New Mercedes-Benz E-class Coupe unveiled
Latest pillarless coupe is larger than before, but also higher-tech and offers more advanced chassis technology
The latest iteration of the Mercedes-Benz E-class range has arrived, with the sleek new E-class coupe set to arrive in April 2017.
Visually and physically slotting between the C-class Coupe and S-class Coupe, the new E-class Coupe offers all the technological advancements boasted by the saloon and estate variants with the sleek, pillarless styling that its forebears were known for.
If anything, its lines are even cleaner than those of the smaller C Coupe and larger S - its flanks are less concave, its front and rear bumpers somehow appearing less adorned than those of its stablemates. The only slightly unusual touch is the split in the rear side windows - presumably designed to allow the rear glass to drop into the bodywork for that traditional open, pillarless feel.
It is however longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, though of its 123 extra millimetres of length Mercedes has liberated an extra 113mm between the wheels, which should pay dividends for cabin space - rear legroom has grown a full 74mm.
LED multibeam headlights are standard up front but the E-class Coupe also debuts "welcome" and "goodbye" features to the rear LED lamps, with a progressive lighting sequence that illuminates or dims depending on whether the car is being unlocked or locked.
The interior is much as you'll find in the E-class saloon and estate models - and that's no bad thing, as those cars are right at the top of the class for feel, comfort and ambience. The cabin can be specified with the same pair of 12.3in high-resolution displays (responsible for much of the E's luxury feel, so well worth the outlay), whose visual elements can be tailored to Classic, Sport and Progressive themes.
Touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel allow access to some functions, while an optional touchpad in the centre console controls others - as does voice control. Regularly-used features, such as the climate control, are still adjusted using physical controls.
A range of engines will be available, depending on the market - the current lineup includes the E220d (2-litre diesel, 191bhp and up to 71mpg), E200 (2-litre petrol, 181bhp), E300 (2-litre petrol, 242bhp) and E400 4Matic (3-litre V6 petrol, 328bhp and all-wheel drive). E43 and E63 models are, at some point, an inevitability. All models (and this is another inevitability) come with a nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.
Direct Control suspension (15mm lower than the saloon, tweaked dampers) is standard on Coupe models, while Dynamic Body Control with adjustable dampers is an option. Air Body Control is also an option on some models, while both can be adjusted to the driver's taste with the usual Dynamic Select system. Another increasingly typical Mercedes-Benz feature - Drive Pilot, a semi-autonomous system - also features.
Pricing and full specification details will be confirmed nearer to the E-class Coupe's launch date.
