oncoming traffic. Sport models also come with five light functions: country mode, motorway mode, enhanced fog lamps, active light function and cornering light function. Further safety features are available as options.

All models are available in SE or Sport trim aside from the Sport-only E500. The SE trim includes 17-inch alloy wheels, full leather trim, climate control, heated seats and advanced parking guidance. Sport models sit atop 18-inch alloy wheels, come with full AMG body styling, a new nose, rear apron and side skirts. They also feature upgraded brake and chassis settings, Artico-covered sports seats and xenon intelligent lighting system. There are plenty of optional extras to test your budget, but generous standard equipment complements a keenly-priced car.

Mercedes has pulled off the trick of combining a premium car with a surprisingly affordable price.