Driving on air in the elegant E300 Coupe

The E-Class is a significant model for Mercedes-Benz, and the German luxury carmaker enthusiastically offers several variants of it.

While the saloon and the estate body styles of the new E-Class have already hit the road, the latest member that will make its debut at this month’s Bangkok International Motor Show is none other than the coupe version.

Held in Barcelona, Spain, the test-drive event of the E-Class Coupe fit in perfectly with its surroundings. Although there were both diesel and petrol versions (E220d, E300 and E400 4Matic) in a fleet of 25 vehicles, we Thai auto journos had to naturally concentrate on the E300 Coupe – the only model to be offered in the Kingdom.

Mercedes-Benz was happily driven to assemble the C250 Coupe locally after this car sprinted away with a good number of customers. However, the E300 Coupe, which is positioned a notch higher, will be offered as a CBU (completely built-up) import – at least during the initial period and until sales are sizeable enough to consider local assembly.

The new E-Coupe sheds the sharp edges of its predecessor and appears more puristic in design, with a best-in-class Cd of 0.25. The edges are all rounded up leaving a rater sensuous outcome, along with a high level of elegance.

In fact, the E-Class Coupe doesn’t share body panels with the saloon, enjoying somewhat its own exclusivity. There aren’t B-pillars either, and the windows are all frameless.

The new model boasts larger proportions than the outgoing one too. It’s 123mm longer, 74mm wider and 33mm taller, while the front and rear tracks have been dramatically increased by 67mm and 68mm, respectively. This is probably because the previous model was confusingly based on the C-Class platform, while the new model sits on the E-Class platform.

The longer wheelbase instantly gives added legroom of 74mm for the rear passengers, while front and rear headroom, shoulder room and elbow room have all grown.

The E300 Coupe is powered by a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine capable of producing 245hp and 370Nm. Mated to a 9-speed automatic gearbox, this propels the coupe from 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds before reaching a top end of 250km/h.

Although figures are impressive, it’s not the acceleration or cornering that sets the E300 Coupe apart from others. All the E300 Coupe test cars were equipped with the AirMatic suspension, and that really brought out the true character of this car.

And it’s mighty comfortable: every crack and bump on the road is ironed out like a hardworking maid, even in the Sport+ mode. The suspension and steering stiffens up but, sorry, you won’t be getting rock-solid damping for track days in this car.

Instead, what you get is stress-free motoring (which can be quick too) and a highly comfortable luxury coupe experience for both driver and passenger. And this is what the potential buyer of the E-Class Coupe looks for.

The 370Nm of torque is available from 1,400-4,000rpm, and all the nine gears shift up and down smoothly to give you effortless acceleration. Apart from the aerodynamic design, high-quality noise insulation keeps the cockpit peaceful and quiet.

The interior is highlighted by the long display screen (actually two 12.3-inch screens with 1920x720-pixel resolution) and the clean atmosphere. There are four individual sports seats and a variety of amenities you’d expect from a Mercedes, ranging from the superabundant leather and wood to the turbine air vents. The vents look great, just like a jet turbine as intended, but unfortunately when you adjust them they feel kind of plasticky and cheap.

Expect the Thailand-bound E300 Coupe to come with Multibeam LED headlights with smart high beam and cornering functions, plus “Magic Vision Control”, a mess-free windshield wiper system inherited from the S-Class.

Overseas models, however, get Remote Parking Pilot (allowing the driver to park using a smartphone), Distance Pilot (which automatically helps this coupe follow the car in front at speeds of up to 210km/h on all types of roads), Active Lane Change Assist (automatically changes lanes when safe to do so) and Car-to-X communication (car networking with benefits such as “around the corner” safety warning) –all unlikely to be offered in Thailand.

Nevertheless, you can expect a beneficial array of driver assistance systems such as standard Parking Pilot (fully automatic), Active Emergency Stop Assist (autonomous braking) and Lane Keeping Assist.

The E-Class Coupe has been one of the most popular luxury coupes on the Thai market and although customers may have downgraded to the C-Class Coupe due to its attractive pricing, the E-Class Coupe packs enough punch to reclaim its popularity.

Mercedes-Benz E300 Coupe Specs

 

Engine: 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve with turbocharger

Displacement: 1,991cc

Bore and stroke: 83.0x92.0mm

Compression ratio: 9.8:1

Max power: 245hp/5,500rpm

Max torque: 370Nm/1,400-4,000rpm

Transmission: 9-speed automatic

Ratios: 5.35/3.24/2.25/1.64/1.21/1.00/0.86/0.72/0.60

Final drive ratio: 3.07

0-100kmh: 6.4 secs

Top speed: 250km/h

Average fuel consumption: 6.4l/100km

CO2: 147g/km

Suspension (f/r): four-link, coil springs, gas shocks, stabiliser/five-link, coil springs, gas shocks, stabiliser

Steering: electromechanical powered rack-and-pinion

Turning circle: n/a

Brakes (f/r): vented discs/vented discs

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 4,826

Width: 1,860

Height: 1,431

Wheelbase: 2,873

Track (f/r): 1,605/1,609

Weight: 1,685kg

Wheels: 17-in alloys

Tyres: 225/55R17

Fuel tank capacity: 66 litres

Price: n/a

Distributor: Mercedes-Benz Thailand