CATALONIA, Spain – Mercedes-Benz has an impressively long heritage of E-Class Coupé models, one it was proud to show off to the visiting contingent of motoring journalists. Parked outside our hotel on arrival was a full array of its E Coupé lineage, spanning from the W114, W123 and W124 to the more recent CLKs, all clearly illustrating the metamorphosis this specific range of Mercedes-Benz models has undergone over the past five decades. The most recent addition follows the latest (W213) E-Class sedan and our local range will include the E220d 4Matic, E300 and this top-of-the-range E400 4Matic.

The new E-Class Coupé offers all the technology of its sedan sibling, plus some new bits of wizardry. The Magic Vision Control windscreen washing system is one such example, having made its debut in the SL and also become available in the S-Class. Instead of spraying the windows with water from fixed points, the water is warmed up and sprayed a centimetre in front of the window wipers when you activate the cleaning function on the stalk. This eradicates any chance of overspray.

Yes, it is a nice-to-have piece of tech, but it is from behind the wheel that you begin to wonder if you really need that more expensive S-Class. Being the entry-level model, our test unit was fitted with Direct Control suspension. This is the most affordable of the three available suspension systems, with the Air Body Control and Dynamic Body Control being available options. The suspension did a good job over the rough tarmac and speed bumps in Catalonia’s smaller towns, while on smoother roads all noise was kept to a minimum in the well-insulated cabin.

Selecting the sport mode setting gives the steering a slightly heavier feel, while the throttle pedal becomes more sensitive in conjunction with the engine, which will now keep a gear longer, and use more of the available rev band. As is the case with turbodiesel engines, it is in the mid-range where the engine feels at its strongest, although it is also happy to be revved out towards 5 000 r/min.

The roads that snake through the surrounding hills can be extremely tight with several near 90° bends, but the E Coupé took them with surprising ease, given its size. Grip levels are that bit higher than I expected, helped by the fact that the E’s footprint is now larger than that of its predecessor. It is both longer and wider, while front track has grown by 67 mm to 1 605 mm and the rear track by 68 mm 1 609 mm.

Overall, this specific model is suited to a more relaxed driving experience. After all, if you want a more performance orientated experience, the E400 4Matic (full driving impression in the April issue of CAR) is the model to consider.

The interior environment is really very close to that of an S-Class. The seats are both comfortable while also providing enough lateral support when you decide to push harder through a few bends.

Climbing in the rear quarters, claimed to offer seating for two adults, reveals a fair degree of space; certainly enough for an average-sized adult to be comfortable enough on short- to medium-length journeys. Mercedes-Benz clearly wants to make a point that this is a proper four-seater car and, compared with the outgoing model, both front and rear headroom have increased by 18 and 15 mm. Shoulder room is up 50 and 34 mm, and legroom in the rear has increased by a massive 74 mm. In our market, Mercedes-Benz will offer two seat trim options: normal or Nappa leather.

Coupé-loving customers of the Mercedes-Benz brand have never before been so spoiled for choice. With the C-, S- and now E-Class Coupé ranges on offer, every price bracket is filled with a possible option. No doubt the E-Class range is not supposed to have the same level of presence as the S, or be as comfortable and composed on the road, but this latest derivative only underlines how close it gets.

Original article from Car