Mercedes revealed today the E-Class coupe ahead of the public unveiling scheduled for the Geneva Motor Show in March. Unlike its predecessor, the CLK, which stood in-between C-Class and the larger E-Class sizes, this model leaves no question to where it fits in the family lineup.
The design of the coupe version takes many of its cues from its sedan brother, especially the rectangular headlights. One of the hallmarks that carries over from the CLK is the absence of a b-pillar, which means with all the windows down the car gets the cool open look and hardtop convertible feel. Mercedes also claims that the slick looks makes the E-Class coupe "the most aerodynamic model in the world." The coupe has drag coefficient of 0.24, which betters the super-slick Prius’ .25.
Like the sedan, the E-Class coupe will be offered internationally with a choice of engines with four, six and eight cylinders, with output between 200 and 382 hp. The base version is the E250 CDI that develops 200 hp and a peak torque of 368 lbs-ft and has a fuel consumption of about 44 mpg. The top version should be a V8 gas engine that powers the E500/550 models and develops 383 hp and 390 lbs-ft.
Sales will begin in Europe in May, and U.S. sales should begin shortly there after. European prices will start from 44,684.50 Euro for the E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupe and will go up to 66,045.00 Euro for the E 500 Coupe.
The Geneva Motor Show will see the comeback of an intriguing product idea when Mercedes-Benz presents the Coupé range in the new E‑Class. Just three months after the presentation of the Saloon, the brand is therefore launching a new highlight in the new model series while continuing a tradition that has repeatedly met with great enthusiasm throughout the history of the E-Class.
The new E-Class Coupé offers a very special combination of two attributes for which the Mercedes brand is known: fascination and efficiency. With its classic coupé side aspect – no B-pillars and fully retractable side windows – the new two-door car is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class’s dynamic design. At the same time the most aerodynamic variant of the Coupés achieves a new world best in terms of drag coefficient: with a Cd-figure of just 0.24, this model is the world’s most aerodynamically efficient series-production car. The model programme includes two new 4-cylinder engines, which consume up to 17% less fuel whilst offering a significant increase in performance and torque. The new E-Class Coupé’s standard-fit AGILITY CONTROL suspension adjusts automatically to the current driving situation. It combines driving enjoyment and excellent handling with the maximum comfort. The new E-Class Coupé will be in the showrooms of the European Mercedes-Benz dealerships and company-owned sales outlets at the beginning of May 2009.
The new Coupé offers all the technical innovations of the new E-Class series, features which customers expect to find in a sports-oriented luxury coupé. These include selective damper control, drowsiness detection, preventive occupant protection and an Active Bonnet.
As a feature specific to the Coupé, the Dynamic Driving package allows different suspension setups at the touch of a button.
Adaptive Main Beam Assist, road sign recognition and an automatic emergency braking system are other features with which the new series sets standards in this vehicle category.
The E-Class also takes on a pioneering role in the drive sector.
The new diesels and direct-injection petrol engines combine efficiency with an effortless power delivery.
The engine line-up includes two new four-cylinder models which deliver significantly more power and torque while consuming up to 17 percent less fuel.
The best example is the twin-turbo diesel E 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY Coupé, which consumes 5.3 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres and emits 139 grams of CO2 per kilometre, making it one of the most economical vehicles in its class.
