E-class comfort

This is the new E-class coupé. And unlike the E-class saloon it is based on, this coupé is a full import and so costs a whopping Rs 64.5 lakh (on-road, Delhi). Does this car justify the price? Read on.

Style file

Mercedes-Benz has taken the new E-class, sprinkled a bit of aggression on the front end, taken two doors out, removed the B-pillar and added flanks that resemble the S220 Pontoon coupé of 1955. With its shorter wheelbase and lowered stance, the result is a rather expensive-looking, eye-catching shape. Still, I couldn’t help but think that it looks a bit too gentlemanly, a bit too mature.

Inside story

You won’t be disappointed with the rest of the car though. Step in and there’s a familiar theme, with the angular dashboard, quality switchgear and associated trims mirroring like those on the E-class saloon. The sculpted steering wheel and the thinly padded front seats, with integrated headrests, are unique to the coupé, though. They’re also mounted a touch lower, providing a more sporting driving position.

Did I forget to mention the rear seats? Well, they are good on legroom but as expected, the swooping roofline makes headroom tight for six-footers. However, the front seats aren’t fully powered, there are no paddleshifts and an electrically adjustable steering wheel is optional — things I believe should be standard on a car costing north of Rs 60 lakh.

Driver's deal

When you twist the key (keyless-go is an option), the engine settles into a refined idle. Select ‘D’ and it glides off the line, the 3498cc V6 from the saloon effortlessly hauling the 1735kg coupé up to speed. It’ll behave like a gentleman all day, just like the saloon does, which is exactly what you expect from this Grand Tourer.

However, it’s when you step on the gas that the E coupé sheds its loafers for a pair of sneakers. As the engine revs past 3500rpm, it gets raspier and more audible. It’s the only deviation from the calm, unruffled Merc character that we’re so used to.

And that’s the thing. The E350 coupé doesn’t feel particularly quick, when it actually is. It’s so good at disguising speed that I thought it felt a tad too isolated for a car with sporting pretensions. It’s just that the engine’s power delivery is linear and at three-digit speeds, the car is almost as stable as Stonehenge. Nevertheless, performance is strong and the engine’s gutsy midrange and seven-speed gearbox push it to 100kph in 7.6 seconds. It’ll also get to 200kph a full two seconds shy of the half-a-minute mark, which is pretty quick.

What will blow you away is the ride and handling. My test car came with optional 18-in AMG wheels that were running 40-profile tyres up front and G-string-like 35-profile ones at the rear. I expected thumping, crashing and discomfort. But not a chance! The car rides beautifully, absorbing bumps, staying level and isolating you from the road in a way only a Merc can.

Push on and you’ll discover a car that is nice to drive too. The steering weighs up well, backed up by excellent body control and a quick-witted gearbox, and is a bit more agile than the saloon thanks to the shorter wheelbase. The trick lies with the dampers. Dubbed the Agility Control system, the dampers firm up when you drive the car hard and go softer when you’re not pushing it. And I liked it so much, I can stick my neck out and say it’s the best ride and handling combo I’ve ever seen — which is saying a lot.

Final verdict

Despite its minor setbacks, the E-class coupé is a brilliantly rounded car. If you love driving, don’t need the four doors and want something to set yourself apart from the standard Merc/BMW/Audi brigade, then this is the car to go for.

Spec check

Mercedes E350 Coupé

Price: Rs 64.5 lakh (on-road, Delhi)
L/W/H: 4698/1786/ 1393mm
Engine: 6-cyls in-vee, 3498cc, normally aspirated petrol/ front, longitudinal, RWD
Power: 272bhp at 6000rpm
Torque: 36.1kgm at 2400-5000rpm
Gearbox: 7-speed auto
Brakes (F/R): Ventilated discs/ solid discs


The Personal Telegraph