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The Mercedes E-Class Coupe is an excellent long-distance cruiser that won't get upset in the corners

Jack Evans tests the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe on British roads to see how the luxury cruiser copes with our broken Tarmac.

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What’s new?

(Mercedes)
(Mercedes)

Mercedes-Benz has a long tradition of making large, elegant coupes. You need only think of the SEC of the 1980s to know that the German manufacturer knows a thing or two about making good-looking two-doors.

Here’s its latest one – the E-Class Coupe. Ticking all of the boxes on the styling front, it benefits from the cutting-edge interior first seen on the standard E-Class. We tested it on Spanish roads a few months ago, but now we’re taking it out on UK roads to see how it deals on home turf.

Looks and image

(Mercedes)
(Mercedes)

You can’t deny that the E-Class Coupe is a bit of a looker. Particularly when fitted with large 20-inch alloy wheels as our test car was, it has all the drama that you could want from a large coupe. Yes, you could argue that it verges on the side of chintzy – the chrome grille design is certainly guilty of this – but for the most part it’s a good-looking car.

The E-Class Coupe’s interior is just as pretty as its exterior. The car’s dashboard, now trimmed in unfinished wood, looks – in our eyes at least – far better than the standard ‘Piano Black’ finishers that we’ve seen in many Mercedes cars of late. The widescreen infotainment system also looks spot-on – though it is a £495 optional extra.

Space and practicality

(Mercedes)
(Mercedes)

Of course, being a two-door the E-Class Coupe was never going to be the final word in practicality. However, in truth it isn’t as bad as you’d think, offering 425 litres of seats-up boot space. This is more than enough for a few soft weekend bags, and its square shape makes it useful for larger items too. Up front, there are plenty of cubbies and storage areas, ideal for items such as water bottles or sunglass cases.

Getting in and out of the E-Class Coupe isn’t tricky either, despite its low ride height. One criticism would be of the door pull size. Though not something you’d immediately notice, their small size makes pulling the heavy doors closed quite difficult, especially if there’s a breeze pushing it open.

Behind the wheel

(Mercedes)
(Mercedes)

Our test car came fitted with air suspension – a £1,495 option – and this radically changes the way the E-Class Coupe rides over the standard car. In comfort mode it feels ideal for the UK; supple enough to absorb the nastiest of potholes yet damped to just the right level to avoid being too wallowy in the corners.

The steering has a good amount of weight to it, though little feel, and the whole package works together to make the E-Class drive like a much smaller car. It never feels too cumbersome on the road, even on tight B-roads. And, when you’re done making the most of its cornering ability along country roads, it quickly transforms into an effortless cruiser. The gearbox can feel sluggish at times, and it can be less than quick to react to changes in throttle angle, especially when pulling away from a dead stop.

Value for money

(Mercedes)
(Mercedes)

Prices for the E-Class Coupe start at £40,135. All cars are AMG Line specification as standard, which means you get a full bodykit and LED high performance headlights before any optional extra boxes have been ticked. However, start ticking those boxes and the price will quickly ramp up. Our test car, fitted with a premium sound system and heated front and rear seats among others, came in at a hefty £51,914. However, you’re unlikely to feel short-changed as the E-Class Coupe’s build quality and amount of presence make up for the distinct premium.

Who would buy one?

(Mercedes)
(Mercedes)

The E-Class Coupe would be an ideal choice for those who don’t require the practicality of the standard E-Class, and want more dynamic looks to boot. It’s expensive – there’s no doubt about that – but when fitted with the highly efficient turbocharged diesel as our test car was there are few other costs to incur once you drive it off the forecourt.

Facts at a glance

Model: Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe E220d
Price as tested: £51,914
Engine: 2.0-litre diesel
Power: 191bhp
Torque: 150Nm
Max speed: 150mph
0-60mph: 7.2 seconds
Economy: 61.4mpg (combined)
Emissions: 119g/km CO2

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