LuxuryCarMagazine En Luxury Car Review and News
With the all-new 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, Mercedes-Benz has created a product using a well-known recipe used by the German automaker for most of its previous models. By incorporating luxury, comfort, state-of-the-art technologies, safety, and refinement in equal parts, and adding a sprinkle of sportiness, Mercedes-Benz has developed a coupe that can almost be whatever you need it to be.
Review Overview
Performance - 85%
Driving Experience - 83%
Comfort - 92%
Security - 99%
Interior Design - 82%
Prestige - 84%
88%
The 2018 E-Class Coupe, like the E-Class sedan introduced last year, is an amalgam of safety and connectivity technologies combined with a smooth and comfortable ride that can also be dynamic depending on the chosen driving mode, all wrapped together in a sharp design that stands out.
Mercedes-Benz engineers also made sure to reduce to a maximum the compromises commonly associated with a two-door vehicle by developing useful rear seats that can accommodate a six-foot adult without any complaints. The trunk can accommodate 425 liters of cargo space compared to 540 liters for the sedan.
Compared to the previous-gen E-Class Coupe, the 2018 edition offers a much more modern and luxurious cockpit with an optional 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that extends all the way to the top of the center console where it integrates the COMAND multimedia and navigation system.
The latter is standard, while the digital display behind the steering wheel is offered in an optional package which also includes a Burmester high-end audio system, a foot-activated power tailgate for the trunk, keyless entry with push-button start and even heated armrests.
There are plenty of options to add on to the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe, but the list of standard equipment is also quite plentiful. To begin with, every new 2018 E-Class Coupe get the AMG package which includes 18-inch wheels, a full aerodynamic package and a unique chromed grill.
The overall appearance of the E-Class Coupe is not only elegant, but also sporty. In addition, the model sets itself apart well from the other two-door vehicles offered by the German manufacturer. Indeed, no one can deny that the resemblance between the C-Class Coupe and the S-Class Coupe is striking to the point where it is sometimes difficult to differentiate the two models. That won’t happen with the E-Class Coupe which has its own visual signature that you can immediately recognize.
Back to the list of standard equipment, there is also a panoramic sunroof, a blind spot monitoring system, a backup camera, heated seats, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions, keyless entry, and Mercedes-Benz’ Magic Vision Control technology.
With the latter, Mercedes-Benz has basically reinvented windshield wipers with a system that integrates the washer fluid as well as heating elements. In addition to being more efficient and reducing liquid waste, these wipers are also safer because they skip the windshield spraying phase before sweeping it, the liquid coming out directly from each arm. Finally, this system avoids sending windshield washer fluid on passengers when the roof is lowered.
Magic Vision Control wipers are just one example of the advanced technologies found in the 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe. There is also an array of active safety systems that almost turn the E-Class Coupe into an autonomous car. Almost because Mercedes-Benz will still insist you put your hands back on the wheel after about 45 seconds of hands-free driving, but theoretically the car could keep going without driver intervention. To a point at least as the various technologies were sometimes surprised by a few twists and turns, or potholes, but overall the system is quite effective.
Indeed, the Intelligent Drive Option Package includes technologies that can keep the E-Class Coupe in its lane without driver intervention and that can operate even without clearly defined lines on the road, another system that can brake automatically if a pedestrian or other vehicle suddenly cuts across perpendicularly, a function which changes lane automatically as soon as the turn signal is activated, and, of course, all other more widespread systems such as adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and collision warning.
One engine for now
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe will have only one engine at the time of its launch, a 3.0-liter biturbo V6 developing 329 horsepower and 354 lb.-ft. of torque. It is the same engine that propels the previous E 400, but for 2018 it is paired with a more efficient 9-speed automatic transmission.
This engine offers the kind of performance buyers will expect from the E-Class Coupe, and can reach 100 km/h in only 5.3 seconds. The E-Class Coupe is definitely a comfort-oriented model, and the car will not explode forward when you floor the right pedal, but the driver will sense a linear and controlled power delivery. Ultimately, the vehicle is faster than it feels.
Switch to Sport or Sport + mode, however, and the personality of the E-Class Coupe 2018 changes completely. The sound of the engine becomes more noticeable and even turned a few heads during our first drive with the car in Barcelona, Spain. The engine delivers its power with more insistence and the gearbox is more reactive. It may not be sharp enough for Porsche or BMW enthusiasts, but the difference between driving modes is notable.
Once back to the Comfort mode, driver and passenger will enjoy a forgiving suspension that absorbs most road imperfections along with an uncompromising silence in the cockpit.
Conclusion
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe is much more than an evolution of the 2017 model. This is a real revolution with a more luxurious interior, a more distinctive and upscale silhouette, better performance and cutting edge technology. This is a successful product for Mercedes-Benz, and good news for consumers who do not really have any other options in the luxury midsize coupe segment … for now.
