In buying a two-door coupe, you sacrifice practicality and space for one thing, style, so it had better look good. Few could argue that you’d be getting short changed in that respect with the Mercedes E-Class Coupe.
As svelte two-door coupes go, the E-Class has a degree of elegance that some others, such as the Audi A5 and BMW 4 Series, lack. As a top-spec E400d in AMG Line trim, it is perhaps one of the best looking cars within Mercedes' vast product portfolio.
Of course, all of this comes at a cost - £55,210 to be precise, or upwards of £65,000 if you include all of the goodies fitted to our test car. That is a vast sum of money, but in return you get one of the most refined, comfortable and stylish coupes on sale.
Key to the E400d’s range of abilities is its engine. Under the bonnet is a thumping 3.0-litre in-line six-cylinder motor developing 340bhp and a whopping 700Nm of torque. It’s paired to a nine-speed automatic gearbox and Merc’s 4Matic all-wheel drive system as standard.
Despite the level of power on offer, the engine barely makes a sound. All 700Nm is available from as low as 1,200rpm, so all of the engine’s punch is accessible at any speed. A mere flex of your right foot results in an effortless and deceptively quick turn of pace; Mercedes claims a 0-62mph of 5.1 seconds, putting it on par with a VW Golf R hot hatch.
If you’re having second thoughts about buying a diesel because of its recent demonisation, this is an engine that could have you thinking again. It’s the best six-cylinder diesel on the market ñ smooth, powerful and economical. On a long motorway run we even exceeded Mercedes’ 42.2mpg claim.
On fast flowing A-roads, meanwhile, the E400d is in its comfort zone. The supple ride and excellent stability, aided by the four-wheel drive system, provide effortless progress. Its hefty 1,800kg kerbweight doesn’t make it the most athletic through the corners but then, the E400d isn’t a car that needs to be driven hard in order to enjoy it.
Sitting towards the top of the E-Class coupe range, the E400d is only offered in AMG Line spec. As standard it comes well kitted out, with twin 12.3-inch colour displays, keyless go, LED headlamps, climate control and leather, although it’s stingy of Mercedes to charge extra for wireless charging and Apple CarPlay. They are bundled into Merc’s £4,395 Premium Plus package, which also adds a panoramic electric sunroof, Burmester stereo and a 360-degree reversing camera.
Like all E-Class coupes, the E400d is surprisingly practical given its focus on style. Two adults can comfortably sit in the rear, providing they can squeeze themselves into the back. The 425-litre boot is also pretty generous for a car of this type.
- Price: £55,210
- Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl turbodiesel
- Transmission: Nine-speed auto, four-wheel drive
- Power/torque: 340bhp/700Nm
- 0-62mph/top speed: 5.1s/155mph
- Economy/CO2: 42.2mpg/158g/km
- On sale: Now
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