2010 Mercedes Benz E-Class Coupe: More than just a new name
Gone is the CLK coupe; in its place, meet the E-Class coupe. Since the sedan in this category has just been changed as well, you’ll be tempted to think that only the name has been changed to identify the two-door version. However, if you take a closer look at this newcomer, you see that the engineers began with the sedan’s platform and have made numerous modifications from there. And like the CLK coupe, the cabriolet is history, too. However, an E-Class cabriolet that will feature the same platform and mechanical components as the coupe and the sedan will be introduced this year. Basically, the CLK in any form is no more.
Thus, it’s a brand new model that will be introduced to our market, and it will also be easier to position it since from now on belongs to the E-Class, the manufacturer’s most popular category. Oh, and before I forget, this model’s designers wanted to give this version a much sportier personality than the previous version, which was more a Grand Touring car than anything else
.
A hardtop coupe!
Some of you must remember that several cars on the market in the 60s and 70s didn’t have a B-pillar in order to make the shape more refined and to give these cars a sportier look. They were even so bold as to make four-door sedans without this pillar. It goes without saying that the platform could have been a lot more rigid… But that was yesterday, and nowadays engineers have all the design and manufacturing tools to allow them to offer this design without taking away from the torsional rigidity. Moreover, the engineers involved in this model’s development are so satisfied with the results that they have included a factory standard panoramic sunroof, an accessory not exactly known for improving a car’s torsional rigidity. I’d be willing to bet that this platform will be rigid enough for the cabriolet as well.
Although the sedan inspires this coupe’s general shape, its stockier shape, enlarged wheel wells and higher tail end make it unique, and the larger rear fenders are inspired by the 1955 S220 Ponton coupe.
To emphasize its wedge-shaped body, a horizontal indentation on the body at door handle height gives it a more dynamic look, as does a small chrome rod on the lower part of the door. It looks good without being too showy. This shape should appeal to both conservative and modern tastes. Basically, they did a great job and the removal of the B-pillar adds a little something to the look. Another detail worth mentioning is that the E 550 with a V8 engine comes standard with AMG styling accessories. In the passenger compartment, the dashboard is very similar to that of the sedan, and its dominant feature is a seven-inch high-resolution screen that is connected to the COMMAND control system that helps control the navigation and climate control systems and the audio settings.
By the way, you can also make some adjustments using individual buttons. The front seats are comfortable and offer good lateral support. They are 10-way power adjustable seats and you can also order a climate control system for these seats on option. I won’t bore you by spelling out all of the standard and optional accessories and equipment, but suffice it to say, this car’s equipment is second-to-none when it comes to driving aides and comfort.
Among the features worth mentioning are the factory standard Pre Safe system that helps optimize seating position and increases the braking system’s efficiency in case of impact and the Agility Control suspension that optimizes vehicle handling while the Attention Assist system analyzes the data and lets you know when there is a danger of falling asleep at the wheel. Still with security, there’s a device that helps automatically adjust the intensity of the head lights for the sake of the oncoming traffic. And as with the sedan, the Distronic cruise control helps automatically control the distance between you and the car in front of you. No need to constantly activate and deactivate the cruise control; it always keeps the same distance with the vehicle in front regardless of the two cars speeds.
Familiar mechanical features
Although the coupe has a more unique shape than the sedan, both share the same platform. However, it has been adapted for this newcomer’s purpose. It goes without saying that the wheelbase has been shortened, while the modifications made to the suspension help take advantage of its sportiness. There is also a factory standard dynamic vehicle handling system activated by pushing the Sport button located on the lower part of the dashboard. When activated, shifting from a gear in the automatic transmission to this gear is longer in order to optimize performance in lower gears, the dynamic suspension is more firm, and the steering is less assisted. At the touch of a button, it transforms from a Grand Touring car practically into a sports car. In regular mode, the dynamic suspension adjusts the firmness or softness of the shock absorbers depending on the condition of the road, the speed of the car and the various driving modes.
The E350 model is powered by a 3.5-litre 292 hp V6 engine while the E550 features a 5.5-litre 388 hp V8, and both are paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The first goes from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds; the second covers that distance in 5.2 seconds. Mercedes-Benz tells us that the V6’s fuel consumption is 8.5 litres per 100 km, a figure that increases by 2.4 litres per 100 km with the V8. These are impressive numbers for a car of this size and power. It definitely has something to do with its 0.24 drag coefficient, the best in any category.
Both comfortable and sporty
This model can be equipped with a Parktronic semi-automatic parking assistance system to guide you. Its inclusion on this car suggests that this coupe’s purpose is that of an elegant conventional two-door, but nothing could be further from the truth. This accessory definitely makes this car more luxurious just like all of the equipment designed to make the passenger compartment more comfortable, but the E-Class coupe is as impressive for everyday driving comfort as for its sports car potential when you push the Sport button.
Indeed, the sound quality of the audio system and the comfortable seats are very soothing, but all you have to do is press the Sport button for the car to transform into a luxury sports car. The truth is that the E550 features impressive accelerations and exceptionally quick pick up, but the E350 holds its own and managed the winding roads of Tuscany, the place where the model was launched, very well. Basically, all you have to do is guide it and it will take care of the rest, but not so much that it doesn’t have personality or isn’t fun to drive.
Based on the sedan but with a more distinctive shape and a little more incisive handling, this coupe has practically no rivals on the market. And even if it did have a lot of rivals, it would undoubtedly be the stud in category as it excels in every way.