Mercedes E-Class Coupe exudes masculinity, feels stable despite low-profile tyres and is more of a high-speed grand tourer, says K Shivraj

This is no small car. But there is a certain fluidity of design. In fact, this car looks more pronounced and attractive in motion. Coming from Mercedes Benz, the E-Class Coupe adds to the long history of coupes, succeeding the well-received CLK Coupe. The move to name this car as E-Class Coupe rather than a CLK successor seems to have stemmed from an effort to avoid confusion.

Sharing nearly 60 per cent of components, and thus the platform, with E-Class sedan, the E-Class Coupe reflects masculinity. Flaunting an array of sharp angles contained within its swooping, droopy silhouette, the car looks expensive. There is a sense of underlying tension, which points at sporting intentions. The feeling is, however, diluted by a sense of maturity that speaks out. The two-door body style with a fastback appearance doing away with the B-pillar, opts for aggressive flanks that seem to point at the company’s historical connection with Coupes. Frankly put, there’s a certain mixing of styling cues from all over the places. The rear fenders carry a modern interpretation of the rear flare from 1950s Ponton-fendered Mercedes! There are awkward edges too.  

The E-Class Coupe flaunts familiar interiors filled with first-rate switchgear and very high-quality materials. Drawing attention are the sculpted steering wheel and the bolstered front seats that look thin, and with integrated headrests. Rear seats are comfortable, but the head room could be an issue for tall people. The same is also true for the front, the low roof line coming in the way.

Turn the key and the 272bhp, 3498cc V6 petrol engine comes to life. It settles down to a refined idle. Weighing 1735 kg, the Coupe’s performance is strong. It is also gentlemanly. It takes a firm push of the right pedal to get the Coupe going. A strong push arises as the car digs deep into the mid-range. The engine also turns raspier. The E-Coupe however does not feel as quick.

Worth highlighting are the particularly high refinement levels. These are near S-Class levels and it is necessary to watch the speedometer needle to get a truer sense of speed. True to the Mercedes Coupe tradition, the E-Class Coupe prefers to stay unfazed even under the demanding conditions. The seven-speed auto executes smooth shifts though it can feel a shade slow under flat out driving.

Supporting the strong performance that makes it easy to top 200kph, is the dynamics. Such is the ride and handling balance that the vehicle feels exceedingly stable and planted. Despite wearing the  18-inch low-profile tyres on AMG alloys, the Coupe flaunts a ride quality that belies any notion about a ‘hard ride’. While this turns the Coupe into a grand tourer rather than a fine sports car, the steering weighs up well with speed and the handling dynamics are well sorted out. The agility control plays a part, the dampers firming under hard driving, and turning soft at other times. 

 Drawing a line between conventional sedans and a car that is distinctly different, the E-Class Coupe interprets a long line of history in a way that is modern and responsible.  But, the E-Class Coupe does not come cheap. It is a CBU import and very few people may afford one.